Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease risk: emerging evidence.
OBJECTIVE
Vitamin D deficiency is common throughout the world, with a particularly high prevalence in northern latitudes and colder climates. Although the best known sequelae of vitamin D deficiency involve the musculoskeletal system, a growing body of evidence suggests that vitamin D status may influence cardiovascular health as well. This review focuses on recent studies linking vitamin D and cardiovascular disease risk, emphasizing the potential relevance to primary prevention.


RESULTS
There is strong experimental evidence that vitamin D status may influence cardiovascular structure and function. The number of clinical studies has steadily grown in recent years, with the largest number comprising observational studies showing associations between low vitamin D status, the presence of various cardiovascular risk factors, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A few small, randomized, controlled studies have been published, but these have been largely inconclusive.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite substantial clinical evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with increased cardiovascular risk, it remains to be established whether this represents a causal association. Further study is needed with prospective, randomized controlled trials before vitamin D supplementation can be routinely recommended for the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Swales
Heather H
HH
Cardiology Division, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA.
Wang
Thomas J
TJ
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology