Low serum 25-Hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels are associated with increased arterial stiffness in healthy children: An echocardiographic study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

Arterial stiffness refers to arterial wall rigidity, particularly in central vessels, and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in many chronic diseases. 25-Hydroxy (OH) vitamin D has beneficial effects on blood pressure, vascular endothelial function, and arterial stiffness; most importantly, its deficiency is common worldwide. 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 subjects. 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 and 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 inter-ventricular septal diastolic thickness (IVST) 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. Hence, we suggest that arterial stiffness may also occur in healthy children with a 25-OH vitamin D deficiency. Future in-depth studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms underlying the aortic stiffness development associated with 25-OH vitamin D deficiency.