Evaluation of Correlation between Serum Levels of Vitamin D and Coronary Artery Disease: An Existing Debate

Abstract

Introduction: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the global leading cause of death. Previous studies have been controversial on whether lower serum vitamin D levels could enhance the risk of CAD or its extent. Aim: To evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and CAD by using a novel and promising angiographic index the Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 227 consecutive patients with suspected CAD referred for Coronary Angiography (CAG) were included. The patient’s clinical and demographic data were recorded. Blood sample was taken from each subject to measure serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration at the time of admission. Then CAG was performed and patients were divided according to their degree of CAD. Stenosis more than 50% in at least one main coronary artery was defined as significant CAD. Among the patients with significant CAD, the severity of the disease was assessed using the SYNTAX score. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and independent t-test. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (ρ) and scatter plot were also used to detect the relationship between quantitative variables. Results: The mean serum vitamin D concentration of the participants was 32.1±21 ng/mL. CAG confirmed 150 patients had significant and 77 had non-significant CAD. Mean serum vitamin D concentration was higher among the non-significant CAD group than the other group, but not statistically significant (p=0.94). In patients with significant CAD, the mean SYNTAX score was 11.7±6.8 and mean serum vitamin D was 30.3±12.4 ng/mL. Correlation analysis revealed a weak and not significant inverse correlation (r=-0.037, p=0.67) between serum vitamin D levels and the SYNTAX score. Conclusion: The CAD and its severity may not be associated with serum vitamin D levels. Future large investigations will reveal more detailed results.

Keywords

• 25-hydroxyvitamin
• coronary angiography
• syntax score