05 Apr High-dose vitamin D May Improve Heart Function in Some CHF Patients
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Klaus Witte
Dr Klaus Witte MD, FRCP, FESC, FACC
Associate Professor and Consultant Cardiologist
Lead Clinician for Cardiology
University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Witte: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a condition of heart muscle weakness that despite optimal treatment often leaves patients with ongoing symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue.
Vitamin D has a large number of effects in the body beyond its known effects on the skeleton.
Patients with Chronic heart failure are frequently deficient in vitamin D, but until now there were no data demonstrating a benefit from supplements.
We conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled study of a non-calcium-based vitamin D supplement providing 4000IU or 100mcg per day of vitamin D3 (VINDICATE).
Endpoints included 6-minute walk distance and cardiac function. We saw no improvement in 6 minute walk distance but a large and significant improvement in heart function (left ventricular ejection fraction) and heart size (left ventricular dimensions and volumes) after on year. We saw no significant adverse effects and the tablets were well tolerated.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Witte: High-dose vitamin D can safely improve heart function in people with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Witte: We now need to explore whether high-dose vitamin D can reduce hospitalization and mortality.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Dr. Witte: The study was funded by the Medical Research Council in the UK.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
JACC April 2016
Effects of Vitamin D on Cardiac Function in Patients With Chronic HF: The VINDICATE Study
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Dr Klaus Witte (2016). High-dose vitamin D May Improve Heart Function in Some CHF Patients MedicalResearch.com
Last Updated on April 5, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD