Researcher(s)
- Mackenzie Rattigan, Exercise Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Melissa Witman, KAAP, University of Delaware
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is common among U.S. adults. Cumulating evidence has implicated low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration ([25(OH)D]) in the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Black women (BLW) have higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, hypertension, and CVD than women of other races/ethnicities, and these disparities emerge in young adulthood. Higher brachial blood pressure (BP) has been observed in vitamin D insufficient/deficient ([25(OH)D] <30 ng/ml) compared to sufficient ([25(OH)D] >30 ng/ml) older BLW. However, not known is if this relationship exists in young BLW, or if [25(OH)D] is linked to central BP which has been shown to more strongly predict future CVD than the traditionally assessed peripheral (brachial) BP. This study sought to asses if any associations may exist between low serum [25(OH)D] and central BP measurements through pulse wave analysis. Participants include young (18-30 years), apparently healthy, non- obese, non-hypertensive, BLW (self-identified). Serum [25(OH)D] was clinically quantified via a fasted venous blood sample. During morning hours (07:00-10:00), resting supine peripheral systolic and diastolic BP were measured, and central BPs were estimated using pulse wave analysis. Thirteen BLW (23±5 years) completed the study. Serum [25(OH)D] was 19.5±7.5 ng/ml for IN/DEF (N=8) vs. 43.3±9.2 ng/ml for SUF (N=5) (p<0.001). Preliminary data suggest low serum [25(OH)D] is strongly negatively correlated with four measurements of central BP (AI, AP, PP, and Forward Pulse Height) in young adult BLW, thus longitudinal or cross- sectional studies across the lifespan are needed to elucidate the role of vitamin D on the cardiovascular system.