Impaired Cardiac Functions and Aortic Elastic Properties in Patients with Severe Vitamin D Deficiency

The study explored the effect of severe Vitamin D deficiency on cardiac functions and aortic elastic properties determined by echocardiography.

It included 56 patients with Vitamin D deficiency (Group 1; 16 men, 40 women; mean age 43.1 ± 11.4 years) and 42 healthy individuals with normal Vitamin D levels (Group 2; 11 men, 31 women; mean age 40.0 ± 7.5 years). Calcium, parathormone, alkaline phosphatase, and Vitamin D levels were measured from blood samples, and all participants underwent echocardiographic examination.

Left ventricular diastolic functions were determined by both conventional and tissue Doppler methods and were found to be impaired in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Aortic distensibility was significantly reduced in Group 1 compared to Group 2, whereas aortic stiffness index was significantly increased. Left atrial active emptying volume and fraction (LAAEV and LAAEF) were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. There were significant negative correlations between Vitamin D level and LAAEV, LAAEF, and septal E/E' ratio and significant positive correlations between Vitamin D level and septal, lateral, anterior, and right ventricular annular E' velocities.

In severe Vitamin D deficiency, echocardiographically assessed diastolic functions appeared particularly impaired, and ventricular myocardial velocities and aortic elastic parameters were also adversely affected. In addition, LA mechanical functions were impaired, probably secondary to disturbed diastolic functions.