Cardiovascular risc,vitamin d and parathormone levels and relationship between arterial stiffness in elderly hipertensives

Background and aims: Arterial stiffness occurs as a result of atherosclerotic risk factors growth like smoking, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and aging. In this study, we investigated to evaluate whether cardiovascular risk, serum 25(OH)D and parathormone levels are independently associated with arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients over 65 years of age.Materials and Methods: 99 patients aged 65 years and older who admitted to Cukurova University Medical Faculty Hospital with a diagnosis of essential hypertension were enrolled. 10 people without a chronic disease and drug use were considered as control group. In 99 patients, serum 25(OH)D and parathormone levels were determined. The change in common carotid diameter in systole relative to diastole was measured at baseline by ultrasonography. Several stiffness parameters were determined. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were recorded simultaneously. Degree of cardiovascular risk, 25(OH)D and parathormone levels were compared with carotid stiffness index (ß index).Results: In our study no statistically significant difference found between 25(OH)D, parathormone levels (p=0,240 between 25(OH)D levels and carotid siffness index, p=0,901 between parathormone levels and carotid stiffness index) with carotid stiffness index. Significant increase in mean carotid stiffness index was seen in high degree risk group (p=0,037) in cardiovascular risk groups.Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D and parathormone levels, however was not associated with arterial stiffness index, possibly due to hypertensive patients were under hypertensive medication to control blood pressure in our study. For understanding the need for vitamin D replacement and the relationship between vitamin D levels and arterial stiffness in 65 years and older hypertensive patients more extensive studies are needed. Further clinical and experimental studies may be needed to determine whether correction of vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the prevention of arterial stiffness.