If an individual is not getting enough vitamin D they are more likely to suffer from strokes, heart disease, and even death. The US study found that 77 percent of individuals are more likely to die early if they have low levels of Vitamin D than those with normal levels.
The study looked at 27,686 Utah patients that were age 50 and over that had no history of cardiovascular disease. They found that if you're not outside or taking supplements 45 percent of people are more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 78 percent are more likely to have a stroke. The research was done by the Intermountain Medical Center's Heart Institute in Salt Lake City.
By looking at the numbers one can see how important Vitamin D is in our lives. It keeps our hearts and bones strong. Plus it helps lower the risks of cardiovascular diseases. This breakthrough could have a significant impact on keeping our bodies healthy.
The solution is simple. By increasing Vitamin D you can lower your health risks. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. So this research will help make a dent in the number of deaths from this disease.
Vitamin D plays an important role in our bodies. It regulates our key body functions like blood pressure, as well as inflammation, and glucose which are all linked to heart disease. The deficiency of the vitamin is also closely linked to musculoskeletal disorders.
The definitive link hasn't been established yet between vitamin D and heart disease because the study was only observational. But from this study there will be random treatment trials for patients with insufficient vitamin D levels. Currently two thirds of Utahans are not getting enough of the vitamin.
Pretty soon experts will start the random treatment trials and hopefully be able to form some conclusions. Experts performed the study and will continue to work with individuals in Utah because of the high percentage of Mormons that don't drink alcohol or use tobacco. Experts believe that this will allow them to primarily focus on the study of vitamin D's effects on our cardiovascular system.
Formerly patients had been divided into three groups depending on their vitamin D levels – normal, low, or very low. Then they were followed for a year in order to determine if they developed a type of heart disease. This study is important and hopefully paving the way to a healthier and longer future that will cut down the number of Americans dying each year from heart disease.
It would also be nice to just pop some more vitamins or spend more time in the sun and know that you are increasing your levels and possibly lowering your risk of heart disease. Heart disease is a terrible disease that affects thousands of Americans each year and it would be a blessing if we could keep our loved ones around a little bit longer.
Tags: cardiovascular diseases, health research, heart disease, strokes and vitamins, vitamin d, vitamin supplements
