Vitamin D deficiency linked to increased risk of Cardiovascular disease

New Delhi, September 22, 2015: Known as one of the leading cause of mortality and morbidity Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been considered as a global threat. As World Heart Day is right around the corner, there has been a dire need to raise awareness about the various risk factors that are conventionally associated with CVDs and Vitamin D deficiency.

‘Vitamin D’ is popularly known for its crucial role in maintaining overall calcium levels in the human body and bone metabolism. However, emerging data indicates that it plays a crucial role in the propagation of CVDs and associated risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

Sunrays are considered as the major source of Vitamin D. Over 95 percent of the body’s requirements can be met by cutaneous synthesis from the exposure of the sun. The remaining amount can be taken from various other dietary sources.

Sighting the problems Dr. Praveer Agarwal, Director and Interventional Cardiologist at Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre, New Delhi, said “Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of CVD, including hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease. Initial prospective studies have also demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing incident hypertension or sudden cardiac death in individuals with pre-existing CVD. The reasons for the high incidence of the deficiency amongst Indians include the typical sun-shy behaviour of people, predominantly vegetarian diet, long-working hours in closed spaces, over-dependence on technology as modes of entertainment as opposed to engaging in outdoor activities and an overall lack of awareness. Malabsorption disorders, liver diseases, certain medications and obesity also contribute to the deficiency.”

Commenting on the deficiency Dr. Santosh Kumar Agarwal, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Kailash Hospital & Heart Institute, Noida said, “Studies have indicated that the higher incidence of Vitamin D deficiency is directly proportionate to the rates of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Deficient serum 25(OH)D levels have been identified as a risk factor for various cardiovascular ailments such as ischemic heart diseases, congestive heart failure, heart attacks, peripheral arterial disease and strokes. This relationship can potentially be explained by confounding, because individuals with low 25(OH) D are generally older, frailer, heavier, and have more comorbidities and higher estimated cardiovascular risk than individuals with higher 25(OH) D. The vitamin D receptor appears to be widely distributed, including in cardiovascular tissue.”

Thirty minutes of daily exposure of the skin preferably between 10 am and 3 pm especially over the arms and direct sunlight exposure without application of sunscreen is highly recommended.

Sunlight from the surroundings helps in maintaining physiological Vitamin D levels, and it has been seen that people with regular outdoor activities have higher 25(OH)D levels and are less prone to getting CVDs. Rich sources of Vitamin D include fish oils, egg yolks and mushrooms as well as artificially fortified cereals and dairy products which contain between 16 and 27 mg Vitamin D per 100g edible portion.

As World Heart Month persists, doctors have urged patients to be more aware of Vitamin D deficiency and bask under the benefits the sun has to provide.