Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
Intradermal Microdialysis: An Approach to Investigating Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Humans
Published on: July 21, 2023
Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease: potential role in health disparities
Jorge N Artaza1, Sandra Contreras, Leah A Garcia
1Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA. jorgeartaza@cdrewu.edu
Insights
Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D) may contribute to higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates in African Americans. Addressing this deficiency could help reduce health disparities in CVD outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death.
- African Americans experience disproportionately high rates of CVD.
- Hypovitaminosis D (low vitamin D levels) is common in African Americans and linked to mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of hypovitaminosis D in CVD health disparities among African Americans.
- To review the epidemiology of vitamin D and CVD in this population.
- To explore biological mechanisms linking vitamin D to CVD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies on vitamin D and CVD in African Americans.
- Analysis of emerging research on vitamin D's biological functions in cardiovascular pathways.
Main Results:
- African Americans have higher rates of hypovitaminosis D.
- Low vitamin D is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.
- Vitamin D influences key signaling pathways relevant to CVD.
Conclusions:
- Hypovitaminosis D may be a contributing factor to CVD disparities in African Americans.
- Understanding these links can inform therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting vitamin D status may help reduce cardiovascular health inequities.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes coronary artery disease and stroke, is the leading cause of mortality in the nation. Excess CVD morbidity and premature mortality in the African American community is one of the most striking examples of racial/ ethnic disparities in health outcomes. African Americans also suffer from increased rates of hypovitaminosis D, which has emerged as an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. This overview examines the potential role of hypovitaminosis D as a contributor to racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We review the epidemiology of vitamin D and CVD in African Americans and the emerging biological roles of vitamin D in key CVD signaling pathways that may contribute to the epidemiological findings and provide the foundation for future therapeutic strategies for reducing health disparities.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:22Connective Tissue Cell Types
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures