| Objective To investigate the correlation between serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 level and severity of carotid stenosis in hypertension patients in alpine region. Methods A total of 230 Hulunbeier region residential patients with primary hypertension were recruited in this study and received carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound examination. According to the severity of carotid stenosis by semi-quantitative scoring, subjects were categorized into control group (63 cases), plaque group (136 cases), and stenosis group (31 cases). Subjects were further divided into 4 groups based on the quartitles of 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 levels. There were 58 cases in Q1 group (<7.47 ng/mL), 57 cases in Q2 group (7.47-13.78l ng/mL), 57 cases in Q3 group (13.79-21.04 ng/mL), and 58 cases in Q4 group (>21.04 ng/mL). Results The level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 in control group was statistically different comparing to that in plaque group (23.77±12.23 vs 13.77±8.92, P=0.000) and stenosis group (23.77±12.23 vs 9.18±9.79, P=0.000). Significant difference was also observed between plaque group and stenosis group (13.77±8.92 vs 9.18±9.79, P=0.012). The difference of stenosis scores among Q1 group, Q2 group, Q3 group, and Q4 group was significant (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 level was negatively correlated to plaque scores (r=-0.396, P=0.000. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 level was the independent protective factor for carotid plaques and stenosis in hypertension patients in alpine region. Conclusion The low level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 is related to severity of carotid stenosis in hypertension patients in alpine region. |