Researchers at Columbus Gemelli Hospital in Rome have found that women, but not men, with a history of kidney stones have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. They studied 242,105 men and women in the U.S., 19,678 of whom reported a history of kidney stones. Over a period of 24 years for men and 18 for women, the subjects were observed every two years for kidney stones and coronary heart disease—as evidenced by heart attacks or surgeries such as angioplasty, bypass or stent to alleviate symptoms of heart disease.
Women with a history of kidney stones were found to have what the researchers describe as “a modest but statistically significant” increase in the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The researchers are not sure why men with a history of kidney stones were not at the same risk. More research is needed to confirm whether women really are at a higher risk and why that might be.
Sources:
Kidney Stones Associated With Modest Increased Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease In Women, But Not Men, EurekAlert, July 23, 2013
Abstract:
History of Kidney Stones and The Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, JAMA, July 24/31, 2013