We will use a retrospective data analysis to evaluate the association of vitamin D status with clinical outcome in cardiac surgical patients. The occurrence of several postoperative adverse events such as myocardial infarction, low cardiac output syndrome, stroke and in-hospital death will be assessed from cardiac surgery to discharge. In addition, we will assess the association of vitamin D status with the duration of mechanical ventilatory support and intensive care unit stay from cardiac surgery to discharge. Moreover, in-hospital stay will be assessed according to vitamin D status.

In a retrospective data analysis, we will evaluate the association of vitamin D status (circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D) with MACCE (major cardiac or cerebrovascular event) in cardiac surgical patients. The occurrence of several postoperative adverse events such as myocardial infarction, low cardiac output syndrome, stroke and in-hospital death will be assessed from cardiac surgery to discharge. Approximately 4,500 data sets from January 2010 until the end of 2011 will be analyzed.In all patients, we will also assess the association of vitamin D status with the duration of mechanical ventilatory support and intensive care unit stay from cardiac surgery to discharge. Moreover, in-hospital stay will be assessed according to vitamin D status.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cardiac surgical patients aged 18 years and older

Exclusion Criteria:

• age < 18 years
• heart transplant recipients
• pacemaker or defibrillator implantation

cardiac surgical patients