The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and thoracic aortic dilatation

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency can play a role in cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and hypertension. Vitamin D deficiency can activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which in turn affects the cardiovascular system. Thus, a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and thoracic aortic dilatation (TAD) and aneurysm could be postulated. In this study, we compared 25-OH vitamin D levels between TAD and control groups. Patients and methods: This study included 87 patients with TAD who were 40 - 70 years old. The control group consisted of 93 patients who were 40 - 70 years old and did not have TAD. A transthoracic echocardiography was performed on each patient. Along with routine tests, the 25-OH vitamin D and parathormone (PTH) levels were analyzed. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding their basic characteristics. The average PTH level of the TAD group was higher than that of the control group (94.87 ± 44.96 and 66.39 ± 30.58 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). The average 25-OH vitamin D level of the TAD group was lower than that of the control group (11.89 ± 7.54 and 15.98 ± 4.98 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.001). The initial conventional echocardiographic parameters of both groups were comparable. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the PTH and 25-OH vitamin D levels were independent predictors of TAD. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was found as an independent factor associated with TAD.