Phosphorus levels in blood may predict heart disease risk
6 Nov 2009, 1159 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Washington, Nov 6 A new study has found a link between higher levels of phosphorus in the blood and increased calcification of the coronary arteries- a key marker of heart disease risk.

"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," said Katherine R. Tuttle, MD (Providence Medical Research Center, Spokane, WA).

For the study, the researchers looked at the relationship between phosphorus levels and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in nearly 900 healthy adults.

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 beginning 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," Tuttle said.

"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," Tuttle added.

The study is published in an upcoming issue of Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). (ANI)

Related Latest

BJP may split if RSS takes charge (Comment) Benito Mussolini's brain, blood 'stolen for sale on eBay auction' New micro-endoscope may help detect tumours early Students may get temporary photo I-cards: EC Smokers face heightened risk of seizures Simple test to predict a person's likelihood of breaking hip Killer bees may have nasty sting, but they aren't too smart Sleep apnea ups heart disease risk in kidney transplant patients Heart disease found in 3,000 year old Egyptian mummies Obesity epidemic negating efforts to cut heart disease risks

Related Latest

CIA director in India, to meet NSA 'Kurbaan' a brilliantly designed terror plot Top political leaders hit campaign trail in Jharkhand Sugarcane farmer in Uttar Pradesh commits suicide A ration card in the name of Mahatma Gandhi! BJP may split if RSS takes charge (Comment) He caught Kasab - only to go away forever, says family (One Year After 26/11) Bihar doctors continue strike despite rights panel's threat US does balancing act on India and China Poll freebies get trendy in Jharkhand

• CIA director in India, to meet NSA
• Top political leaders hit campaign trail in Jharkhand
• Sugarcane farmer in Uttar Pradesh commits suicide
• A ration card in the name of Mahatma Gandhi!
• BJP may split if RSS takes charge (Comment)

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights