Effect of Vitamin D on Anginal Episodes in Vitamin D Deficient Patients with Chronic Stable Angina on Medical Management.

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to various cardiac conditions, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. However, the clinical cardiovascular benefits after short term supplementation have not been reported.

AIM

To study the beneficial effect of Vitamin D supplementation on angina episodes in Vitamin D deficient patients with chronic stable angina on medical management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 patients were studied with group 1 (20 patients) with low Vitamin D levels and group 2 with normal Vitamin D levels. 60000 IU of Vitamin D supplementation was given every week for 8 weeks in group 1. Frequency of anginal episodes and use of sub-lingual nitrates were compared at base-line and after 8 weeks post supplementation.

RESULTS

Significant 20% (p <0.05) reduction in anginal episodes and 17.24% (p <0.05) reduction in use of sub-lingual nitrates was noted in group1 after Vitamin D supplementation. The benefits were independent of BP, heart rate and medications, thus, attributing to supplementation. No significant change was noted in group 2.

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular patients need to be evaluated for Vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation to correct Vitamin D levels may have additional cardiovascular benefits like reduction in angina episodes.