Vitamin D Deficiencies May Increase Heart Disease Risks

According to a March 27^th news release from the American College of Cardiology, preliminary studies have revealed a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiencies and heart disease risks.   After an evaluation of around 1500 patients, researchers found that 70% of the studies participants having angiography tests done to detect artery blockages had deficient levels of vitamin D. The studies findings (which have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal) were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Washington D.C. on Sunday.   While future follow-up studies still need to be conducted to prove that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between vitamin D levels and heart disease risks, it is still important to note that the current study found a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiencies and heart disease risks in where that those with vitamin D deficiencies had a:   - 32% greater risk for coronary artery disease - 20% greater risk of the most severe level of disease - 50% greater risk of suffering from clogged arteries   Gaining further insight and understanding into the causes of heart disease helps improve preventative strategies, such as paying a closer attention to vitamin D levels, especially for those who already have a history of heart disease.   Vitamin D levels can be increased by spending more time  out in the sun (since vitamin D is absorbed through the skin), by following a dietary regimen that includes fatty fishes and fortified dairy products, or by adding a vitamin D dietary supplement to your daily vitamin regimen.   Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_145355.html