Calcium Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Disease and Death in Kidney Disease Patients

First Posted: Jul 19, 2013 11:21 AM EDT
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A new study shows that kidney patients who take calcium supplements to lower phosphorous levels may be at a higher risk of death.

Researchers are particularly concerned regarding the long-term practice of prescribing calcium to lower phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease, according to the study. For instance, they suggest that if calcium is absorbed in the blood stream, this may cause hardening of the arteries and lead to a greater risk of heart disease or even death.

"Doctors commonly prescribe calcium supplements to prevent elevated phosphate levels, which can damage the body, but a growing number of studies have shown calcium supplements may actually increase the risk of heart disease," explains Dr. Sophie Jamal, a physician at Women's College Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, via a press release. "Our study validates these claims and, for the first time, shows the long-term consequences of taking calcium supplements can be dangerous for patients with kidney disease."

The researchers reviewed 11 randomized, controlled studies that included over 4,600 patients. They then examined the risk of heart disease, including such health factors as heart attack, stroke and hardening of the arteries, along with death among individuals, including those taking medications with calcium or calcium supplements and those who did not take calcium. The results showed the following, courtesy of the release:

  • A 22 percent reduction in death among patients who took non-calcium based treatments sevelamer and lanthanum.
  • Less artery calcification (hardening) in patients who did not take calcium supplements.

According to researchers, this confirms their believe that kidney patients should not be taking calcium as it could be detrimental to their health and lead to possibly deadly consequences.

More information regarding the study can be found in the journal Lancet

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