Vitamin D and heart health

Vitamin D and heart health: comprehensive analysis

1. Introduction to vitamin D and its role in the body

Vitamin D, often called “solar vitamin”, is a fat -soluble vitamin, which plays a decisive role in maintaining human health. Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. However, geographical latitudes, season, use of sunscreen and skin color can affect the effectiveness of this process. Vitamin D can also be obtained from certain foods and additives.

The main function of vitamin D is to regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus necessary to maintain the health of bones and teeth. It contributes to the absorption of calcium in the intestines and maintains its concentration in the blood, preventing it from leaching from the bones. In addition, vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system, cell growth, neuromuscular function and inflammatory processes.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem all over the world, especially among people with a limited stay in the sun, elderly people, people with dark skin and people with certain diseases. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health problems, including rickets in children, osteomalization in adults, increased risk of fractures, reducing immunity and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases.

2. Cardiovascular system: Fundamentals

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is a complex network of organs and blood vessels responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, nutrients and hormones throughout the body. The key components of the cardiovascular system are:

• Heart: The muscle organ, which acts as a pump, pumping blood throughout the body.
• Blood vessels: The network of tubes through which blood flows, including arteries, veins and capillaries.
• Blood: A liquid containing blood cells, plasma and other substances necessary for transporting oxygen, nutrients and waste.

The cardiovascular system performs a number of vital functions, including:

• Transportation of oxygen and nutrients: Delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all cells and tissues of the body.
• Removal of carbon dioxide and waste: Removal of carbon dioxide and other waste from cells and tissues.
• Body temperature regulation: Maintaining constant body temperature.
• Immune defense: Transportation of immune cells and antibodies to protect against infections.
• Hormonal transport: Delivery of hormones to target organs.

Disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system can lead to various diseases, including:

• Corny heart (coronary heart disease): A condition in which the coronary arteries narrow due to the formation of plaques, which leads to a decrease in the flow of blood to the heart.
• Stroke: A condition in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which leads to damage to the brain.
• Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure): A condition in which blood pressure is constantly increased, which increases the load on the heart and blood vessels.
• Heart failure: A condition in which the heart cannot effectively pump blood to meet the needs of the body.
• Arrhythmia: Irregular heart rhythm.

3. The relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular diseases: research review

In recent years, more and more studies have been devoted to the study of the relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular diseases (SVD). The results of these studies are ambiguous, but generally indicate that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of CVD development.

Some studies have shown that people with a low level of vitamin D in the blood more often observe such risk factors of the SVD as:

• Arterial hypertension: Vitamin D can play a role in the regulation of blood pressure, and its deficiency can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
• Dyslipidemia: Vitamin D can affect the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and its deficiency can lead to an increase in the level of “poor” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and a decrease in the level of “good” cholesterol (LDP).
• Type 2 diabetes: Vitamin D can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is an important risk factor for SVD.
• Inflammation: Vitamin D has anti -inflammatory properties, and its deficiency can lead to an increase in inflammatory processes in the body, which play a role in the development of SVD.
• Endothelial dysfunction: Vitamin D can improve the function of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, and its deficiency can lead to impaired endothelial function and increase the risk of SVD.

In addition, some observation studies have shown that in people with a low level of vitamin D in the blood higher the risk of developing SVDs, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. However, these studies do not prove the causal relationship between the deficiency of vitamin D and the SVD, but only indicate a possible association.

Randomized controlled studies (RCTs), which are considered the “gold standard” in medicine, gave less unambiguous results. Some RCTs have shown that taking vitamin D additives can reduce the risk of CVD, while other RCTs have not revealed a significant effect.

The ambiguity of research results can be associated with various factors, including:

• Differences in research design: Differences in the size of the sample, the dose of vitamin D, the duration of the study and the characteristics of the participants can affect the results of the research.
• The presence of concomitant diseases: Research participants may have various concomitant diseases that can affect research results.
• Using other drugs: Research participants can use other drugs that can affect research results.
• The influence of the way of life: The lifestyle of participants, including diet, physical activity and smoking, can affect the results of research.

Despite the ambiguity of research results, most experts agree that maintaining a sufficient level of vitamin D in the blood is important for health, including heart health.

4. Vitamin D exposure mechanisms on the cardiovascular system

The mechanisms through which vitamin D can affect the cardiovascular system are complex and multifaceted. Vitamin D interacts with various cells and tissues of the cardiovascular system, including endothelium cells, cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) and the cell of the immune system.

The main mechanisms of exposure to vitamin D on the cardiovascular system include:

• Blood pressure regulation: Vitamin D can regulate blood pressure through several mechanisms, including:

  • Suppression of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS): Raas plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure, and vitamin D can suppress its activity, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
  • Improving the function of the endothelium: Vitamin D can improve the function of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, which plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure.
  • Reducing the level of parathormone (PTG): A high level of PTH can lead to an increase in blood pressure, and vitamin D can reduce the level of PTG.

• Influence on a lipid profile: Vitamin D can affect the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood through several mechanisms, including:

  • Stimulation of the expression of LDL receptors: Vitamin D can stimulate the expression of LDL receptors on the liver cells, which leads to an increase in the capture of LDL from the blood and a decrease in the level of “poor” cholesterol (LDL).
  • Suppression of the synthesis of triglycerides: Vitamin D can suppress the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver, which leads to a decrease in the level of triglycerides in the blood.
  • Improving the level of HDL: Vitamin D can increase the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.

• Anti -inflammatory action: Vitamin D has anti -inflammatory properties and can suppress inflammatory processes in the body that play a role in the development of SVD. Vitamin D can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the factor of alpha tumor (TNF-α), and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-10 (IL-10).

• Improving the function of the endothelium: Vitamin D can improve the function of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels, which plays an important role in the regulation of the tone of blood vessels, the prevention of blood clots and a decrease in inflammation. Vitamin D can stimulate the production of nitrogen oxide (NO) with endothelial cells, which is a powerful vasodilating factor and plays an important role in maintaining the normal function of the endothelium.

• Influence on the heart muscle: Vitamin D can have a direct effect on the heart muscle (cardiomyocytes), improving its function and reducing the risk of heart failure. Vitamin D can improve the contractility of cardiomyocytes, reduce their hypertrophy and prevent their death.

5. Factors affecting the level of vitamin D in the blood

The level of vitamin D in the blood is influenced by many factors that can be divided into:

• Factors associated with the way of life:

  • Sun stay: The main source of vitamin D is the synthesis in the skin under the influence of sunlight. The time spent in the sun, geographical breadth, time of year, time of day, the use of sunscreen and skin color affect the effectiveness of this process.
  • Nutrition: Vitamin D is contained in a small amount of food, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolk, liver and enriched products (milk, juices, flakes).
  • Reception of additives: Reception of vitamin D additives is an effective way to increase vitamin D in the blood, especially in the winter season or for people with limited sun stay.

• Factors related to health status:

  • Age: With age, the ability of the skin to synthesize vitamin D decreases.
  • Obesity: Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin and accumulates into adipose tissue, which can lead to a decrease in its level in the blood.
  • Kidney and liver diseases: Diseases of the kidneys and liver can disrupt vitamin D metabolism and lead to its deficiency.
  • Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn and Celiac disease, can disrupt the absorption of vitamin D.
  • Taking drugs: Some drugs, such as glucocorticosteroids, antifungal drugs and anticonvulsants, can reduce vitamin D levels in the blood.

• Genetic factors:

  • Genetic options affecting the synthesis, metabolism and transport of vitamin D can affect the level of vitamin D in the blood.

6. Determining the level of vitamin D in the blood: tests and interpretation of the results

To determine the level of vitamin D in the blood, a blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D is used [25(OH)D]. This analysis measures the level of the main form of vitamin D, circulating in the blood.

Level 25 (OH) D is interpreted as follows:

• Deficiency: Less than 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l)
• Failure: 20-29 ng/ml (50-75 nmol/l)
• Sufficient level: 30-100 ng/ml (75-250 nmol/l)
• Toxicity: More than 100 ng/ml (250 nmol/l)

The optimal level of vitamin D in the blood for the health of the heart and blood vessels remains the subject of discussions. Most experts recommend maintaining the level of 25 (OH) D in the range of 30-50 ng/ml (75-125 nmol/L) to achieve optimal health health.

7. Recommendations for maintaining a sufficient level of vitamin D: diet, sunlight, additives

To maintain a sufficient level of vitamin D in the blood, it is recommended:

• Sun stay: Try to spend at least 15-30 minutes a day in the sun, several times a week, from spring to autumn. In this case, it is necessary to take into account geographical latitude, time of year, time of day and skin color. The use of sunscreen reduces the production of vitamin D in the skin.

• Diet: Include in your diet products rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolk, liver and enriched products (milk, juices, flakes).

• Reception of additives: If it is impossible to get a sufficient amount of vitamin D from sunlight and food, it is recommended to take vitamin D additives. The dose of vitamin D, necessary to maintain a sufficient level in the blood, depends on various factors, including age, weight, health status and level of vitamin D in the blood. It is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dose of vitamin D.

8. Dosage of vitamin D: recommendations and warnings

Recommended daily vitamin D consumption standards vary depending on age and health:

• Children (0-12 months): 400 me (10 mcg)
• Children and adults (1-70 years old): 600 me (15 mcg)
• Adults over 70 years old: 800 me (20 mcg)
• Pregnant and lactating women: 600 me (15 mcg)

In some cases, the doctor may recommend higher doses of vitamin D for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency or to achieve certain health goals.

Taking too high doses of vitamin D can lead to toxicity of vitamin D, which manifests itself in the form:

• Hypercalcemia: Increased blood calcium.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Weakness, fatigue
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Renal failure
• Kidney stones

The toxicity of vitamin D is rare, but can be serious. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations for the dosage of vitamin D and regularly monitor the level of vitamin D in the blood, especially when taking high doses of vitamin D.

9. Vitamin D and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases: synergy and interaction

It is important to understand that vitamin D is only one of many factors affecting the health of the heart and blood vessels. Other SSZ risk factors include:

• Age
• Floor
• Family history of SSZ
• Smoking
• Arterial hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Improper nutrition
• Stress

Vitamin D can interact with other risk factors of the SVD, increasing or weakening their influence. For example, maintaining a sufficient level of vitamin D can help reduce blood pressure, improve the lipid profile and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, thereby reducing the overall risk of the development of SVD.

To reduce the risk of developing SVD, it is necessary to comprehensively approach your health, including:

• Compliance with a healthy lifestyle: Refusal of smoking, maintaining healthy weight, regular physical activity and proper nutrition.
• Control of blood pressure and cholesterol: Regular measurement of blood pressure and cholesterol and taking measures to normalize them, if necessary.
• Blood sugar control: Regular measurement of blood sugar and taking measures to normalize it, if necessary.
• Maintaining a sufficient level of vitamin D: Ensuring a sufficient stay in the sun, the use of products rich in vitamin D, and the intake of vitamin D additives, if necessary.

10. New areas of research in the field of vitamin D and heart health

Studies in the field of vitamin D and heart health continue. New areas of research include:

• Studying the influence of vitamin D on various types of SSZ: Studying the effect of vitamin D on coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and other types of CVD.
• Studying the optimal dose of vitamin D for the prevention of SSZ: The study of the optimal dose of vitamin D necessary for the prevention of SVD in various groups of the population.
• The study of genetic factors affecting the relationship between vitamin D and SVD: The study of genetic factors that can affect the connection between the level of vitamin D in the blood and the risk of the development of the SVD.
• Studying the influence of vitamin D on the function of the endothelium and inflammation with SVD: The study of the mechanisms through which vitamin D can affect the function of the endothelium and inflammation with SVDs.
• Development of new methods for increasing vitamin D in the blood: Development of new methods of increasing vitamin D in the blood, such as new forms of vitamin D or new methods of delivery of vitamin D to the body.

The results of these studies can lead to new recommendations for the prevention and treatment of SVD using vitamin D.