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Vitamin D & Exercise Capacity in HFpEF Patients

Am J Med; ePub 2018 Aug 1; Pandey, et al

Over 90% of older patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) had plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] insufficiency and 30% had frank deficiency, a recent study found. 25(OH)D and exercise capacity were measured in 112 older HFpEF patients and 37 healthy matched controls and compared. Researchers found:

  • 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in HFpEF patients vs healthy controls.
  • >90% of HFpEF patients had 25(OH)D insufficiency and 30% had frank 25(OH)D deficiency.
  • In HFpEF patients, lower 25(OH)D was associated with worse exercise intolerance, measures objectively as peak oxygen consumption and 6-minute walk distance.
  • However, 25(OH)D was not associated with left ventricular structure or function.

Citation:

Pandey A, Kitzman DW, Houston DK, Chen H, Shea MK. Vitamin D status and exercise capacity in older patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. [Published online ahead of print August 1, 2018]. Am J Med. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.07.009.