Heart, kidney, and bone intertwined

Kidney Disease and Your Heart: How Parathyroidectomy Can Help

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the link between kidney disease, bone health, and heart function, and how parathyroidectomy offers hope for patients with chronic kidney disease."

If you're navigating the complexities of chronic kidney disease (CKD), you're likely aware of the many challenges it presents. What might surprise you is the strong connection between your kidneys, your bones, and your heart. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), making it crucial to understand all facets of this intricate relationship.

One key player in this connection is heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the variation in time between heartbeats. Reduced HRV often indicates an overactive sympathetic nervous system, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events and sudden death in CKD patients. Fortunately, there's a procedure called parathyroidectomy (PTX) that's showing promise in improving HRV and overall well-being for those with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a common complication of CKD.

This article will explore the effects of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on blood bone markers and heart rate variability in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, and shed light on how this procedure can help protect your heart and improve your quality of life.

What's the Connection Between CKD, Bones, and Heart Health?

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a frequent complication as CKD progresses. It’s characterized by mineral and bone metabolism disruption, abnormalities in the bone, as well as vascular calcification – all of which lead to increased cardiovascular risks and higher mortality. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a condition where the parathyroid glands become overactive, leading to excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) production. It exacerbates bone pain and fractures and increases CVD and mortality risks.

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) has emerged as an effective method for treating severe SHPT. Although bone biopsy is traditionally the standard for diagnosing bone mineral disorders, it is often impractical for patients because of its invasiveness. Therefore, researchers and clinicians often use non-invasive biomarkers to assess CKD-MBD.

Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH): Regulates bone remodeling.
Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP): Indicates bone formation.
Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b): Indicates bone resorption.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23): A hormone derived from bone.

These biomarkers provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between kidney disease, bone health, and heart function, guiding treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Taking Steps for a Healthier Heart and Better Kidney Health

The findings of this research shows that parathyroidectomy can significantly improve heart rate variability and bone health in individuals with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. By understanding the connection between your kidneys, bones, and heart, you can take proactive steps to protect your overall health. Work closely with your healthcare team to monitor your bone markers, manage your PTH levels, and explore all available treatment options.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the relationship between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and heart health?

There is a strong connection between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and heart health. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality for individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Reduced Heart Rate Variability (HRV) often indicates an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is a frequent complication of CKD, characterized by mineral and bone metabolism disruption, which leads to increased cardiovascular risks. This complex relationship highlights the importance of understanding how CKD impacts cardiovascular health and seeking appropriate treatment.

What role does Parathyroidectomy (PTX) play in managing the complications of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is a surgical procedure that has shown promise in improving heart rate variability (HRV) and overall well-being in patients with severe Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a common complication of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). By addressing SHPT, PTX can help manage the mineral and bone metabolism disruption associated with CKD-MBD, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. The procedure aims to regulate PTH levels, which in turn can improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures. It provides a way to manage the overactivity of the parathyroid glands that contributes to these complications.

What are the common biomarkers used to assess Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) and how do they help?

Researchers and clinicians use non-invasive biomarkers to assess Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). These biomarkers provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between kidney disease, bone health, and heart function, guiding treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. The common biomarkers include: Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) regulates bone remodeling; Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) indicates bone formation; Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) indicates bone resorption; Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone derived from bone.

How does Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) affect heart health and overall mortality in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) significantly impacts heart health and overall mortality in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). In SHPT, the parathyroid glands become overactive, leading to excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) production. This exacerbates bone pain and fractures and increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality risks. The mineral and bone metabolism disruption associated with SHPT contributes to vascular calcification and further elevates cardiovascular risks. Managing SHPT through interventions like Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is critical in reducing these risks and improving patient outcomes.

Beyond Parathyroidectomy (PTX), what other steps can individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) take to protect their heart health?

Besides considering Parathyroidectomy (PTX), individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can take several proactive steps to protect their heart health. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to monitor bone markers and manage PTH levels. Monitoring Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), and Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) can offer insights into bone health and mineral metabolism. Furthermore, explore all available treatment options and adhere to prescribed medications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, is also essential to mitigate cardiovascular risks. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are vital for proactive management of CKD and its cardiovascular implications.