Vitamin D deficiency: A new risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a new risk factor for various cardio-vascular diseases (CVDs), specifically atherosclerotic vascular disease. A number of epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among many populations cutting across all ethnicities and among all age groups. With the growing menace of the epidemic of CAD, emergence of another commonly prevalent risk factor for the same is a matter of concern. Although the link between vitamin D deficiency and CAD has been consistently proven, interventional trials with supplementation of vitamin D or calcium have been disappointing in terms of risk reduction. Further research in this direction is underway and is likely to improve our understanding, and open up newer avenues for reducing the risk of CAD.