Oral Bicarbonate and Heart Health in Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular effects of oral bicarbonate in CKD

['FUNDING_R01'] · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-11159504

This project looks at how taking sodium bicarbonate for kidney disease might affect your heart and blood vessels.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11159504 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop a condition called metabolic acidosis, which is often treated with sodium bicarbonate. While this treatment helps with bone and muscle health, there are concerns it might also affect heart health. This research aims to understand if sodium bicarbonate causes the body to hold onto too much salt and fluid, which could raise blood pressure. It also explores if this treatment might contribute to the hardening of blood vessels, known as vascular calcification. By studying these effects, we hope to learn how to better protect the hearts of individuals with CKD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research focuses on individuals living with chronic kidney disease who may be receiving or considering treatment with sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis.

Not a fit: Patients without chronic kidney disease or metabolic acidosis would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors understand the best ways to treat acidosis in kidney disease patients while protecting their heart health.

How similar studies have performed: While individual trials have not shown substantial increases in body weight or blood pressure, a meta-analysis suggested a higher risk of needing more blood pressure medication or diuretics, indicating some prior findings support the concerns this project addresses.

Where this research is happening

SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.