Is vitamin D deficiency a risk factor for ischemic heart disease in patients with established cardiovascular disease? 10-year follow-up of the Nova Scotia Health Survey

Abstract

Recent studies have reported that low serum vitamin D levels are associated with a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and in particular ischemic heart disease (IHD). Possible mechanisms underlying this association include increased inflammation, renin-angiotensin system upregulation, insulin resistance, altered lipid metabolism, and altered vascular smooth muscle growth and function that lead to hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.[1][2]