Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with both arterial and ventricular stiffness in healthy subjects

Abstract

BackgroundVitamin D regulates the renin–angiotensin system, suppresses proliferation of vascular smooth muscle and improves endothelial cell dependent vasodilatation. These mechanisms may play a role on pathogenesis of arterial and left ventricular stiffness. ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with arterial and left ventricular stiffness in healthy subjects. MethodsWe studied 125 healthy subjects without known cardiovascular risk factors or overt heart disease (mean age: 60.2±11.9 years). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured using a direct competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the serum vitamin D level; vitamin D sufficient (≥20ng/ml, n=56) and vitamin D deficient (<20ng/ml, n=69). Indexes of LV stiffness such as E/A and E/E′ were measured. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), which reflects arterial stiffness, was calculated using the single-point method via the Mobil-O-Graph® ARC solver algorithm. ResultsSystolic blood pressure, level of serum calcium, PWV and E/E′ values were higher and E/A values were lower in vitamin D deficient group compared with vitamin D sufficient group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that vitamin D level was independently associated with E/E′ (β=−0.364, p<0.001), serum calcium (r=−0.136, p=0.014), PWV (β=−0.203, p=0.003), E/A (β=0.209, p=0.001) and systolic blood pressure (β=−0.293, p<0.001). Conclusion25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with increased ventricular and arterial stiffness as well as systolic blood pressure in healthy subjects.