Association of 25 (OH) vitamin D levels with carotid intima media thickness in elderly north Indians

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerosis is a major factor for cerebrovascular disease development and involves complex interplay between different cell types of the immune system with cells of the vessel wall. It can be measured by assessing the carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). A number of studies have shown variable results on the relationship between 25 (OH) D deficiency and subclinical atherosclerosis. The objectives of the present study were therefore to investigate the relationship between CIMT and Vitamin D status in the North Indian population ≥ 60 years. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 60 years who visited hospital for health check-up were enrolled and analyzed in present study. Results: 61.2 % of the subjects under study were Vitamin D deficient with mean Vitamin D level of 25.1 ± 15.6 ng/mL. The average C-IMT was 0.81 ± 0.27 mm. A significant inverse relationship was found between 25(OH) D concentration and CIMT with p = 0.003. Conclusion: Our data shows an inverse association of 25 (OH) Vitamin D concentration with CIMT in elderly subjects ≥ 60 years. These findings suggest a potential role Vitamin D deficiency in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis.