Vitamin D is an emerging agent with tremendous potential and may represent a novel target for therapy in congestive heart failure (CHF). Further studies are needed to identify the mechanism(s) involved in the pathophysiology as well as to adequately examine the role of Vitamin D measurement and supplementation in patients with CHF.

• Despite advanced medical and device–based therapies, congestive heart failure (CHF) remains a major medical problem, associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in CHF and is associated with poor outcomes.
• In this manuscript the authors review the evidence linking vitamin D deficiency and CHF and discuss potential mechanisms involved, as well the clinical data on vitamin D supplementation in CHF patients.
• A clear relationship has been established between Vitamin D deficiency and increased mortality and morbidity in CHF.
• However, the mechanism involved is not clearly understood.
• Recent clinical and experimental evidence have identified the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and inflammatory cytokines as likely mediators that can lead to poor clinical outcomes via the cardiorenal syndrome.
• Clinical data on vitamin D supplementation also remain unestablished, with potential clinical benefits recently reported in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
• Nonetheless, large–scale randomized clinical trials are lacking.

Source: Current Opinion in Cardiology