Vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular diseases: results from the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Vitamin D levels and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and angina. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing (NeLSA) between 2016 and 2018. The effect of Vitamin D on CVDs was analyzed in conjunction with socioeconomic and medical history variables. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and logistic regression in the R. Results: Vitamin D levels were evaluated in 3414 participants (1527 men and 1889 women), with over two-thirds of participants showing insufficiency or deficiency of Vitamin D. Among them, 362 participants had self -reported diagnosed CADs. The study did not find a significant association between serum 25OH Vitamin D levels and the risk of CADs. Adjusted logistic regression revealed that male gender was a risk factor for MI (OR=4.7; 95% CI: 3.125-6), stroke (OR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.08-2.85), and angina (OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.03-2.7). Additionally, having one or more medical conditions other than hypertension and diabetes was associated with angina (OR=7.14; 95% CI: 3.7-14.7), MI (OR=5; 95% CI: 2.97-8.3), and stroke (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-4.7). Participants aged over 70 years were more likely to experience angina (OR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.36-4.5) and stroke (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.35-4.5). Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. While the protective role of Vitamin D against CADs was not supported in this study, it does not discount the potential benefits of Vitamin D supplementation for overall health in older individuals.