Low Vitamin D Increases Heart Attack Risk

COPENHAGENIndividuals with low levels of vitamin D may have a markedly higher risk of heart attack and early death, according to a new study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital examined the association between a low level of vitamin D and ischemic heart disease and death. The examined blood samples from more 10,000 Danes who participated in the Copenhagen City Heart Study, where levels of vitamin D were measured in blood samples from 1981-1983. Participants were then followed in the nationwide Danish registries up to the present.

The researchers compared the 5% lowest levels of vitamin D (less than 15 nanomol vitamin per liter serum) with the 50% highest levels (more than 50 nanomol vitamin per liter serum). In Denmark, it is currently recommended to have a vitamin D status of at least 50 nanomol vitamin per litre serum.

They found low levels of vitamin D compared to optimal levels are linked to 40% higher risk of ischemic heart disease, 64% higher risk of heart attack, 57% higher risk of early death, and to no less than 81% higher risk of death from heart disease.

"We can ascertain that there is a strong statistical correlation between a low level of vitamin D and high risk of heart disease and early death. The explanation may be that a low level of vitamin D directly leads to heart disease and death. However, it is also possible that vitamin deficiency is a marker for poor health generally," said Børge Nordestgaard, clinical professor at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and senior physician at Copenhagen University Hospital.