Vitamin D levels predict hospitalization and mortality in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES

Low levels of vitamin D are closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem globally, occurring with increasing frequency and characterised by poor prognosis despite therapy. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D levels on hospitalisation and mortality in patients with HF.

DESIGN

Patients with ejection fraction <50% (n = 219) were included in this prospective study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained at presentation. Patients were classified into Group 1 (vitamin D level ≤50 nmol/L) and Group 2 (vitamin D level >50 nmol/L). Median follow-up time was 12 months. Hospitalisation rates and overall survival were compared between groups. Independent predictors of hospitalisation and mortality were defined.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up period of 12 months, hospitalisation and overall death occurred more frequently in Group 1 than in Group 2 (23.4% vs 7.3% and 16.1% vs 1.2%, respectively; p < 0.005 for both).Vitamin D was defined as an independent predictor of hospitalisation and mortality.Higher levels were found to be associated with decreased hospitalisation (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84-0.95, p < 0.001) and mortality (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.92, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with HF, and low vitamin D levels are closely associated with increased hospitalisation and mortality.