Certified Dialysis Nurse Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Excessive phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease can lead to metastatic calcification and cardiovascular disease. This occurs primarily due to the kidneys' reduced ability to excrete phosphate, resulting in elevated serum phosphate levels, also known as hyperphosphatemia.

In chronic kidney disease, the imbalance of calcium and phosphate can stimulate the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in an attempt to maintain normal levels of calcium in the blood. The prolonged elevation of PTH can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism, where calcium is leached from bones, increasing the risk of bone disease and contributing to vascular calcification.

Calcification occurs when calcium-phosphate deposits accumulate in soft tissues and blood vessels, leading to stiffening of the arteries and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. Therefore, managing phosphate levels is critical in preventing these serious complications in patients with chronic kidney disease.