Vitamin K2 serves an important role in cardiovascular health through regulation of calcium homeostasis. Its effects on the cardiovascular system are mediated through activation of the anti-calcific protein known as matrix Gla protein. In its inactive form, this protein is associated with various markers of cardiovascular disease including increased arterial stiffness, vascular and valvular calcification, insulin resistance and heart failure indices which ultimately increase cardiovascular mortality. Supplementation of vitamin K2 has been strongly associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes through its modification of systemic calcification and arterial stiffness. Although its direct effects on delaying the progression of vascular and valvular calcification is currently the subject of multiple randomised clinical trials, prior reports suggest potential improved survival among cardiac patients with vitamin K2 supplementation. Strengthened by its affordability and Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA)-proven safety, vitamin K2 supplementation is a viable and promising option to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Data sharing not applicable as no datasets generated and/or analysed for this study.

中文翻译：

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维生素 K2——心血管健康中被忽视的参与者：叙述性评论

维生素 K2 通过调节钙稳态在心血管健康中发挥重要作用。它对心血管系统的影响是通过激活称为基质 Gla 蛋白的抗钙化蛋白来介导的。在其非活性形式下，这种蛋白质与心血管疾病的各种标志物有关，包括动脉僵硬度增加、血管和瓣膜钙化、胰岛素抵抗和心力衰竭指数，最终会增加心血管死亡率。维生素 K2 的补充通过改善全身钙化和动脉僵硬度与改善心血管结局密切相关。虽然它对延缓血管和瓣膜钙化进展的直接作用目前是多项随机临床试验的主题，先前的报告表明，补充维生素 K2 可以提高心脏病患者的生存率。由于其可负担性和食品药品监督管理局 (FDA) 证明的安全性，维生素 K2 补充剂是改善心血管结局的可行且有希望的选择。数据共享不适用，因为没有为本研究生成和/或分析的数据集。