Role of hyperphosphatemia-mediated vascular calcification in cardiovascular outcomes and its management: a review.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in patients with advanced renal disease. Although atherosclerosis is the major contributor, vascular calcification also plays an important role in progression of coronary as well as peripheral arterial disease in these patients. A large body of evidence suggests that hyperphosphatemia is the major contributor in progressive vascular calcification. We examine this large body of evidence with respect to the role of hyperphosphatemia in inducing vascular calcification and how, as a result, this possibly impacts an increase in adverse cardiovascular events. We also review various options as to how treating hyperphosphatemia might effect a decrease in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.