Low serum 25-Hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels are associated with increased
arterial stiffness in healthy children: An echocardiographic study from
Turkey
Abstract
Objective: Arterial stiffness refers to arterial wall rigidity,
particularly in central vessels, and is an independent predictor of
cardiovascular disease. 25-Hydroxy (OH) vitamin D has beneficial effects
on blood pressure, vascular endothelial function, and arterial
stiffness. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the role of 25-OH vitamin D
deficiency in arterial stiffness development and its relationship with
arterial stiffness in healthy children. Methods: This study included 80
patients with low levels of 25-OH vitamin D and 40 healthy control. The
study participants were then divided into three groups: group 1
consisted of patients with a deficient 25-OH D level of < 19.9
ng/mL, group 2 with an insufficient 25-OH D level between 20-29.9 ng/mL;
group 3 were considered control group with a sufficient serum 25-OH
vitamin D level of ≥30 ng/mL. Aortic strain, distensibility, stiffness
index, and standard left ventricular measurements were calculated using
M-mode echocardiographic data. Results: Left ventricular mass index
(LVMI) and interventricular septal diastolic thickness (IVSTd) appeared
to increase in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3. Aortic strain and
distensibility were significantly decreased in group 1, whereas aortic
stiffness index and elastic modulus were significantly increased. The
aortic stiffness index was negatively correlated with serum 25-OH
vitamin D levels; however, aortic strain, aortic distensibility, and
LVMI were positively correlated. Conclusions: Our study results revealed
a significant relationship between 25-OH vitamin D levels indicative of
a deficiency and aortic stiffness. We suggest that arterial stiffness
may also occur in healthy children with a 25-OH vitamin D deficiency.