Abstract
Introduction: Orthostatic hypotension in older people is common but difficult to treat. Vitamin K is required for the function of matrix gla protein (a powerful inhibitor of vascular calcification) so might exert beneficial effects on vascular health. We investigated differences in vitamin K status and vascular function in patients with orthostatic hypotension compared to those without.
Methods: Community dwelling men and women aged ≥65 years were recruited into a case control study. Exclusion criteria were taking warfarin, being unable to consent or stand unaided. Participants were allocated to orthostatic hypotension or control groups depending on the presence of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (drop in systolic blood pressure ≥20mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥10mmHg). Vascular function was assessed by flow mediated dilatation, carotid compliance, carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Fasting blood was obtained to determine desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix gla protein (dp-ucMGP), vitamin K1 and vitamin D levels.
Results: 49 participants (24 with orthostatic hypotension, 25 control) were recruited. Mean age was 75.7 years and 29 (59%) were women. Mean (SD) dp-ucMGP levels were not significantly different between the orthostatic hypotension and control groups (816 (311.4) pmol/L, 815 (555.7) pmol/L respectively, p = 0.99). Mean vitamin K1 levels were non-significantly lower in the orthostatic hypotension group (122 v 261 pg/ml, p = 0.07). Flow mediated dilatation (6.8% v 5.5%, p = 0.40), pulse wave velocity (7.8 m/s v 8.0 m/s, p = 0.73), augmentation index (34.5% v 36.4%, p = 0.51), carotid intima-media thickness (0.79 mm v 0.75 mm, p = 0.39), carotid compliance (0.054 mm2/mmHg v 0.052 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.86) and vitamin D levels (50 nmol/L v 50 nmol/L, p = 0.97) were not significantly different between the orthostatic hypotension and control groups.
Conclusions: Vitamin K status, vitamin D levels, and markers of vascular function were no different in those with orthostatic hypotension compared to control participants
Methods: Community dwelling men and women aged ≥65 years were recruited into a case control study. Exclusion criteria were taking warfarin, being unable to consent or stand unaided. Participants were allocated to orthostatic hypotension or control groups depending on the presence of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (drop in systolic blood pressure ≥20mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥10mmHg). Vascular function was assessed by flow mediated dilatation, carotid compliance, carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Fasting blood was obtained to determine desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix gla protein (dp-ucMGP), vitamin K1 and vitamin D levels.
Results: 49 participants (24 with orthostatic hypotension, 25 control) were recruited. Mean age was 75.7 years and 29 (59%) were women. Mean (SD) dp-ucMGP levels were not significantly different between the orthostatic hypotension and control groups (816 (311.4) pmol/L, 815 (555.7) pmol/L respectively, p = 0.99). Mean vitamin K1 levels were non-significantly lower in the orthostatic hypotension group (122 v 261 pg/ml, p = 0.07). Flow mediated dilatation (6.8% v 5.5%, p = 0.40), pulse wave velocity (7.8 m/s v 8.0 m/s, p = 0.73), augmentation index (34.5% v 36.4%, p = 0.51), carotid intima-media thickness (0.79 mm v 0.75 mm, p = 0.39), carotid compliance (0.054 mm2/mmHg v 0.052 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.86) and vitamin D levels (50 nmol/L v 50 nmol/L, p = 0.97) were not significantly different between the orthostatic hypotension and control groups.
Conclusions: Vitamin K status, vitamin D levels, and markers of vascular function were no different in those with orthostatic hypotension compared to control participants
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 49 |
| Pages (from-to) | ii14 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Age and Ageing |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | Issue suppl_2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Sept 2015 |
Keywords
- vitamin k
- orthostatic hypotension
- elderly