Cross-sectional analysis of the association between serum calcium levels and lipid profiles and the risk of cardiovascular disease in Saudi women

Calcium (Ca) plays a critical role beyond bone health, influencing lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum Ca levels and lipid profiles among Saudi women, considering menopausal status. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Taibah University, Madinah, including 300 women aged 20 to 60 years. Participants were divided into premenopausal (n = 180) and postmenopausal (n = 120) groups. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure serum Ca, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D (Vit-D), and lipid profiles. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Pearson correlation. Postmenopausal women exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), Ca, and PTH, and lower HDL-C and Vit-D levels compared to premenopausal women (P < .05). Serum Ca positively correlated with TC (R = 0.643) and TG (R = 0.731) and negatively with HDL-C (r = -0.513) in postmenopausal women. A weaker but significant positive correlation between Ca and TC was observed in premenopausal women. Elevated serum Ca levels are associated with adverse lipid profiles, particularly in postmenopausal Saudi women, indicating an increased cardiovascular risk. Early screening and careful management of Ca and lipid levels are recommended to mitigate future cardiovascular complications.