Relation of Low Vitamin D to Nonvalvular Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Chinese Patients

Background Low vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. We evaluated the association between low vitamin D and AF. Methods We analyzed data from 162 Chinese patients with nonvalvular persistent AF and no other cardiovascular disease whose serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured in our hospital (AF group). Healthy subjects without AF who underwent health screening at our hospital served as controls (non-AF group, n = 160). 25(OH)D was measured by chemiluminescence assay. Results The serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the AF group than in the non-AF group (18.5 ± 10.3 vs 21.4 ± 10.7 ng/mL, P 30 ng/mL). Conclusions Low vitamin D levels are associated with AF. It may be involved in its development.