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The Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D in Patients With Heart Failure

Phase 4
Completed
Conditions
Heart Failure
Vitamin D Deficiency
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT00497900
Lead Sponsor
Hvidovre University Hospital
Brief Summary

Previous studies have shown high proportions of vitamin D deficiency among elderly in Denmark. Vitamin D is important for muscular function. The investigators intend to examine if it is possible to improve cardiovascular function in patients with heart failure and vitamin D deficiency by supplementation with vitamin D.

Detailed Description

Heart failure (HF) is a major course of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence in the Danish population is 1-2% and for age 50 -75 years: 2-3% (1) . It has been estimated that there are currently 6.5 million HF patients in Europe and 5 million in the USA (2) . Lack of vitamin D has been linked to heart disease including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and hypertension.(3) Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the elderly population. Calcium absorption, bone mineralization and muscle function may be impaired. Vitamin D receptors have also been demonstrated in skeletal as well as cardiac muscle(4) . Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) are closely linked in the calcium metabolic system. In order to maintain serum calcium within range PTH and vitamin D acts together in response to changes in serum-calcium levels. 25(OH)D concentration also being an important factor determining the levels of PTH.(5) Decreasing vitamin D leads to increasing levels of PTH. Hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney-disease has in numerous studies been linked to cardiovascular disease, left ventricle hypertrophy, and valvular calcification .(6) Aim: Intervention with vitamin D and calcium will improve patients' vitamin D levels and suppress PTH. Thus we hope to find an improved cardiac function and quality of life in the intervention-group.

Comparison: Cardiac function (and other effect parameters - such as self-evaluated health) in the intervention group vs. in the placebo-group

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
45
Inclusion Criteria
  • Over 18 years of age
  • Vitamin D (serum 25-OHD): 50nmol/l or less
  • Heart failure (EF 40% or less, NYHA:2 or more)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Calcium metabolic disturbances
  • Granulomatous diseases
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Intake of 400IU (or more) vitamin D/day
  • Condition too poor to participate
  • Pregnancy
  • AF with HF 90 or above
  • Mitral insufficiency, degree 3 or above
  • Large cardiac aneurisms
  • Significant aorta stenosis
  • Significant aorta insufficiency
  • Allergy to components

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
1Vitamin DCalcium and vitamin D
2Vitamin DCalcium and placebo (cellulose)
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Ejection fraction6 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Biochemical markers6 months
Quality of life6 months

Self assessed health (MLHFQ)

6 minutes walk test6 months

combined skeletal and cardiac muscle function

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hvidovre University Hospital

🇩🇰

Hvidovre, Denmark

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