The Risk of Cardiovascular Events is Reduced by Vitamin D

 The Risk of Cardiovascular Events is Reduced by Vitamin D

Supplemental vitamin D may reduce the risk of

 major cardiovascular events in older people.

According to a recent study that was published in the British Medical Journal, vitamin D supplementation may help people over the age of 60 have fewer serious cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes. Even though the total risk difference was minimal, the results imply that more research is necessary, especially for people who are already on statins or other cardiovascular disease drugs.

Vitamin D levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease have consistently been linked in previous observational studies. Randomized controlled trials haven't yet produced solid proof that vitamin D treatment can stop these incidents, though. This variance can be the result of various study design and methodology choices.

Researchers undertook the D-Health Trial, involving 21,315 people between the ages of 60 and 84, to fill this knowledge gap. For a five-year period, participants were randomized to receive either a placebo or a monthly dose of 60,000 IU of vitamin D.

Participants in the trial were not allowed if they had certain pre-existing diseases such kidney stones, hypocalcemia, osteomalacia, hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, or were taking high dosages of vitamin D.

To identify serious cardiovascular events, such as strokes, heart attacks, and coronary revascularization procedures, the researchers examined hospital admission and mortality data. Over 80% of participants said they took at least 80% of the recommended capsules during the course of their five-year, on average, treatment.

1,336 people had a serious cardiovascular incident during the research period. Incidence rates were 6.6% in the placebo group and 6% in the vitamin D group. This amounts to 5.8 fewer major cardiovascular events per 1,000 people, or a 9% decreased risk of incidents in the vitamin D group.

Additionally, as compared to the placebo group, the vitamin D group's rate of coronary revascularization was 11% lower and its rate of heart attacks was 19% lower. The incidence of strokes did not significantly differ between the two groups, though.

At the beginning of the trial, there was some evidence of a more pronounced effect in people taking statins or other cardiovascular medications, but these findings did not achieve statistical significance.

According to the results, 172 people would need to take vitamin D supplements on a monthly basis to avert only one significant cardiovascular incident.

The results may not be applicable to other population groups, particularly those with a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency, and the researchers admitted that there may be a minor underestimating of cardiovascular events.

on vitamin D supplements may help lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events, particularly in people who are already on statins or other heart medicines, according to the study's findings. To validate these results and investigate the probable processes underlying this protective effect, additional study is required.

It is significant to remember that, despite the possibility that vitamin D supplements may improve cardiovascular health, it is always wise to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement regimen. For general cardiovascular health, it's also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and frequent checkups with the doctor.