In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP; a marker of inflammation), vitamin D and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main finding of the study was that high CRP levels and low vitamin D levels in the blood were associated with CVD.
Some background
CVD is a leading cause of death worldwide. CVD includes heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and coronary artery disease (plaques in the heart’s blood vessels). It has been suggested that CVD is an inflammatory disease. CRP is a protein that is found at high levels in the blood when there is inflammation in the body. Vitamin D has also shown to be involved in the inflammatory process. Low vitamin D has shown to be linked with inflammation.
The association between CRP, vitamin D, and CVD is not yet known.
Methods & findings
This study included 3,848 participants. 3,439 of these participants did not have CVD. 409 participants did have CVD. Vitamin D and CRP levels in the blood were measured. Normal vitamin D was considered as higher than 75nmol/mL. Normal CRP was below 0.2mg/dL.
High CRP and low vitamin D levels were associated with CVD. Patients with a high CRP and a severely low vitamin D level were 2.69 times more likely to have CVD. However, patients without a high CRP but had a severely low vitamin D level had no increased risk of CVD.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that low vitamin D and high CRP are associated with CVD.
The fine print
The levels of CRP and vitamin D were only measured at one time point. Other factors influence CVD. Further studies are needed.
What’s next?
If you have concerns regarding your vitamin D levels or CRP, please speak to your doctor.
Published By :
Clinical cardiology
Date :
Apr 24, 2019
