Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update

Abstract

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that plays a significant part in several physiological processes within the human body, including calcium metabolism, bone health, immune function, and cell growth and differentiation. It is obtained mainly through exposure to sunlight but can be acquired from certain foods and supplements as well. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) could be the risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as heart disease and stroke. In blood vitamin D low levels have been linked with an enhanced risk of developing CVDs. However, it is unclear whether vitamin D levels are the leading cause or consequence of these conditions. While some studies highlight that taking vitamin D supplements could decrease the risk of CVD; however, more research is required to better understand the association between vitamin D and cardiovascular health. In this review, we aimed to summarize the currently available evidence supporting the association between vitamin D and CVDs and anesthesia considerations.

Keywords: anesthesia considerations; cardiovascular diseases; deficiency; supplements; vitamin d.

Figure 1. Major hypothetical mechanisms underlying the association between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease

RAAS = renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. With permission from [32].

Figure 2. Role of vitamin D in cardiovascular protection when used with standard therapy for ACS patients through inhibition of inflammatory state, increased ACE as well as its antithrombotic and cardioprotective effects

ACE-angiotensin- converting enzyme; ACS-acute coronary syndrome; VDR-vitamin D receptor; RXR-retinoid X receptor; VDRE-vitamin D response element. Arrows pointing up and down denote an increase and a decline, respectively; (-) indicates inhibition. With permission from [83].