Key Highlights
- Vitamin D3 supplementation may reduce the risk of a second heart attack.
- The study involved 630 participants who had previously experienced a heart attack.
- Treatment with targeted vitamin D3 reduced the risk of repeat heart attacks by half compared to the control group.
- Researchers adjusted vitamin D3 doses based on individual needs, aiming for optimal levels.
New Study Suggests Vitamin D3 Can Protect Against Second Heart Attack
A new study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 has found that targeted supplementation of vitamin D3 may significantly reduce the risk of a second heart attack. The research, conducted by Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, monitored participants’ vitamin D blood levels and adjusted their doses to maintain optimal levels throughout the trial.
The study involved 630 individuals who had already experienced a heart attack. The researchers found that those receiving targeted vitamin D3 treatment had half as many follow-up heart attacks compared to the control group, where the rate of repeat heart attacks was 7.9% versus 3.8%, respectively.
According to the study, prior observational research has shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with poor cardiovascular health.
However, previous clinical trials yielded mixed results when it came to vitamin D3’s impact on heart health. The current trial aimed to address this inconsistency by adjusting the vitamin D3 dosage based on individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Understanding Vitamin D and Its Role in Heart Health
Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining overall health, supporting bone growth, immune function, and muscle and nerve functioning. While past research has suggested that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to poor cardiovascular outcomes, the relationship between vitamin D3 and heart health remains complex.
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist from MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, noted that while higher blood levels of vitamin D are correlated with lower heart disease rates, “the evidence for causation is still mixed.” He added that vitamin D3 may offer cardiovascular benefits by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.
Dr. Louis Malinow, Director of Education and Clinical Excellence at MDVIP and Diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, agreed with Dr.
Chen’s assessment. “The current study is significant as it shows that targeted vitamin D3 treatment can reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks,” he stated.
Malinow highlighted that a longer-term study focusing on individuals at higher risk for heart disease might yield even stronger benefits from correcting vitamin D deficiencies. He suggested, “A trial aiming to reach a vitamin D level closer to 60 nmol/L in primary prevention patients could be more impactful.”
Implications and Future Research
The findings of this study suggest that targeted vitamin D3 supplementation may offer a promising strategy for reducing the risk of second heart attacks. However, Dr. Malinow emphasized the need for larger-scale trials to confirm these results.
“While the current trial shows potential, more extensive research is necessary,” said Dr.
Malinow. “A larger study could help determine if targeted vitamin D3 treatment can become a standard part of heart disease prevention strategies.”
Intermountain Health researchers plan to conduct a larger clinical trial to further validate their findings. In the meantime, healthcare providers may consider monitoring and adjusting vitamin D levels in patients with a history of heart attacks as an adjunctive therapy.
Note: The study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 is not yet published in a peer-reviewed journal. Further research is required to fully understand the role of vitamin D3 in heart health and its potential applications in clinical practice.
