Vitamin D: epidemiology of cardiovascular risks and events.

Abstract

Vitamin D may influence blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system, parathyroid hormone levels, myocardial function, inflammation, and vascular calcification. In the past several years, a number of high-quality prospective studies have examined 25(OH)vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in relation to risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies consistently show that levels of 25(OH)D below 20-25 ng/mL are associated with an increased risk of CVD incidence or mortality. Risk appears especially elevated at 25(OH)D levels below 10 or 15 ng/mL. It is unclear if levels higher that 25 ng/mL provide further benefits for CVD disease. Currently, results from randomized clinical trials are sparse and do not allow a definitive conclusion. Given other potential benefits of vitamin D, and low potential for toxicity, deficient levels below 25-30 ng/mL should be avoided and treated when identified. Further observational and randomized clinical trial data are important to better characterize the optimal range for 25(OH)D.

• Authors: Monica Leu, Edward Giovannucci
• Journal: Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism (Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 25 Issue 4 Pg. 633-46 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1878-1594 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 21872804 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Vitamin D

Topics

• Animals
• Cardiovascular Diseases (epidemiology, etiology, metabolism, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Risk Factors
• Vitamin D (metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Vitamin D Deficiency (physiopathology, prevention & control, therapy)