New research from the University of Calgary shows that patients with kidney disease should be treated like any other patient when it comes to heart attacks.

When Bill Backs had a heart attack eight years ago, doctors debated the safety of conducting an angioplasty or bypass surgery.  Medical staff had concerns the treatment could worsen his kidney disease and possibly cause complete kidney failure.

A recent study has determined there was no need for concern.

“Importantly it doesn't increase the risk of dialysis or kidney failure, which are often the most important factors we are concerned about,” says Dr. Matthew James of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute.

Researchers reviewed the records of over 10,000 Albertans who had a heart attack between 2004 and 2009.

The study concluded that angioplasty and heart bypass surgery were safe and effective for kidney disease patients.

The results could change the way doctors treat heart attack patients.

“We really feel that based on this study we have been unfairly weighting to the disadvantage of the renal patients,” says Dr. Merril Knudtson, Libin Cardiovascular Institute. “This is really good therapy.”

With files from Karen Owen