Vitamins, including vitamin D, help keep all the tissues in your body functioning properly. A lack of vitamin D can affect your heart, resulting in an irregular heartbeat and palpitations. If you experience heart problems, talk to your doctor, particularly if you plan to take supplemental vitamin D.
Vitamin D Function
Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, which means it is better absorbed with fat and is stored in the body. Vitamin D is found in some foods, such as green leafy vegetables and is often added to milk and other dairy products. Your body also makes vitamin D in response to sunlight. Vitamin D keeps your bones healthy and also aids in the absorption of calcium from your diet.
Calcium and the Heart
Calcium is a mineral needed for the function of all of your cells, but it is particularly important for muscles, including the heart. Because calcium helps muscle fibers move, it is necessary for proper muscle contraction. Calcium is also important for regulating the rhythm of your heart because it is electrically charged and your heartbeat is controlled by electrical currents that are mediated by changes in calcium level. As a result, changes in the amount of calcium in your blood can affect your heart beat.
Low Vitamin D and Arrhythmias
If you have low levels of vitamin D, you can develop abnormally low blood levels of calcium. This can affect the rhythm of your heart, resulting in an irregular heartbeat and possible palpitations. One sign of low calcium levels that can be seen on an EKG is known as a prolonged QT interval, which is a sign that your heart is having trouble maintaining a normal rate and rhythm.
Considerations
If you do not get enough vitamin D, it can cause serious health problems. Low vitamin D levels can be diagnosed using blood tests. If you have low vitamin D levels, your doctor may tell you to take vitamin supplements or get more exposure to the sun. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin D supplements, however, because too much vitamin D can be toxic and also affect your heart.
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