Vitamin D Deficiency As A Risk Factor For Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) has been repeatedly linked to vitamin D inadequacy. Recent findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency is a serious issue in India. However, there is a dearth of studies examining this connection among Indians. A total of 120 patients with MI and 120 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were studied at Venugram Hospital, Belagavi, India. Both groups were tested for clinical and biochemical markers of MI risk. Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels were measured using eCLIA in previously obtained samples from both patients and controls.  Patients had lower median vitamin D levels, although vitamin D deficiency was widespread among both cases and controls. Patients more often suffered from diabetes, hypertension, and habitual use of tobacco products and alcohol. The values of both total and LDL cholesterol were also elevated. A multivariate logistic regression analysis found that those with severe vitamin D deficiency had an odds ratio of 4.5 times higher of experiencing a myocardial infarction.  In this Indian study of patients with and without acute myocardial infarction, the levels of 25 (OH)D were significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group. Even though hypovitaminosis is common, it was obvious that severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with acute MI after controlling for other, more conventional risk factors.