Inter-Arm Blood Pressure Difference and Severe Vitamin D Deficiency

An inter-arm blood pressure difference of more than 15 mm Hg (IAD) is associated with increased cardiovascular events and premature mortality. IAD is common in hypertensive patients. The underlying pathology appears to be atherosclerotic arterial disease involving the upper extremities. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased atherosclerosis, partly due to its vascular inflammatory effects. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in hypertensive patients. This study reveals that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of IAD in hypertensive patients.