Vitamin D Deficiency : An Important, Common, and Easily Treatable Cardiovascular Risk Factor?

• Published in: Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2008-12, Vol.52 (24), p.1949-1956
• Main Authors: LEE, John H, O'KEEFE, James H, BELL, David, HENSRUD, Donald D, HOLICK, Michael F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research); Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Bone Density Conservation Agents - therapeutic use; Cardiology; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiomyocytes; Cardiovascular Diseases - drug therapy; Cardiovascular Diseases - epidemiology; Cardiovascular Diseases - etiology; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Heart attacks; Humans; Hypertension - etiology; Hypertension - prevention & control; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular - etiology; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular - prevention & control; Insulin Resistance; Medical sciences; Muscular system; Nutrition research; Older people; Parathyroid Hormone - blood; Renin-Angiotensin System; Risk Factors; Skin; Smooth muscle; United States - epidemiology; Vitamin D; Vitamin D - analogs & derivatives; Vitamin D - metabolism; Vitamin D - therapeutic use; Vitamin D Deficiency - complications; Vitamin D Deficiency - drug therapy; Vitamin D Deficiency - physiopathology; Vitamin deficiency
• ISSN: 0735-1097; 1558-3597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2008.08.050

Vitamin D deficiency is a highly prevalent condition, present in approximately 30% to 50% of the general population. A growing body of data suggests that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may adversely affect cardiovascular health. Vitamin D deficiency activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and can predispose to hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency causes an increase in parathyroid hormone, which increases insulin resistance and is associated with diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, and increased cardiovascular risk. Epidemiologic studies have associated low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with coronary risk factors and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Vitamin D supplementation is simple, safe, and inexpensive. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to firmly establish the relevance of vitamin D status to cardiovascular health. In the meanwhile, monitoring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and correction of vitamin D deficiency is indicated for optimization of musculoskeletal and general health.