Assessment of serum Vitamin D status in hypertensive patients at tertiary care academic hospital

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis and exerts widespread effects on cardiovascular physiology through the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). Emerging evidence suggests that Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to hypertension through the modulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and endothelial function. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and hypertension in adults attending a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Himalaya Medical College and Hospital, Paliganj, Bihar, over 4 months following ethical approval. A total of 100 participants aged 30–65 years were enrolled, comprising 50 hypertensive patients (cases) and 50 normotensive individuals (controls). Serum Vitamin D3 levels were measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay on the Mini Vidas System. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 30, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to assess associations, with P<0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age of cases and controls was 50.8±8.3 years and 49.2±6.9 years, respectively. Hypertensive patients had significantly lower mean serum Vitamin D levels compared to controls (15.1±0.56 ng/mL vs. 24.1±1.1 ng/mL; P<0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between Vitamin D levels and hypertension (r=−0.323, P=0.001). Conclusion: Hypertensive individuals exhibited significantly lower serum Vitamin D levels, with an inverse correlation between Vitamin D concentration and blood pressure. These findings suggest Vitamin D deficiency as a potential modifiable risk factor for hypertension, warranting larger prospective studies to establish causality and explore preventive strategies.