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Role of Vitamin D in Cardiovascular Diseases
Vikrant Rai1, Devendra K Agrawal1
1Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, CRISS II Room 510, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
Insights
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to chronic inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D is essential for mineral homeostasis, skeletal health, and regulating nonskeletal tissues.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to chronic inflammatory conditions like diabetes and obesity, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass a range of conditions including coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, representing significant causes of mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on the association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- To explore the potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the context of CVDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating vitamin D levels and cardiovascular health.
- Analysis of research on the impact of vitamin D supplementation on CVD risk factors and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of various cardiovascular diseases.
- Studies indicate that vitamin D supplementation may lead to improvements in certain cardiovascular parameters.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a relevant factor in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to establish definitive therapeutic roles for vitamin D supplementation in managing CVDs.
Abstract:
Vitamin D is critical in mineral homeostasis and skeletal health and plays a regulatory role in nonskeletal tissues. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, including diabetes and obesity, both strong risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). CVDs, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, cardiac fibrosis, heart failure, aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, are major causes of morbidity and mortality. The association of these diseases with vitamin D deficiency and improvement with vitamin D supplementation suggest its therapeutic benefit. The authors review the findings on the association of vitamin D deficiency and CVDs.
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