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The effects of low vitamin D on coronary artery disease
Wei Ren Chen1, Yong An Qian2, Yun Dai Chen1
1Department of Cardiology, PLA General Hospital at Beijing, China.
Insights
Low vitamin D levels are linked to more severe coronary artery disease (CAD). This study found that individuals with lower vitamin D status had significantly higher coronary artery stenosis severity, indicating a potential risk factor for advanced CAD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading global cause of death.
- Low vitamin D status is associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity.
- The relationship between vitamin D levels and CAD severity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between low vitamin D status and the severity of coronary artery disease.
- To determine if vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for advanced coronary artery stenosis.
Main Methods:
- 348 patients undergoing coronary angiography for CAD evaluation were enrolled.
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured.
- Coronary artery disease severity was assessed using SYNTAX scores.
Main Results:
- The average serum 25(OH)D level in CAD patients was 18.2 ± 10.6 ng/ml.
- Lower 25(OH)D levels correlated negatively with SYNTAX scores and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).
- Patients with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml had a two-fold higher incidence of high SYNTAX scores compared to those above 30 ng/ml.
Conclusions:
- Low vitamin D status is significantly associated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis.
- Vitamin D deficiency may be an independent risk factor for severe coronary artery disease.
Purpose:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity. We planned to research the association between low vitamin D status and the severity of CAD.
Procedures:
A total of 348 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for evaluation of CAD were included in this study. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by chemiluminescence assay. CAD severity was assessed by using the SYNTAX scores. The data presented are the mean levels/values and standard deviation.
Findings:
The serum 25(OH)D level of CAD patients was 18.2 ± 10.6 ng/ml. The SYNTAX scores were 27.8 ± 8.5. In a multivariate linear regression analysis (adjusted for age, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, SYNTAX score, parathyroid hormone, body mass index, haemoglobin and creatinine), the serum 25(OH)D level showed a negative correlation with SYNTAX score and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level. Logistic regression analysis identified 25(OH)D as an independent factor related to high SYNTAX scores. Patients whose vitamin D levels were in the lowest 25(OH)D category (<20 ng/ml) were more often in the high SYNTAX scores group, with their incidence about two-fold higher than those in the highest 25(OH)D category (>30 ng/ml).
Conclusion:
Low vitamin D is associated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis.
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