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Coronary Artery Calcification: Causes, Treatment, and Outlook

Calcium is a mineral your body needs for vital functions and good health. Calcium helps keep your bones and teeth strong, but it’s also involved in heart function. Sometimes, calcium deposits can also have a negative effect on your health.

Coronary artery calcifications occur when calcium builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup can lead to coronary artery disease and increases your risk of a heart attack.

Keep reading to find out why and how coronary artery calcification occurs, as well as tips for prevention and treatment.

Key terms

This article uses the following terms. They’re similar but have different meanings, so it’s important to know what each means.

• Atherosclerosis is when fatty deposits called plaque build up in your arteries. Atherosclerosis can cause your artery to narrow. The plaques can break off and cause a blood clot.
• Coronary artery calcification is the buildup of calcium in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Calcification often occurs at the same time as atherosclerosis.
• Coronary artery disease, also known as CAD, occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen and blood. This is usually due to atherosclerosis.

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Calcium is naturally present in your body — mostly in your bones and teeth. However, about 1 percent of your body’s calcium is circulating in your blood.

Researchers believe that coronary artery calcifications may occur due to the release of calcium when smooth muscle cells die in the heart’s arteries.

Also, macrophages (immune system cells) in the arteries may release inflammatory compounds that allow calcium to deposit more easily. Over time, the calcium deposits combine to form “speckles” or spots that can later develop into sheets or fragments.

Coronary artery calcification is a concern because it’s a precursor for atherosclerosis. This is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that causes blood to flow less effectively. The plaque can also break off and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Some medical conditions can cause genetic changes that result in coronary artery calcifications. These conditions can often cause a person to develop coronary artery calcifications at a much earlier age. Examples include:

• Gaucher’s disease type 3C
• Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
• idiopathic basal ganglia calcification
• pseudoxanthoma elasticum
• Singleton-Merten syndrome

Coronary artery calcification is most common in older adults, with calcium buildup starting around age 40. Researchers estimate that by age 70, 90 percent of men and 67 percent of women have coronary artery calcification.

Men experience coronary artery calcifications at a younger age than women, about 10 to 15 years earlier. Researchers think this is due to estrogen being protective against calcium deposits.

In addition to rare medical conditions that cause calcifications in young people, some chronic medical conditions can increase your risk. Examples include:

• metabolic syndrome
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• diabetes
• dyslipidemia (irregular cholesterol levels)
• obesity
• chronic kidney disease

Tobacco use is also a risk factor for coronary artery calcification.

The presence of coronary artery calcifications doesn’t usually cause symptoms. But these calcifications tend to occur alongside other heart conditions that do have symptoms.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis and CAD include:

• chest pain
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, your calcifications may have advanced to the point of atherosclerosis or CAD. If this is the case for you, talk with a doctor as soon as possible.

If your calcifications advance to CAD, it could lead to a heart attack. Heart attack symptoms also include weakness, nausea, shortness of breath, and pain in the arms or shoulder.

Doctors can diagnose coronary artery calcification using imaging studies. Unfortunately, they may only be able to see the calcification when there is significant calcium buildup in the coronary arteries.

If you have high cholesterol and your doctor suspects coronary artery calcifications, they’ll likely order a computed tomography or CT scan. A CT scan is a painless imaging test that allows doctors to “score” the amount of calcium present.

More invasive tests for coronary artery calcifications exist. These tests usually involve threading a small, thin catheter through your thigh or forearm to your coronary arteries. Examples include cardiac intravascular ultrasound and intravascular optical coherence tomography.

Know your coronary artery calcium score

If you undergo a coronary artery calcium CT scan, your doctor will assign you a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, often called an Agatston score. This measures the scale of your calcium buildup. The higher your CAC score is, the more severe your calcium buildup is. Levels of the score are:

• 0: no identifiable disease
• 1 to 99: mild disease
• 100 to 399: moderate disease
• More than 400: severe disease

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Treatments for coronary artery calcification depend on how severe the calcifications are. If the calcifications don’t show signs of severe disease, a doctor will usually recommend risk factor modification. This means you change aspects of your lifestyle to reduce the chance more calcium will build up.

However, doctors may recommend more immediate treatments for severe coronary artery calcification. This may involve using special devices to remove calcifications and plaques from the arteries.

One such treatment is intravascular lithotripsy. This new approach involves threading a catheter to the coronary arteries and using a special device that breaks up the calcium in the arteries. After eliminating the calcium, a doctor will insert a stent into the coronary artery to keep the artery open so that blood can flow more easily.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing chronic health conditions can help reduce your risk of coronary artery calcifications. Examples of risk reduction techniques include:

• taking medications to reduce high blood pressure
• taking medications to reduce high cholesterol
• reducing dietary cholesterol intake by avoiding high-fat foods, such as fried foods
• managing diabetes, if you have it

Heart-healthy habits, including a low-fat diet and exercise, can help reduce your risk of calcifications and other chronic health conditions.

The presence of coronary artery calcifications increases your risk of heart problems. Their effects include:

• reduced blood flow to the heart
• reduced elasticity in your arteries
• higher pressures in the heart’s blood vessels

Severe CAD with calcifications increases your risk of cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack.

With early treatment and lifestyle modifications, you can help to lower your risk for more serious complications.

The following are some commonly asked questions regarding coronary artery calcification.

Can too much vitamin D cause coronary artery calcification?

Vitamin D is a vitamin found in some foods. Your body also creates it when you expose your skin to sunlight. The body needs vitamin D to be able to absorb calcium.

Animal studies have connected excess vitamin D supplementation with a higher risk of calcium deposits in the arteries. But researchers don’t yet know if excess vitamin D causes coronary artery calcification in humans.

Can calcium supplements cause coronary artery calcification?

Your body works to maintain appropriate calcium levels so you can have healthy teeth and bones. Taking calcium supplements can increase your body’s calcium levels so significantly that your body may have a harder time adjusting.

A large, long-term study identified a link between calcium supplementation and coronary artery calcification. The use of calcium supplements increased the risk of calcification. However, calcium intake can decrease the long-term risk for atherosclerosis, which can have a protective effect on your heart.

Can you reverse calcification in your arteries?

Reversing calcification in your arteries is a complicated topic. Most of the time, you likely won’t be able to reduce calcification without surgical interventions. However, you can choose lifestyle measures that prevent it from building up more.

Can calcified arteries be stented?

Calcified coronary arteries can be more difficult for a doctor to stent. Stenting is an approach to help open blood vessels that have become too narrow. A doctor may have difficulty getting a stent through because of the calcium.

If this is the case, they can use special kinds of stents, balloons, or lasers that help move through or remove the calcium.

Do statins prevent calcification?

Statin medications are cholesterol-lowering drugs that also can reduce plaque buildup from atherosclerosis. Medication examples include atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin.

Studies are conflicting about if statins also help to reduce coronary artery calcifications. However, statins do help to reduce the risk of coronary events, such as heart attacks.

Coronary artery calcification can be a sign that you have atherosclerosis and heart disease. A CT scan can help your doctor determine the extent of calcifications and recommend interventions.

If your doctor diagnoses coronary artery calcifications, you can take steps to prevent further buildup. It’s important to follow any recommended lifestyle measures and manage any underlying conditions.

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05/30/2023

Admission Campaign – 2023

On our website in the section Home / Applicants / Applicants (specialist / bachelor / master) there is a video that details the rules for admission to Ryazan State Medical University.

05/25/2023

Intensive courses to prepare for entrance examinations
We invite you, dear applicants, to take intensive courses to prepare for the entrance exams, conducted by the university itself.

29.06.2023

The rector of the Ryazan State Medical University joined the Council for the quality of life
The Council was created under the Governor of the Ryazan region. The corresponding order was signed by the head of the region Pavel Viktorovich Malkov.

06/29/2023

The graduation of dentists took place in the Ryazan State Medical University
In practical healthcare, 112 graduates will begin their duties.

06/28/2023

Ready to go
Graduation at the Faculty of Preventive Medicine was held at the Ryazan State Medical University on June 27.

06/28/2023

Medical Student Squad
RyazGMU students will spend their holidays working as junior medical staff.

06/28/2023

On June 27, the sixth graduation of students of the pediatric faculty of the Ryazan State Medical University took place
Diplomas were received by 68 future doctors who will be able to work in polyclinics and hospitals in a month.

06/28/2023

“Active longevity – “Healthy Ryazan”
Ryazan State Medical University organized one of the sites at the opening of the regional project “Active Longevity – Healthy Ryazan”.

06/28/2023

Dictation about the history of RyazGMU
More than 200 people met at a dictation dedicated to the history of the university. Participants had to answer 51 questions in 40 minutes. After the end of the time allotted for work, the employees of the Center for the Development of Education of the Ryazan State Medical University analyzed the correct answers.

06/27/2023

Springboard to Science – 2023
Ryazan State Medical University student winner of the All-Russian Festival of Youth Science “Springboard to Science – 2023”

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14. 02.2023

TELL YOU WHO IS ALREADY AVAILABLE ONLINE TUITION PAYMENT IN RYAZGMU

Now all students of the FDPO RyazGMU can pay for training without leaving their homes. You can pay online and without commission using the new service pay.rzgmu.ru

09/23/2022

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04/04/2023

Course “PSYCHOLOGICAL METHODS OF WORK WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF PSYCHOTRAUFUL EVENTS”
Additional professional advanced training program “Psychological methods of working with the consequences of traumatic events” was developed for specialists with a psychological education.

02/28/2023

SWIMMING IN THE MEDICAL SENSE IS USEFUL FOR ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE
Why – says Valery Grigorievich Demikhov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Director of the Scientific and Clinical Center for Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Ryazan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia

22. 02.2023

DEPARTURE TO THE NOVOMOSKOVSK CITY CLINICAL HOSPITAL
On February 16, a visit to the State Healthcare Institution “Novomoskovsk City Clinical Hospital” took place. On behalf of the Ministry of Health of the Tula region, tests were prepared to assess the knowledge of obstetrician-gynecologists. Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Ryazan State Medical University Kovalenko M.S. and Dean of the FDPO RyazGMU Maksimtseva E.A. tested 21 specialists of the State Healthcare Institution “NGCH” and conducted a clinical tour of the departments of branch No. 2 of the State Health Institution “NGCH” together with the Deputy Chief Physician for Obstetrics and Gynecology Breus E.V. and department staff.

22.02.2023

TRAINING UNDER THE PROGRAM “NURSING IN PEDIATRICS” IS COMPLETED
On February 16, the 144-hour advanced training program “Nursing in Pediatrics” ended. During the training, nurses in the Ryazan region improved their knowledge and skills in nursing care for a healthy and sick child with infectious and somatic pathology, prevention of somatic and infectious pathology in childhood in accordance with the regulatory framework, professional standards and clinical recommendations.

02/16/2023

WetLab

02/14/2023

BASIC EMERGENCY FIRST AID COURSE

02/14/2023

COURSE “METHODS OF NON-TEST PSYCHODIAGNOSIS OF PERSONALITY”

27. 09.2022

Russian as a foreign language (speech practice course)

FDPO

06/20/2023

INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN CHILDREN OVER THE NEWBORN PERIOD

Dear Colleagues! We invite you to the scientific and educational school “Intestinal obstruction in children older than the neonatal period”, which will be held on June 23, 2023. The event will discuss topical issues of diagnosis, treatment and tactics of the surgeon in intestinal obstruction in children.

06/20/2023

SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
High-profile specialists in the field of neonatology and obstetrics will make presentations on June 23, 2023 at the Ryazan State Medical University.

06/15/2023

Learning to write dissertations
The Council of Young Scientists of the Ryazan State Medical University will hold a meeting for graduate students, applicants and young scientists with Doctor of Medical Sciences Professor Elena Nikolaevna Yakusheva

09. 06.2023

Conference of psychologists
We invite you to take part in the student scientific and practical conference “Formation of professional research competence of future clinical psychologists”

06/02/2023

I Congress of Therapists of the Central Federal District
8-9June at the Ryazan State Medical University will host a forum focused on practical healthcare professionals. The organizers are RNMOT, the Ministry of Health of the Ryazan Region and the Ryazan State Medical University.

06/02/2023

In June, the second cycle of training “Fundamentals of Kinesiology Taping” starts
The cycle is intended for everyone, regardless of the presence or absence of a medical education. Listeners have the opportunity to get or improve the skill of using elastic bands, to learn everything or almost everything about teips!

29.05.2023

Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Pediatrics
On June 3, 2023, the University will host the Interregional Scientific and Practical Conference “Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Pediatrics”. Beginning at 10.00 in the hall of the Academic Council, at the address: Ryazan, st. Vysokovoltnaya, d. 7, bldg. 1, 4th floor.

05/25/2023

Mental health service: achievements and prospects
We invite you to take part in the IX Interregional Scientific and Practical Conference “Mental Health Service: Achievements and Prospects. Dedicated to the 135th anniversary of the Ryazan Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital. N.N. Bazhenov”, which will be held on June 2, 2023 on the basis of the Ryazan Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital. Bazhenova N.N.

05/22/2023

WE INVITE YOU TO READ THE PROGRAM OF THE CONFERENCE “TOPICAL ISSUES OF THERAPY AND GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTICE”

05/18/2023

To the attention of graduates, students and residents!
The annual large-scale event at the Ryazan Medical University – Job Fair 2023 – will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 11 am in the foyer of the first and second floors of the medical and preventive building (Vysokovoltnaya st. , 7 building 1)!

Announcements

Lumbar disc herniation

Old, partially calcified disc herniation of the lumbar spine at the L4-5 level on the right, with foot paresis. Due to the defect, the foot slaps when walking and does not rise up. In the process of treatment with conservative methods, there is a significant improvement in the pain syndrome with the remaining weakness of the foot on the right.

Patient:

Male, 42 years old, Russia, St. Petersburg

Doctor:

Dr. Andrey Bitter, Neuwerk Clinic

Response of the spinal surgeon, Dr. Andrey Bitter

level 4 and 5th lumbar vertebrae on the right. It is she who clamps the 5th lumbar root and causes paresis of the foot. The operation is definitely needed, because. there was a slapping foot. I am not sure if the recovery of the foot will go quickly, but the pain in the lower part of the lumbar radiating to the leg should go away immediately after the operation. First of all, the patient needs to decompress the nerve root by removing the hernia.

Patient questions

I was offered several treatment options, including endoscopic nucleoplasty and hernia repair with an anterior dynamic or static fixator. What type of operation do you offer?

Doctor’s answer

It seems that the changes are not quite fresh, ie. it is possible that the hernia already has a partially ossified structure. These hernias are best removed microscopically rather than endoscopically. The nucleoplasty method is not applicable here, because. sequestered hernia, i.e. out of the disk.

Since the patient has multiple changes in the form of protrusion of discs and osteochondrosis of almost the entire lumbar region, some hotheads will want to “prophylactically” insert screws so that a repeated hernia does not allegedly occur. Indeed, it will not occur in this department, but neighboring segments will be prone to increased load due to additional restriction in movement and will begin to wear out more quickly, which will lead, in about 5–10 years, to a repeated large operation.

I strongly recommend that you limit yourself to a minimal solution to the problem and watch further developments. The installation of a disc prosthesis is contraindicated here, because. too much change in the facet joints. In addition, anterior access (through the abdomen) in men may be accompanied by a violation of ejaculation after surgery, not to mention the possibility of damage to the vessels (aorta), i.e. the risk is not justified. In this case, the criteria for fitting a prosthesis are not met.

Estimated cost of treatment: 8.200 Euro

Treatment

A microsurgical operation was performed to remove part of a heavily ossified disc herniation and neurolysis (decompression) of the 5th lumbar root on the right.

The postoperative period was uneventful. Mobilization of the patient and removal of the drain occurred the next day after the operation. The patient was discharged on the 6th day after the operation.

If severe paresis of the right foot persists, it is recommended to temporarily wear a splint that keeps the foot in flexion, which will reduce the risk of sudden dislocation or fracture of the foot, as well as further physiotherapy and gymnastics of the muscles of the leg and foot.