Low levels of vitamin D have again been linked with reduced survival rates in patients with heart failure.
By Lorraine Heller, 16-Sep-2010
Low levels of vitamin D have again been linked with reduced survival rates in patients with heart failure.
The study, conducted at the University Medical Center, Groningen, in the Netherlands, also suggested that low levels of vitamin D are associated with activation of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS – a pivotal regulatory system in heart failure) and an altered cytokine profile.
“By showing that vitamin D is an independent predictor, we hoped to prove that it is a contributory factor to, rather than peripheral to, the development and prognosis of heart failure. With this new information, we then hope to provide better insight into the pathophysiology of heart failure,” said said researcher Licette Liu.
The study is said to be the first conducted in a large cohort of patients recruited due to hospitalisation for heart failure, in which the role of vitamin D has been determined, along with the roles of plasma renin activity and cytokines.
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