[Phosphorus: a new cardiovascular risk factor?]

Phosphorus is an essential mineral in the regulation of many metabolic processes. However, is known as alterations in serum phosphate levels, compared to the normal range, have clinical relevance: many studies about phosphorus and cardiovascular risk have shown that high serum phosphate levels are associated with clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease, in CKD and non-CKD patients. In recent years, serum phosphate level within the upper limits of normal range is also identified as a "stealthier killer", and has emerged as a risk factor of cardiovascular mortality and progression of CKD. This mounting evidence suggests the possibility that lowering serum phosphate levels may be a future target of cardiovascular disease management, also through the use of early biomarkers of phosphate overload, such as FGF23, Klotho or the urinary fractional excretion of phosphate. The goal must be an early diagnosis and treatment of disordered phosphorus metabolism, before end-organ damage occurs. Since the western diet is rich in phosphate, a dietary restriction associated with the use of phosphate binders, as well as the use of intervention such as calcitriol supplementation, certainly will have a positive influence on the phosphate-regulatory axis.