Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Vitamin D deficiency accompanies the loss of kidney function and is extremely common. Treatment with active vitamin D has improved survival rate in dialysis patients. The relationship between vitamin D and CVD has been reported in the literature. Genetic factors have been known to cause both vitamin D deficiency and CVD. Vitamin D receptor is found in the heart muscle. Vitamin D is reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular problems. Certainly, vitamin D has an important role in modulating CVD.