Essay on Prevention of Heart Disease by Vitamin D

Submitted By Iverjukk
Words: 1365
Pages: 6
Open Document
Vitamin D is a specific group of fat-soluble molecules which can bind with certain elements, ultimately giving its functionality in humans. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has increased significantly in recent years, a change seemingly largely due to lack of sunlight exposure. The potential mechanisms by which VDD increases the prevalence of many forms of cardiovascular disease such as heart failure, hypertension and coronary artery disease have been determined and will be discussed further in this essay.

Vitamin D (VD) is mostly produced via UV radiation. UV rays with a wavelength between 290 and 315 nm are able to penetrate the skin and with the help of intermediate previtamin D, transform 7-dehydrocholesterol [7-DHC] to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D3] vitamin D3. 25-(OH)D is then converted to the vitamin D (VD) hormone [1α,25(OH)2D] which is metabolically active (Gröber et al. 2013, p. 331). The active hormone binds to the VD receptor in most cells and tissues, allowing it to exert its biological effects (Kunadian et al. 2014, p. 284).

Synthesising VD is primarily controlled by the 25(OH)D levels (Gröber et al. 2013, p. 331). VDD has been defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) as a value of 20 ng/mL for 25-(OH)D. However Heaney (2012) argues that these values are not definite, due to different diseases having different VD risk (VDR) levels. Furthermore, Gröber et al. (2013) uses different VDD values, further showing how a specific value for VDD is yet to be agreed upon. However, most cardiovascular diseases have clearly defined VD concentrations where the disease is not manifested (Kunadian et al. 2014, p. 284) and the end points used in this essay will reflect those used in the referencing material.

Hypertension is a medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries is elevated to dangerous levels, which has VD as a risk factor. In a comparison of 25(OH)D levels of 30 (ng/mL), those who had former VD concentrations had significantly higher levels of hypertension, according to the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study (Gröber et al. 2013, p. 335). The study showed that VD reduced diastolic pressure by 3.1 mmHg and systolic blood pressure by 6.18 mmHg, demonstrating an inversely proportional relationship in VD levels and blood pressure. One potential mechanism in which this is achieved is the suppression of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) by VD. PTH is associated with hyperparathyroidism, which can cause hyper contractility of the heart muscle, resulting from calcification (Gröber et al. 2013, p. 336). This causes the heart to contract rapidly in order to maintain blood flow to the body (Ulu et al. 2013, p. 52). This is further clarified in a study of 80 cardiac insufficient infants, where those given daily VD supplementation resulted in significant cardiac improvement compared to the placebo group (Gröber et al. 2013, p. 336). PTH levels were also lowered in the non-placebo group, showing an inverse relationship between VD and PTH levels, presumed to be achieved through PTH binding to the VD receptor, effectively suppressing it via 1,25(OH)2D3 (Ritter et al. 2006, p. 657). Although the exact molecular mechanics of PTH suppression are not clear, the importance of VD to prevent hypertension and the risk of VDD is unambiguous.

Similar to hypertension, coronary artery disease prevalence is reduced by VD. Coronary artery disease (CAD) refers to when the blood vessels in the heart who supply oxygen narrow via plaque build-up (Nordqvist 2013, n.p.). A recent study found that the slow coronary flow rate incidence was higher in the VDD group compared with those who had sufficient VD levels in former CAD patients (Gröber et al. 2013, p. 336). Another study with 119 patients determined a 5.8 odds ratio of being affected with CAD if one had VDD, after risk factors adjustment (Siadat et al. 2012, p. 1053). One possible mechanism by which VD can assist in the prevention of CAD is its
Show More

Related Documents: Essay on Prevention of Heart Disease by Vitamin D

Vitamin d and Vitamin Biological Functions Essay

A Clarification of Calcium Absorption and Vitamin D Effect on Osteoporosis Word count: 2199 Osteoporosis is a disease where the musculoskeletal system of the patient is affected. This disease is common among elderly people especially women past their menopause, and people who are inactive or sit for longer periods in chair or bed. It is mainly caused due to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption among other benefits to bone health, can be obtained from natural…

Words 2531 - Pages 11

NTR 109 Notes Week Six Ten complete Essay

Ten Vitamins and Phytochemicals Vitamins Essential organic substances Produce deficiency symptoms when missing from diet Yield no energy Basic functions: Facilitate energy-yielding chemical reactions Function as co-enzymes Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K Absorbed with fat Transported by protein carriers Stored in large amounts in liver and fatty tissues More time to become deficient Highly toxic—especially Vitamin D and A Dissolve in lipids or solvents Water-soluble vitamins B Vitamins: B6…

Words 4812 - Pages 20

Cutting Calories: Rapid Weight Loss

nutrients. This, in turn, leads to a host of health problems, such as immune system suppression. It can also increase the risk of formation of gallstones, causing pain and discomfort. Maintaining weight correctly and safely helps prevent heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. It is possible to lose weight fast. The desired physical result may show, but when weight is not safely managed, severe health complications develop. Cutting calories is a means of losing…

Words 1131 - Pages 5

Vitamin D Research Paper

Vitamin D has been called the new "wonder vitamin." Doctors are learning more and more about its role in good health and the prevention of diseases. Unfortunately, though, most teens don't get enough. Why Do I Need It? Vitamin D plays a part in the bone-building process by helping the body to absorb calcium. If someone doesn't get enough, it could affect the body's ability to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It's not just about bones, though. Vitamin D is needed for a healthy immune system…

Words 2706 - Pages 11

Vitamin d and Supplements Essay

supplements that can enhance our workouts and bodies. Supplements are becoming very popular, especially amongst gym-goers and athletes. That resulted in a mass supplement industry and a vast use of supplements. According to the CDC(Center for Disease Control and Prevention) the use of supplements has increased in the United States. Over 40% used supplements in 1988–1994, and over one-half in 2003–2006. There are many different supplements, so many that most of them are not even needed in our everyday life…

Words 1582 - Pages 7

Cholesterol the good, the bad and the uglly Essay

problems, reduced growth rate, decreased immune function. Intake from the essential fatty acids can give you several health benefits, which include prevention of Artheroscierosis, reduce the chance of heart disease and ulcerative colitis. It is very important to maintain good source of omega-3, and omega-6 in your diet. Being a person with heart disease, I know I must either eat foods that contain omega-3, so I have to eat either nuts, seeds, beans, vegetables and whole grain or fish. To acquire omega-6…

Words 841 - Pages 4

Bacterial Vaginosis In Nursing Essay

Being a woman presents challenges to health promotion and disease prevention that are specific to women. Guidelines and screenings along with routine wellness visits are necessary to either prevent diseases or have early identification for early treatment. Women experience acute and chronic conditions in their lifetime. Two conditions pertinent to women’s health are bacterial vaginosis and osteoporosis. Bacterial Vaginosis Issues, Prevalence and Significance One of the most common vaginal…

Words 1548 - Pages 7

Define Basic Metabolic Rate

The energy needed to maintain the life sustaining activities of breathing, circulation, heart rate, and temperature for a specific period of time. Simple carbohydrates: Contain both monosaccharides (glucose or fructose) which cannot be broken down into a more basic unit and disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, and maltose) which contain two monosaccharides and water. Fiber: Dietary factor in disease prevention and treatment. Insoluble fibers (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) are not digestible…

Words 458 - Pages 2

Pros And Cons Of Hbv Vaccination

and the World Health Organization (WHO) who have put together nine interventions for comprehensive HIV prevention for persons who inject illicit drugs. This comprehensive package includes: • syringe exchange programs; • substance abuse treatment, including medication-assisted therapy; • voluntary HIV counseling and testing; • antiretroviral therapy for those who are HIV-infected; • STD prevention and treatment; • condom distribution; • information, education, and communication for persons who…

Words 764 - Pages 4

Love: Nursing Actions Essay

[pic] Name: Date: 4-13-12 Date of Care: 4-6-12 Nursing Care Plan Client Initials: D.N Gender: M Age: 85 HT: 70in WT: 114lbs Allergies: Eggs, morphine, peanuts Admission Date: 2-1-12 Code Status: Full Chief Complaint: Right hip pain,…

Words 1605 - Pages 7