The association between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D and increased aortic stiffness.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Accumulating evidence suggests vitamin D's significant role in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
• Low vitamin D status has been previously associated with elevated cardiovascular risk.
• Arterial stiffness is a critical indicator of cardiovascular health and a predictor of future events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and arterial stiffness.
• To determine if low vitamin D is independently linked to increased aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV).

Main Methods:

• A random sample of 560 individuals from the general population was analyzed.
• Arterial stiffness was quantified using aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV) measured by Sphygmocor.
• Serum 25(OH)D levels were determined using commercial immunoassays.

Main Results:

• A significant inverse relationship was observed between 25(OH)D levels and aortic PWV.
• Individuals in the lowest 25(OH)D quartile (<20 ng/mL) exhibited the highest mean aortic PWV (9.04 m/s).
• This association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, and other confounders, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.04 for high PWV in the lowest vitamin D quartile.

Conclusions:

• Serum 25(OH)D levels are significantly and independently associated with arterial stiffness.
• Lower vitamin D status corresponds to increased arterial stiffness, highlighting a potential target for cardiovascular risk reduction.