Kidney Stones Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease, researchers found kidney stones were associated with a modestly elevated risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, especially among women. A history of kidney stones was associated with a 19% greater risk for CHD across six cohort studies and a 40% greater risk for stroke across three cohorts. In pooled results, women showed a statistically significant increased risk for myocardial infarction, while men did not. “Our study suggests that kidney stones might be an important contributor to the risk of vascular events, the potential mechanisms for the findings may be related to metabolic disturbances,” researchers noted, adding that obesity, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and hypertension may contribute to a higher risk of uric acis and calcium stone formation. To read more about this study, click here.