Vitamin D status in acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study

Background: The association of vitamin D deficiency with coronary artery disease (CAD) is controversial. This study seeks the association between vitamin D deficiency and acute myocardial infarction (MI) in Iraq.

Patients and methods: A total of 104 patients with acute MI and 104 healthy controls were studied throughout 2015. Their demographic, cardiovascular risk factors, and clinical characteristics were recorded. Serum vitamin D measurement was carried out for all patients.

Results: Vitamin D was more deficient in cases than controls; the number of cases was 60 (57.7%) and 53 (51%), respectively. However, a statistically significant difference (P=0.6) was not obtained. In the patient group, type 2 diabetes mellitus showed a strong association with vitamin D deficiency; there were 31 (81.6%) diabetic patients and 29 (43.9%) nondiabetic patients (P<0.001).

Conclusion: No statistical association between vitamin D deficiency and acute MI was found. Nevertheless, a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and acute MI with type 2 diabetes mellitus was seen.