Arterial Calcification: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Arterial calcification refers to the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque deposits. It significantly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Things worth knowing about "Arterial calcification"
Arterial calcification refers to the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque deposits. It significantly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What is Arterial Calcification?
Arterial calcification, medically known as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis, is a chronic disease of the blood vessels. Fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries, forming deposits called plaques. These plaques cause the vessel walls to harden and narrow, reducing blood flow. In advanced stages, a vessel may become completely blocked, leading to life-threatening complications.
Causes
Arterial calcification typically develops over many years and is promoted by several risk factors:
- Elevated blood lipids (hypercholesterolaemia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet
- Genetic predisposition
- Increasing age and male sex
- Chronic inflammation in the body
Symptoms
Arterial calcification often progresses without symptoms for many years, making early detection difficult. Depending on which vessels are affected, the following symptoms may occur:
- Chest pain or tightness (angina pectoris) when coronary arteries are involved
- Heart attack if a coronary artery becomes fully blocked
- Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) when arteries supplying the brain are affected
- Leg pain when walking (peripheral artery disease) due to reduced blood flow in the legs
- Kidney dysfunction when the renal arteries are narrowed
Diagnosis
Several diagnostic methods are used to detect and assess arterial calcification:
- Blood tests: Measuring cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers
- Blood pressure measurement
- Ultrasound (sonography): Imaging of vessel walls, e.g., the carotid arteries
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI): Assessment of blood flow in the legs
- ECG and stress ECG: Evaluation of heart function and myocardial perfusion
- CT angiography or MRI: Detailed imaging of blood vessels
- Cardiac catheterisation: Used when narrowing of the coronary arteries is suspected
Treatment
Lifestyle Modifications
The foundation of treatment is a healthy lifestyle:
- A balanced diet low in saturated fats
- Regular physical activity
- Smoking cessation
- Weight reduction if overweight
- Stress management
Medications
Depending on the individual risk profile, the following medications may be prescribed:
- Statins: To lower cholesterol levels
- Antihypertensives: To control high blood pressure
- Antidiabetic drugs: To manage blood sugar levels
- Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin): To prevent blood clots
Interventional and Surgical Procedures
In cases of severe narrowing or blockage, the following procedures may be considered:
- Balloon angioplasty (PTCA) and stent placement
- Bypass surgery: Rerouting blood flow around blocked vessel segments
- Thrombectomy: Removal of blood clots
Prevention
Since arterial calcification is largely influenced by lifestyle factors, many risks can be reduced through preventive measures. Regular medical check-ups help identify and address risk factors at an early stage before serious complications develop.
References
- Libby, P. et al. - Atherosclerosis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2019. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-019-0106-z
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
- Falk, E. - Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2006. Available at: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2006.09.009
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