Effect of Vitamin D Level on Readmission Rates in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Background: Vitamin D is an important hormone that regulates cardiac myocytes. Low levels have contributed to the development of cardiovascular disease. In addition, Vitamin D has been implicated in the immune system and the inflammatory cascade led by B and T cells. It is not yet clear whether these effects may have a clinical impact on patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Patients who undergo LVAD implantation are at increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke and driveline infection.

Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - July 23, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Geetha Bhat, Fadi Abou Obeid, Anup Kumar, Abdelhadi Rifai, Sunil Pauwaa, William Cotts, Erin Drever, Gardner Yost, Antone Tatooles Source Type: research