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.Robert A. Short, PhD (also of Providence Medical Research Center) was co-author of the study. The authors reported no financial disclosures.

Source: American Society of Nephrology (ASN)