Vitamin D deficiency among Polish patients with angiographically confirmed coronary heart disease

Epidemiological data on serum vitamin D levels in the population of Polish patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease are limited.The aim of the study was to prospectively assess the concentrations of vitamin D in a group of patients from the Cardiological Department in Bielanski Hospital in Warsaw referred for coronary angiography due to suspected coronary artery disease.The study included a total of 1,043 qualified patients (374 women and 669 men, age: 66,9±11,0 years) who underwent coronary angiography between the years of 2013 and 2017. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed by electrochemiluminescence.The median 25(OH)D concentration in the study group was 15.2 ng/ml (range: 4.0 - 55.0 ng/ml). Optimal 25(OH)D concentrations (ie., equal to or greater than 30 ng/ml) were found in 64 patients (6%). Severe deficiencies (less than 10 ng/ml) were found in 229 patients (22%). Moderate deficiencies (concentration equal to or greater than 10 ng/ml and less than 20 ng/ml) and mild deficiencies (concentration equal to or greater than 20 ng/ml and less than 30 ng/ml) were observed in 525 (50%) and 225 patients (22%), respectively.Vitamin D deficiency was found in 94% of residents of central Poland with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease. 22% of patients had a severe vitamin D deficiency. Due to the documented effects of vitamin D on the cardiovascular system and the fact that cardiovascular disease (including coronary artery disease) is still the most common cause of death in developed countries, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies should be considered to combat 25(OH)D deficiency in this group of Polish patients.