Low levels of vitamin D may play a role in African-Americans' increased risk for heart disease, a new study shows.
According to the American Heart Association, African-Americans are disproportionately affected by heart disease. Cardiovascular problems are estimated to account for 33 percent of all deaths among blacks in the U.S.
For the study, researchers analyzed 12 years of data on more than 15,000 people. Their findings revealed that the quarter of study members with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 40 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular events (compared to the rest of the participants). What's more, African-Americans were found to be 38 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular problems than non-Hispanic whites. According to the study's authors, the black participants' comparatively lower vitamin D levels may contribute to their excess cardiovascular mortality.
Past research suggests that vitamin D may protect against high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
