Relationship between serum vitamin D levels and angiographic severity and extent of coronary artery disease

Background Vitamin D is known for its effect in calcium and bone homeostasis. There is an increasing evidence for health benefits accomplished by activated vitamin D that go beyond these classical functions. Previous studies have suggested that lower vitamin D levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate relationship between vitamin D levels and extent and severity of coronary artery disease. Materials and methods A total of 746 patients in whom coronary angiography was performed between August 2012 and July 2013 were enrolled in this study. Serum vitamin D levels were measured, and patients were grouped according to their serum vitamin D levels (vitamin D 20 ng/dL (n = 144) Group 2). Gensini score system was used to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and severity and extent of coronary artery disease. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics and demographic characteristics. Mean serum vitamin D levels of all patient cohort was 15·54 ± 7·46 ng/mL. Group 1 and Group 2 had an average serum vitamin D levels of 12·6 ± 3·3 ng/mL and 27·5 ± 7·8 ng/mL, respectively. Gensini score for all cohort was 26·25 ± 34·32. Group 1 had an average Gensini score of 26·4 ± 35·7; on the other hand, Gensini score was 25·5 ± 27·5 in Group 2 (P = 0·097). Conclusions This study failed to demonstrate significant relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the severity and extent of coronary artery disease. Further studies with more participation and homogenous groups with comparable individual and environmental features are needed to evaluate the association of serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular diseases.