Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease

Vitamin D is widely known for its important role in bone health, preventing the development of rickets, osteoporosis, and fractures. However, there is a growing body of compelling evidence from several lines of scientific inquiry suggesting that vitamin D may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 22% of deaths globally (World Health Organization 2008). Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with several cardiovascular disorders, including congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, peripheral arterial disease, subclinical vascular disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and related mortalities-associations that remain even after careful consideration for traditional CVD risk factors and lifestyle behaviors, including differences in dietary intakes and physical activity levels.