title: 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.affiliation: Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels vag 12a, Stockholm, Sweden. monica.leu@ki.se
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leu
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giovannucci
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D