Vitamin D as a Key Mediator Between C-reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Congestive Heart Failure in an Elderly Population: An Innovative Exploration Using the NHANES Database

Elevated CAR and vitamin D deficiency are independently associated with increased CHF risk in older adults. Vitamin D partially mediated the association between CAR and CHF, underscoring its role in linking inflammation/nutrition status to cardiovascular risk. Clinicians should monitor both biomarkers in CHF prevention, prioritizing inflammation control and vitamin D repletion in high-risk populations.