Vitamin D Deficiency: Bone Loss and Vascular Dysfunction

Osteoporosis and vascular disease are two of the most common disorders affecting postmenopausal women. A potential association, beyond aging, has long been speculated. Our previous study revealed evidence of loss of vascular compliance in postmenopausal women with lower bone density, suggesting women with lower bone density had "stiffer" blood vessels. This proposal further investigates that association and a potential role of vitamin D deficiency as a possible common link between both bone loss and "hardening of the arteries".

Inclusion criteria

• Females ages 50-70 with ability to give informed consent
• One year past last menstrual period
• 20 women with Vitamin D levels < 15 mg/ml
• 20 women with Vitamin D levels > 30 mg/ml

Exclusion criteria

• women receiving hormone replacement therapy
• women receiving medication known to effect vascular compliance, including anti-hypertension medications
• subjects receiving therapy for osteoporosis
• hyperthyroidism
• untreated hypothyroidism
• history of metabolic bone disease
• current or previous use of medications known to accelerate bone loss
• chronic liver disease
• chronic renal disease
• diabetes mellitus
• obesity, BMI > 24