Is phosphate increasing your risk of heart disease?

If you are suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), check your dietary intake of phosphate. A recent study by The University of Leicester has revealed that phosphate present in the diet might increase your risk of heart disease. The researchers found that high levels of phosphate might trigger a stress signal within the cells lining the blood vessels. This in turn leads to the release of microparticles that causes the formation of blood clots in the body, making you susceptible to heart complications.

Is phosphate not good for patients with CKD?

Inorganic phosphate is a nutrient that is present in almost all naturally available foods. As patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unable to excrete excess phosphate in their urine, the nutrient starts to accumulate in their blood and cells. Such hyperphosphatemia (high levels of phosphate in the blood) is known to be an important contributor of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Read about heart disease -- causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

What did the study results prove?

The study experiments revealed an action mechanism by which excess amounts of inorganic phosphate in the blood triggers a stress signal inside the body cells. The blood levels of phosphate were similar to those found in the blood of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. The cells that were stressed in this manner resulted in the breakdown of microparticles (fragments) from these cells leading to formation of blood clots. Read about 11 diet do s and don ts for people with kidney problems.

Researcher s view point about the study

Alan Bevington, lead researcher of the study said that knowing the mechanism is very important because blocking of blood vessels by blood clots, a process known as thrombosis, is a common cause of injury and death, occurring in a wide range of human illnesses including CKD.

The results obtained from the study were particularly relevant to those suffering from chronic kidney dysfunction (who is unable to excrete excess phosphate in the urine). However, as almost every modern diet contains phosphate-rich foods, healthy individuals with normal kidney function can also experience hyperphosphatemia.Here are 5 reasons for kidney damage you need to know!

Additionally, phosphate levels in the cells can be increased due to a wide range of metabolic disturbances. And thus, the current study results might prove substantial in other health complications apart from chronic kidney disease. The study will appear in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

With inputs from ANI

Image Source: Getty Images

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