Effects of Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and LOw vITamind D Levels

Effects of Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and LOw vITamind D Levels. A Phase 2 Randomized Double Blind Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether cholecalciferol supplementation in patients with chronic heart failure and low vitamin D levels improves:

1. performance at six minutes walking test
2. echocardiographic parameters
3. neurohormonal imbalance

Inclusion Criteria:

• Heart failure diagnosis according to European Society of Cardiology Guideline criteria
• Age > 60 years old
• 25(OH) Vitamin D level < 30 ng/ml
• Clinical and therapeutic stability for one month (NYHA class II or III)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic use of anticonvulsants or barbiturates, steroids, thiazides, aluminium or magnesium, colestipol or cholestyramine
• Glomerular filtration rate lower than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 according to MDRD equation
• Nephrolitiasis, Sarcoidosis or hypercalcemia
• Recent (three months) acute coronary syndrome or stroke or major vascular surgery
• Reduced life expectancy due to other diseases (active neoplasms, liver cirrhosis...)