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Low vitamin D levels linked to increased heart risk

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Individuals who are concerned about their heart health may benefit from seeking vitamin D testing, as new evidence suggests that low levels of the nutrient may increase a person's risk of experiencing heart failure.

A team of researchers from Hvidovre Hospital in Demark reported at the American Heart Association meeting that women with vitamin D deficiency are 50 percent more likely to have heart failure, experience a heart attack or stroke or die from cardiovascular complications, according to Bloomberg.

"Healthy women with vitamin D insufficiency have a significantly increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcome," the researchers said, according to the news source.

The new study adds to the evidence suggesting that vitamin D is closely linked to heart health. Numerous studies have come to similar conclusions, including a 2008 report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, which showed that people with low vitamin D levels are 62 percent more likely to experience a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke.

Those who already have other cardiovascular risk factors like high cholesterol or blood pressure may want to take proactive steps to boost their vitamin D levels.