Intake of Vitamin K Antagonists and Worsening of Cardiac and Vascular Disease: Results From the Population‐Based Gutenberg Health Study

BACKGROUND: Preclinical data have indicated a link between use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and detrimental effects on vascular structure and function. The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between VKA intake and different phenotypes of subclinical cardiovascular disease in the population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical and laboratory data, as well as medical–technical examinations were assessed from 15 010 individuals aged 35 to 74 years during a highly standardized 5‐hour visit at the study center of the population‐based Gutenberg Health Study. In total, the study sample comprised 287 VKA users and 14 564 VKA nonusers. Multivariable analysis revealed an independent association between VKA intake and stiffness index (β=+2.54 m/s; [0.41/4.66]; P=0.019), ankle‐brachial index (β=−0.03; [−0.04/−0.01]; P<0.0001), intima‐media thickness (β=+0.03 mm [0.01/0.05]; P=0.0098), left ventricular ejection fraction (β=−4.02% [−4.70/−3.33]; P<0.0001), E/E′ (β=+0.04 [0.01/0.08]; P=0.014) left ventricular mass (β=+5.34 g/m(2.7) [4.26/6.44]; P<0.0001), and humoral markers of cardiac function and inflammation (midregional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide: β=+0.58 pmol/L [0.50/0.65]; P<0.0001; midregional pro‐adrenomedullin: β=+0.18 nmol/L [0.14/0.22]; P<0.0001; N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide: β=+1.90 pg/mL [1.63/2.17]; P<0.0001; fibrinogen: β=+143 mg/dL [132/153]; P<0.0001; C‐reactive protein: β=+0.31 mg/L [0.20/0.43]; P<0.0001). Sensitivity analysis in the subsample of participants with atrial fibrillation stratified by intake of VKA demonstrated consistent and robust results. Genetic variants in CYP2C9,CYP4F2, and VKORC1 were modulating effects of VKA on subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate negative effects of VKA on vascular and cardiac phenotypes of subclinical cardiovascular disease, indicating a possible influence on long‐term disease development. These findings may be clinically relevant for the provision of individually tailored antithrombotic therapy.