Vitamin D Deficiency and Relation to the New York Heart Association Functional Class in Chronic Heart Failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity.
• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, particularly in chronic conditions.
• The relationship between vitamin D levels and HF severity needs further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients residing in a sunny region.
• To assess the association between vitamin D levels and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes in CHF patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 657 chronic heart failure patients was analyzed.
• Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were evaluated based on NYHA functional classes.
• Ordinal regression analysis identified parameters associated with NYHA class.

Main Results:

• The median serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] level was 16.88 ng/mL.
• 25(OH)D levels showed positive correlations with eGFR, calcium, albumin, hemoglobin, and iron markers.
• Decreased vitamin D levels were independently associated with increased NYHA class (OR: 0.970, P=.024), alongside NT-proBNP and left atrial diameter.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent in chronic heart failure patients.
• Vitamin D levels are a significant determinant of NYHA functional class in heart failure.
• This highlights the potential role of vitamin D status in heart failure management.