loading page

Low serum 25-Hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels are associated with increased arterial stiffness in healthy children: An echocardiographic study from Turkey
  • Emine Azak,
  • İlker Çetin
Emine Azak
University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
İlker Çetin
Yildirim Beyazit University Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile

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.
02 May 2021Submitted to Echocardiography
10 May 2021Submission Checks Completed
10 May 2021Assigned to Editor
16 May 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Nov 2021Published in Echocardiography volume 38 issue 11 on pages 1941-1947. 10.1111/echo.15248