The effects of vitamin D deficiency on atherosclerosis status in Saudi Arabia dwellers

Background: Vitamin D has been shown to play a critical role in several systems other than the skeleton system. This study investigates the role of vitamin D in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis. Hypothesis: Adequate blood concentrations of vitamin D have a role in preventing atherosclerosis disease and reducing atherosclerosis risk factors. Methods: Participants n=97 aged (Mean±SD) 48.2±8.4 years from both sexes segregated into n=33 controls, n=30 at-risk, and n=34 diagnosed with atherosclerosis. Background characteristics and vitamin D status were assessed from serum 25(OH)D, diet, supplements, and sun exposure. Atherosclerosis status and risk factors were assessed using a combination of clinical records, fasted blood (to ascertain C-reactive protein (CRP), blood glucose (FBG), and lipids profiles) and vascular structural and functional characteristics (including carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV), central-blood pressure (cBP), peripheral-blood pressure (pBP), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid inter-adventitial diameter (IAD)). Results: Amongst the participants 51.5% were vitamin D deficient, 25(OH)D