Vitamin D deficiency an important, common, and easily treatable cardiovascular risk factor?

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008 Dec 9;52(24):1949-56. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2008.08.050.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / etiology
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / prevention & control
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood
  • Renin-Angiotensin System
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin D / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / physiopathology

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D