Vitamin D Level is Associated with Increased Left Ventricular Mass and Arterial Stiffness in Older Patients with Impaired Renal Function.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Impaired renal function is common among older patients. Deficiency of vitamin D is a frequent phenomenon among patients with impaired renal function, who are likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the association of 25 (OH) D levels with left ventricular mass and arterial stiffness in older patients with impaired renal function. MATERIAL AND METHODS Based on their admission estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 273 inpatients (≥65 years) were allocated into a normal eGFR group (≥60 ml/min) and an impaired eGFR group (<60 ml/min). The 25 (OH) D levels were measured and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was estimated. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used to explore arterial stiffness. RESULTS The 25 (OH) D levels of patients in the impaired eGFR group were significantly lower than in the normal eGFR group [(11.92±6.01) µg/L vs. (18.14±8.07) µg/L, p<0.05). LVMI and PWV were both significantly higher in the impaired eGFR group than in the normal eGFR group [(104.89±33.50) g/m2 vs. (92.95±18.95) g/m2, P<0.05; (15.99±3.10) m/s vs. (13.62±2.90) m/s, P<0.05]. After adjusting for age, sex, eGFR, cardiovascular risk factors, serum calcium, and iPTH levels, the inverse association between LVMI and 25 (OH) D, PWV, and 25 (OH) D were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D level is lower in older patients with impaired renal function. Lower vitamin D levels were correlated with higher left ventricular mass and increased arterial stiffness in older patients.