Muscle pain linked to vitamin D3 and statins; preference for salt and cardiovascular risk

Compared to placebo, researchers found that vitamin D3 supplementation did not significantly reduce muscle symptoms associated with statins.

“Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are common and often lead to discontinuation of statins. Several observational studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with the development of SAMS and plausible mechanisms have been proposed that link low levels of vitamin D to the development of SAMS”, Mark A. Hlatkydoctor, a professor at Stanford University, and his colleagues wrote.

It was the biggest story in cardiology last week.

Another featured story covered a study that found less frequent salt use was associated with a reduced total risk of cardiovascular events. The study builds on previous research “and hints at the possible role that long-term salt preferences may have on the risks of total cardiovascular events and major cardiovascular disease subtypes,” Sarah GhoneimMARYLANDfrom the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center wrote.

Read these stories and more in cardiology below:

Vitamin D3 May Not Help Relieve Statin-Related Muscle Pain

Vitamin D3 supplementation was not associated with a reduction in statin-associated muscle symptoms compared to placebo in new statin users enrolled in the VITAL trial, according to a trial subanalysis published in JAMA Cardiology. Read more.

Long-term salt preferences may influence CVD risk

Lower use of added dietary salt is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure and ischemic heart disease, whether or not individuals follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, according to data from a prospective study . Read more.

Environmental toxins linked to CV mortality rate; lead in the US, air pollution in the UK

In the US and UK, exposure to environmental factors such as lead and ambient particulates may be correlated with increased cardiovascular mortality, according to a 30-year analysis of mortality data. Read more.

Fatty liver conditions ‘change the healthy heart into a failing heart’

CVD risk increases with the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular and hepatic events are “strongly related” to the degree of liver fibrosis present, according to one speaker. Read more.

Edoxaban best alternative to standard care for children at risk of blood clots

For children with rare heart conditions that increase the risk of thromboembolism, daily edoxaban may be a safe and effective alternative to the current standard of care for this age group, the researchers reported. Read more.