Heart of the Matter

Heart diseases have emerged as a serious health concern in both urban and rural parts of the country. India,with more than 1.2 billion people,is estimated to account for over 50 per cent of heart disease patients across the world. Two major studies published recently demonstrate that low Vitamin D levels are connected to cardiac death. It is estimated that around 80 per cent of the Indian population has Vitamin D levels less than normal and many are not even aware about their condition,making it a threat to good health.

One of the studies was conducted among male healthcare professionals in the US. Those with Vitamin D levels in the deficient range had a two-fold increased in risk of myocardial infarction. A similar prospective study was conducted in Germany. In this study,cardiac patients who were being admitted for cardiac catheterisation studies had their Vitamin D levels measured and were then followed up for an average of 7.7 years. Again,those patients with Vitamin D levels in

the lowest quartile compared to those in the highest quartile had over a 200 per cent increase in their risk of death. Dr A Muruganathan,President,Association of Physicians of India,says people with Vitamin D deficiency will be benefited with supplements. “Heart patients need to also ensure that their Vitamin D levels are maintained at the required

levels,” he added.