Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under direct sunlight. Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Low active vitamin D in the blood leads to poor calcium absorption, which results in low calcium levels in the blood. The heart depends on calcium to function properly; low blood calcium weakens the heart muscle and can cause it to fail.
Heart Disease
Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs is pumped to the body by the heart. The heart also pumps oxygen-poor blood from the body to the lungs. To function efficiently, the heart muscle needs calcium. Very low calcium in the blood weakens the heart and has been associated with congestive heart failure. When the heart fails, blood flow is affected, and oxygen-rich blood backs up to the lungs. Heart failure must be addressed immediately because it affects the oxygenation of blood.
Common Complications
Vitamin D deficiency is mainly a result of poor intestinal absorption or poor dietary intake of vitamin D. Inadequate exposure to sunlight can also contribute to a deficiency of vitamin D. Low blood calcium is a direct complication of vitamin D deficiency, giving rise to other complications. An Irregular pulse commonly occurs with low blood calcium. Reversible heart failure, although rare, can also occur when calcium is very low.
The parathyroid gland is stimulated to produced parathyroid hormone when blood calcium is low. Continued stimulation of the gland leads to an excess of parathyroid hormone, which causes excessive bone breakdown for the sake of releasing calcium into the blood. Excess parathyroid hormone weakens bone and makes it more likely to fracture.
Symptoms
Very low blood calcium, a complication of vitamin D deficiency, weakens the heart muscle and causes shortness of breath while lying down. Leg and belly swelling are evident as well. Low blood calcium can also 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 makes already weak bones worse and causes bone and joint pain; it can also cause generalized weakness, abdominal pain, nausea and depression.
Evaluation
Evaluation of vitamin D deficiency begins with the extraction of blood from a vein of the arm. The sample of blood is sent to the lab for analysis. A normal level of active vitamin D should be above 30 nanograms per milliliter, or ng/mL; if less than 30 ng/mL, then it's abnormal. An active vitamin D level below 20 ng/mL is defined as vitamin D deficiency.
Treatment
Vitamin D deficiency should be treated by supplementation of vitamin D as well as dietary modifications and increased sun exposure. Dietary modifications should include fish, eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk and cod liver oil. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends vitamin D at doses of 700 to 800 international units, or IUs, per day, with 500 to 1,200 mg of calcium.
Warning
If you have signs of a heart problem, like an irregular pulse, chest pain or shortness of breath, always consult a physician. These symptoms could signify a serious problem.
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