EXTRASKELETAL EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D: ROLE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

The article gives a review of new literature data of epidemiologic, clinical, experimental studies and results of metaanalyses, demonstrating the relationship between vitamin D and increased risk of arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome as well as their more severe course and development of complications secondary to vitamin D deficiency. The results of certain studies aimed at evaluation of the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are presented. The given review is intended for raising doctors’ awareness of possible negative consequences of vitamin D deficiency and suggests a closer monitoring of vitamin D status and its correction.