Higher levels of phosphorus in the blood are linked to increased calcification of the coronary arteries a key marker of heart disease risk, according to a study in an upcoming issue of Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). “This may help to explain why even early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk that is not otherwise explained by traditional risk factors,” comments Katherine R. Tuttle, MD (Providence Medical Research Center, Spokane, WA).
The study looked at the relationship between phosphorus levels and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in nearly 900 healthy adults from the Spokane Heart Study, a long-term study of heart disease risk factors. Previous studies have linked CAC an early sign of atherosclerosis (”hardening of the arteries”) to an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and other cardiovascular events. At the start of the study, 28 percent of the participants had CAC.
After six years’ follow-up, another 33 percent of participants had developed CAC. For those who already had CAC, the level of CAC increased during follow-up.
The relationship between phosphorus levels and CAC remained significant even after adjustment for other factors. “Even small increases in the blood level of phosphorus predicted an increased risk of progressive CAC in these apparently healthy adults,” says Tuttle. The phosphorus-related increase in CAC was comparable to that seen with traditional heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
In addition, participants with lower levels of kidney function even if not below the normal range were more likely to have progressive CAC. Recent studies have linked higher phosphorus levels to increased CAC in patients with CKD as well.
“Our results may help explain why even early-stage CKD is associated with increased cardiovascular risk that is not explained by traditional risk factors,” says Tuttle. More research will be needed to see if treatments to lower phosphorus levels can reduce heart disease risk in people with early-stage CKD, or even those without CKD who have CAC.”
The study had some important limitations, including the use of estimated kidney function levels. In addition, it did not address several factors that can affect phosphorus levels, such as parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. - ASN
Go to Source
People who read this also read
- Cirrhosis Causes
Several processes can lead to cirrhosis.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism particularly endangers the liver. Alcoholic cirrhosis (also sometimes referred to as portal, Laennec's, nutritional, or micronodular ci... - Role of surgical management in temporal bone fibrous dysplasia.
Conclusion: Surgical treatment of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone (TBFD) revealed relatively good outcomes. Also, active surgical intervention is necessary to prevent the formation of secondary... - Cancer tests and diagnosis all in a day at one-stop unit
PATIENTS with suspected cancer are being tested and diagnosed in a single day thanks to an innovative one-stop clinic that also saves the NHS money. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health) Go to Source... - Late enhancement and myocardial perfusion in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (comparison betw een groups)
CONCLUSION: The thickest ventricular segments are the septal ones. The hypertrophic regions are associated to a greater extension of late enhancement. There was a positive correlation between the area... - Postmenopausal bleeding
(PMB) is a symptom of possible gynaecological malignancy. According to present guidelines, women presenting with this symptom should be referred urgently to a team specializing in the management of gy... - Remarkable high-yielding chemical modification of gold nanoparticles using uncatalyzed click-type 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition chemistry and hyperbaric conditions
Hossein Ismaili, Abdolhamid Alizadeh, Kristen E. Snell, and Mark S. Workentin - Azide-terminated alkyl thiolate monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles (1-C12MPN) with a core size of 1.8 ± 0.2 nm were ... - Reye’s syndrome treatments
Reye's syndrome is usually treated in the hospital. Severe cases may be treated in the intensive care unit. The hospital staff will closely monitor your child's blood pressure and other vital signs. S... - Reductive Dehalogenation of
Aryl Bromides and Chlorides and Their Use as Aryl Blocking Groups
SynthesisDOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1217112AbstractBromo and chloro substituents serve as excellent blocking groups
on aromatic rings. When a halo substituent is to
an -directing group, the ortho
positions c... - Dilation of refractory benign esophageal strictures
Benign esophageal strictures are frequently encountered as a problem in endoscopic practice. Peptic injury, as a result of chronic exposure of the esophagus to gastric contents, is the most common cau... - [Retina] Isolated Ocular Disease Is Associated with Decreased Mucolipin-1 Channel Conductance
purpose. To evaluate a 15-year-old boy with MLIV (mucolipidosis type IV) and clinical abnormalities restricted to the eye who also had achlorhydria with elevated blood gastrin levels.
methods. In addi...
