I Have High Blood Pressure
Vitamin D Is Critical For Healthy Blood Vessels... http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2011/0408_Reduced-Vitamin-D-Levels-Linked-to-Arterial-Stiffness.htm?source=eNewsLetter2011Wk14-2&key=Article&l=0#article
Reduced vitamin D levels linked to arterial stiffness
A presentation by Ibhar Al Mheid, MD at the annual American College of Cardiology meeting on April 2, 2011 revealed the finding of Emory University School of Medicine researchers of a protective effect for vitamin D against arterial stiffness and impaired blood vessel relaxation.
Dr Al Mheid, along with Emory Cardiovascular Research Institute director Arshed Quyyumi, MD, evaluated data from 554 participants in the Emory/Georgia Tech Predictive Health Institute's Center for Health Discovery and Well Being. Endothelial function was evaluated via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, and microvascular function and arterial stiffness were assessed. Blood samples were analyzed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a stable form of the vitamin that reflects dietary intake and skin production.
The participants' levels of vitamin D averaged 31.8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Thirty-three percent had insufficient levels of less than 30 ng/mL, and 14 percent were deficient at levels of less than 20 ng/mL. Reduced levels of vitamin D correlated with increased arterial stiffness and vascular function impairment. Among those whose vitamin D levels were normalized over a six month period, vascular health improved and blood pressure measurements declined. "We found that people with vitamin D deficiency had vascular dysfunction comparable to those with diabetes or hypertension," Dr Al Mheid observed.
"There is already a lot known about how vitamin D could be acting here," he remarked. "It could be strengthening endothelial cells and the muscles surrounding the blood vessels. It could also be reducing the level of angiotensin, a hormone that drives increased blood pressure, or regulating inflammation."
"This was an observational study, rather than an interventional one, and it was difficult to tease out how the people who restored their vitamin D levels got there," he noted. "We are hoping to conduct a study where we have participants take a defined regimen of vitamin D."
"With his findings showing the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and vascular dysfunction, Dr Mheid has helped advance our understanding of the importance of Vitamin D in preventing a common health problem in aging adults," acknowledged Kenneth Brigham, MD, who is the medical director of the Emory/Georgia Tech Center for Health Discovery and Well Being. "Additionally, ongoing health studies ba<x>sed on the Center's collection of health information from participants will yield more discovery as the Center continues to develop."
Reduced vitamin D levels linked to arterial stiffness
A presentation by Ibhar Al Mheid, MD at the annual American College of Cardiology meeting on April 2, 2011 revealed the finding of Emory University School of Medicine researchers of a protective effect for vitamin D against arterial stiffness and impaired blood vessel relaxation.
Dr Al Mheid, along with Emory Cardiovascular Research Institute director Arshed Quyyumi, MD, evaluated data from 554 participants in the Emory/Georgia Tech Predictive Health Institute's Center for Health Discovery and Well Being. Endothelial function was evaluated via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, and microvascular function and arterial stiffness were assessed. Blood samples were analyzed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a stable form of the vitamin that reflects dietary intake and skin production.
The participants' levels of vitamin D averaged 31.8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Thirty-three percent had insufficient levels of less than 30 ng/mL, and 14 percent were deficient at levels of less than 20 ng/mL. Reduced levels of vitamin D correlated with increased arterial stiffness and vascular function impairment. Among those whose vitamin D levels were normalized over a six month period, vascular health improved and blood pressure measurements declined. "We found that people with vitamin D deficiency had vascular dysfunction comparable to those with diabetes or hypertension," Dr Al Mheid observed.
"There is already a lot known about how vitamin D could be acting here," he remarked. "It could be strengthening endothelial cells and the muscles surrounding the blood vessels. It could also be reducing the level of angiotensin, a hormone that drives increased blood pressure, or regulating inflammation."
"This was an observational study, rather than an interventional one, and it was difficult to tease out how the people who restored their vitamin D levels got there," he noted. "We are hoping to conduct a study where we have participants take a defined regimen of vitamin D."
"With his findings showing the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and vascular dysfunction, Dr Mheid has helped advance our understanding of the importance of Vitamin D in preventing a common health problem in aging adults," acknowledged Kenneth Brigham, MD, who is the medical director of the Emory/Georgia Tech Center for Health Discovery and Well Being. "Additionally, ongoing health studies ba<x>sed on the Center's collection of health information from participants will yield more discovery as the Center continues to develop."
