Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Risk of Heart Attack
While Vitamin D deficiency is commonly associated with weak bones and joint pain, a new study reveals it can also increase the risk of heart attack by five to seven times.
This research, published in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Medical Research, was conducted by the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow. The study involved 250 patients with heart disease and 260 healthy individuals as a control group.
Findings show that people with lower levels of Vitamin D had a significantly higher chance of suffering heart attacks compared to those with normal levels. Experts suggest that the normal Vitamin D level should range between 20–50 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). However, patients with heart disease were often found to have levels below 20 ng/dl.
Key Facts from the Study
- 90% of heart patients were found to be deficient in Vitamin D.
- In India, around 67% of the population is struggling with Vitamin D deficiency.
- Deficiency can raise heart attack risk by 5–7 times.
Sources of Vitamin D
Most of our Vitamin D comes from sunlight. Spending at least 30 minutes in the sun daily is essential. Apart from this, foods such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, mushrooms, and orange juice are also good sources.
Why It Matters for India
The report highlights that Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in India, largely due to lifestyle changes and reduced outdoor activity. Medical experts warn that unless addressed, this deficiency could contribute to a surge in heart disease cases in the coming years.
