Just published in Pharmacogenomics.is a new study further suggesting a link between Vitamin D and Heart disease.
In this study, researchers found that a variant in a specific gene ( CYP27B1) was associated with congestive heart failure, in people who have high blood pressure.
this certainly corroborates previous information on the link between vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk for heart disease. Now the exciting thing about this study is that they are specifically looking at the relationship between our genes and vitamin D.
A few additional studies of interest. Am J Cardiol. 2007 Oct 15
” Effects of Atorvastatin on vitamin D levels in patients with acute ischemic heart disease.”
…….. “In conclusion, atorvastatin increases vitamin D levels. This increase could explain some of the beneficial effects of atorvastatin at the cardiovascular level that are unrelated to cholesterol levels….PMID: 17398180 [PubMed]
Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2009 Aug23
Increased levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin d and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D after rosuvastatin treatment: a novel pleiotropic effect of statins?
Yavuz B, Ertugrul DT, Cil H, Ata N, Akin KO, Yalcin AA, Kucukazman M, Dal K, Hokkaomeroglu MS, Yavuz BB, Tutal E.
“….. CONCLUSION: This study has shown an effect of rosuvastatin on vitamin D metabolism, with an increase in both 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This may be an important pleiotropic effect whereby rosuvastatin reduces mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between statins and vitamin D metabolism.
PMID: 19543962 [PubMed - in process]
Another published in Circulation ” “1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D Inhibits Foam Cell Formation and Suppresses Macrophage Cholesterol Uptake in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus”
Interesting
Great–glad you posted this and it is very important!
Also the reduction in inflammation due to statins may be another mechanism of how they work
Dr Soram
Hello Dr. Soram,
Is there a direct test available for the quantification of Vit D3 in blood/serum? Do you think clinicians would prefer D3 tests or 25(OH)D tests? What would you consider to be more valuable?
By D3, I mean cholecalciferol.
Regards
Robert
Robert!
I can tell you did not read my book! But, let me give you a quick answer. The proper blood test for vitamin D is the 25 hydroxy vitamin D test !
taking vitamin D orally will definitely raise your blood levels.
I hope that’s helpful to you. Dr. Soram