Serum Level of Vitamin D Is Associated with Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Postmenopausal Women

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Postmenopausal women experience rapid progression of coronary artery disease. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency might be considered a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The main object of this study was to analyze the potential cardioprotective effect of 25(OH)D and its influence on coronary atherosclerosis assessed by Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score (CASSS). We prospectively enrolled over 300 postmenopausal women undergoing coronary angiography. Our study showed that women with more severe coronary atherosclerosis have significantly lower serum levels of 25(OH)D. We also presented that vitamin D serves as an independent determinant of the CASS Score. Our study provides further evidence that low vitamin D level appears to be a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease. ABSTRACT: Background: Postmenopausal women experience rapid progression of coronary artery disease. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to analyze the impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) level on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and its potential cardioprotective effect in postmenopausal women. Material and Methods: The study prospectively recruited 351 women in postmenopausal age undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed using the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score (CASSS). A level of 25(OH)D was measured with electrochemiluminescence. Results: Women with more severe coronary atherosclerosis have significantly lower 25(OH)D serum level (p = 0.0001). Vitamin D (β = −0.02; p = 0.016), hypertension (β = 0.44; p = 0.025), age (β = 0.02; p = 0.003), and history of MI (β = 0.63; p < 0.0001), were shown as CASSS determinants. Age, hyperlipidemia, and history of MI were found to determine the level of vitamin D (all p < 0.05). Women with a three-vessel disease hospitalized due to ACS, with a history of MI, hyperlipidemia and hypertension presented the lowest vitamin D level. Conclusions: Our study showed that lower serum 25(OH)D in postmenopausal women is associated with more significant stenosis in the coronary arteries. Therefore, we suggest considering low vitamin D level as a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease.