The Relationship of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness with Serum Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D

Background: The potential predictive role of deficiencies in certain elements on the increase in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and consequently on the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, remains an important question. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between CIMT and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Methods: The study population consisted of individuals from the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Study (KERCADRS). Serum samples were collected to measure levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. The CIMT was assessed using highresolution B-mode ultrasound scanning. Results: A total of 180 cases were evaluated. The mean CIMT was significantly higher in men than in women (P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between CIMT and both patient age (P<0.001) and lower HDL level (P<0.001). However, no significant relationships were observed between CIMT and serum calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Using a multivariate linear regression model, significant predictors of mean CIMT were found to be male gender (beta=0.055, P<0.001), patient age (beta 0.006, P<0.001), and low serum HDL level (beta=-0.002, P=0.031). In this model, vitamin D levels did not predict CIMT (beta=0.001, P=0.081). Conclusion: The increase in CIMT was significantly associated with male gender, aging, and low serum HDL levels. However, no significant relationships were found between CIMT and changes in serum calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.