Vitamin D deficiency and atrial fibrillation

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke, but there is no consensus regarding the possible association between vitamin D deficiency and atrial fibrillation (AF). Vitamin D negatively regulates the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone-system (RAAS), mediates calcium homeostasis, binds to vitamin D receptors on cardiac myocytes, and has antioxidant properties that may reduce levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the atria, which contribute to inflammation and proarrhythmic substrate formation.

Source: International Journal of Cardiology - February 10, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Joseph Thompson, Rynda Nitiahpapand, Prashan Bhatti, Antonios Kourliouros Tags: Review Source Type: research