Q: What are the consequences if blood phosphorus is on a higher side (6.1mg/dl)?

A:Calcium and phosphorus (phosphate) are important minerals, which help maintain good teeth & bones and keep muscles and nerves working properly. The kidneys help control the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. When the kidneys are not working properly, phosphorus levels rise, as they cannot remove enough phosphorus from the blood. In case of calcium - phosphorus imbalance, bone disease can develop. High phosphorus causes blood calcium levels to drop (via a hormone feedback mechanism) which prompts the bones to release calcium and bind the phosphorus, i.e. remove the phosphorus from the blood. This eventually leads to bones becoming brittle due to calcium loss. If high phosphorus levels remain untreated over a period of time, the following things can occur: Itching (arms, legs, back, chest) Red eyes Continuous bone pain: especially in hips, knees, ankles and heels Bones that break easily Blood vessels become clogged with calcium that should be in the bones. This can cause chronic sores, strokes, and heart attacks. Treatment may require a phosphate binder, which prevents dietary phosphorus from being absorbed. The calcium in the medication binds phosphorus and prevents its absorption. This also spares the calcium in the bones.