Abstract
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for Disability Adjusted Life Years lost globally. Epidemiological data show a correlation between increased sun exposure and reduced population BP and cardiovascular mortality. Individuals with high serum vitamin D levels are at reduced risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, yet multiple trial data show that oral vitamin D supplementation has no effect on these endpoints.
Sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancers, but no link has been shown with increased all-cause mortality. Cohort studies from Scandinavia show a dose dependent fall in mortality with increased sun seeking behaviour.
Skin contains significant stores of nitrogen oxides, which can be mobilised to NO by UV radiation and exported to the systemic circulation. Human studies show that this pathway can cause arterial vasodilatation and reduced BP. Murine studies suggest the same mechanism may reduce metabolic syndrome.
Sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancers, but no link has been shown with increased all-cause mortality. Cohort studies from Scandinavia show a dose dependent fall in mortality with increased sun seeking behaviour.
Skin contains significant stores of nitrogen oxides, which can be mobilised to NO by UV radiation and exported to the systemic circulation. Human studies show that this pathway can cause arterial vasodilatation and reduced BP. Murine studies suggest the same mechanism may reduce metabolic syndrome.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Blood Purification |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Jan 2016 |
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Dr Richard Weller discusses the cardiovascular benefits of ultraviolet
30/07/16 → 3/08/16
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