Vitamin D exists naturally as vitamin D3 and is synthesized in the skin under direct sunlight. Vitamin D is needed in the absorption of calcium from the gut, so low vitamin D decreases the amount of calcium you metabolize. Low levels of vitamin D leads to low blood calcium, which can affect your heart, which depends on calcium to work properly.
Heart Disease
The heart receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to the body. It also receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs. The heart muscle needs calcium to work efficiently. Very low calcium in the blood can weaken the heart; it has been associated with congestive heart failure. When the heart fails, blood flow is affected, and oxygen-rich blood backs up to the lungs. Cardiac disease must be addressed immediately because it affects the oxygenation of blood.
Complications
Poor absorption in the gut and low dietary intake are major causes of vitamin D deficiency. Low blood calcium results from vitamin D deficiency and is responsible for most complications of vitamin D deficiency. Low blood calcium can cause an irregular pulse and if severe, it can cause irreversible heart failure. Low blood calcium also stimulates an increased release of parathyroid hormone, which can cause the breakdown of bone to release calcium into the blood. Excessive release of parathyroid hormone weakens bone and makes it more likely to fracture.
Associated Symptoms
When very low blood calcium weakens the heart muscle, it causes shortness of breath while lying down and leg and belly swelling. Low blood calcium can lead to a condition of uncontrollable muscle contractions called tetany. Tetany may cause odd sensations over the tongue and lips and abnormal twitching of the facial muscles. Excess parathyroid hormone release as a result of low blood calcium makes an already weak bone worse. Individuals with excess parathyroid hormone in the blood often complain of bone and joint pain. Generalized weakness, abdominal pain, nausea and depression can also occur.
Diagnosis
A blood test is needed to diagnose vitamin D deficiency. The blood is tested for the concentration of active vitamin D. A normal concentration of active vitamin D should be above 30 nanograms per milliliter, or ng/mL; less than 30 ng/mL is abnormal. An active vitamin D concentration less than 20 ng/mL is defined as vitamin D deficiency.
Treatment
A vitamin D deficiency can be addressed with dietary modifications and increased sun exposure. Your diet should include fish, eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk and cod liver oil, which are excellent sources of vitamin D. Your doctor will probably also recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends vitamin D at doses of 700 to 800 international units, or IUs, with 500 to 1,200 mg of calcium; this is effective in strengthening bone and reducing the likelihood of fractures. Your doctor may recommend a different dosage for you.
Warning
An individual with signs of a heart problem like irregular pulse, chest pain or shortness of breath should always consult a physician; this could be a sign of a serious problem.
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