Heart disease arises from a variety of factors, many of which are influenced by vitamin D, an essential nutrient formed in the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Individuals with a deficiency in vitamin D are more likely to develop high blood pressure, a known cause of cardiovascular problems. A vitamin D deficiency may also put you at risk for heart disease in other ways, many of which are still being researched and discovered.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can lead to heart disease when left unchecked. Vitamin D helps to keep blood pressure within a normal range by acting as a regulator of the renin-angiotensin system in the body. The renin-angiotensin system controls the sodium and water balance in the body, which thereby affects blood volume and the constriction of blood vessels. When the body is deprived of adequate vitamin D, the risk of high blood pressure rises.
Calcium and the Heart
Vitamin D is also important in the regulation of calcium levels in the body, another factor that plays a role in heart disease. If the body doesn't have enough vitamin D, this can trigger the release of parathyroid hormone, which can cause an elevation in blood calcium levels. When calcium in the blood rises, this can cause damage to the heart that could eventually lead to a heart attack.
Other Vitamin D Activity
Vitamin D has been implicated in other factors affecting heart health, but many of these require further study before the true impact can be assessed. One area of research involves evidence that vitamin D may lower cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for heart disease. Vitamin D is also able to lower inflammation in the body, which can be another contributing factor to cardiovascular problems.
Medication Interactions
Calcium channel-blockers, an important type of medication for the treatment of chest pain, irregular heart beat, and high blood pressure, can be affected by vitamin D. They may be less effective when high levels of vitamin D are present. If you are taking calcium channel- blockers, consult your doctor before supplementing with vitamin D.
Considerations
The involvement of vitamin D in heart health may become even more important as you age. The risk of heart disease rises as people get older, rising significantly after the age of 45 in men and after 55 in women. Supplemental vitamin D may be necessary to prevent deficiencies in older people because the skin becomes less able to synthesize vitamin D in sunlight as people age.
Member Comments