Vitamin D replacement therapy in patients with cardiac syndrome X.

Abstract

The aim of present study was to assess whether vitamin D, with proven beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, has any effect on angina and exercise-induced ischemia in patients with cardiac syndrome X and low serum vitamin D. Patients with cardiac syndrome X and low serum vitamin D3 were studied before and after treatment with an intramuscular injection of vitamin D3 (300,000 units, every other week for 2 months). We determined the angina episode (per day) and several indices of exercise capacity. At the end of the treatment course (75±6 day), a significant increase of serum vitamin D3 occurred and was within the normal range (45±8 ng/ml) and the frequency of angina improved significantly (p=0.003). Exercise duration and maximal work capacity increased significantly (p<0.001). Maximal ST-segment depression (mm) decreased significantly (p=0.001). The calculated Duck treadmill score improved significantly (p=0.001). Our findings show that vitamin D replacement therapy in patients with cardiac syndrome X and vitamin D deficiency dramatically improves symptoms and signs of ischemia.