LowvitaminDlevels favor atherosclerosis
enabling vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, formation of foam cells, and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. The
antihypertensive properties of vitamin D include suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, renoprotective effects,
direct effects on endothelial cells and calcium metabolism, inhibition of growth of vascular smooth muscle cells, prevention
of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors