Publication details
Vitamin D and cardiovascular diseases
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2013 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Aging Research & Clinical Practice |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Other medical specializations |
| Keywords | vitamin D; vitamin D receptor; hypertension; ischemic heart disease; cardiac failure |
| Description | A lot of attention is paid to vitamin D in the last few years due to its broader spectrum of influence in human organs. Nuclear vitamin D receptors (VDR) are proved to be a main mechanism of action. More and more evidence of the negative influence of vitamin D deficiency on cardiovascular system appears together with low vitamin D serum levels in the current population, mostly due to life style with little exposure of unprotected skin to sun light. The course of ischemic heart disease can be worsened by low serum level of vitamin D because of higher risk of myocardial infarction a cardiac failure with more frequent hospitalisations. Higher risk of arrythmias during vitamin D deficiency is explained by higher production of parathormone and its binding to receptors stimulating phospholipase C followed by increased activity of catecholamines, angiotensin II and endothelin in ischaemic myocardium. There is no evidence of any association of vitamin D and cholesterol levels, on the other hand normal level of vitamin D helps to keep the triglyceride serum concentration in normal range. Hypertension is influenced negatively by low level of vitamin D due to stimulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system, parathormon secretion and lower antiiflammatory and vasculoprotective effect. The course of cardiovascular diseases can be positively modulated by keeping vitamin D level within normal range. The adequate exposure of unprotected skin to sun is recommended as natural suplement and effective source of vitamin D. |