Arterial Calcification – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Arterial calcification (arteriosclerosis) is the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup. It significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Arterial calcification (arteriosclerosis) is the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup. It significantly increases 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 arteries. Fats, calcium, connective tissue, and other substances accumulate within the artery walls, forming deposits called plaques. These plaques cause the arteries to become stiffer and narrower, restricting blood flow to vital organs and tissues. The condition typically develops slowly over many decades and often goes undetected for a long time.
Causes
The development of arterial calcification is a complex process influenced by several risk factors:
- Elevated blood lipid levels (especially LDL cholesterol)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking – damages the inner lining of blood vessels
- Diabetes mellitus – high blood sugar accelerates vascular damage
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- Genetic predisposition and advancing age
- Chronic inflammation in the body
Symptoms
Arterial calcification often progresses without noticeable symptoms for many years. Symptoms usually appear only when arteries become significantly narrowed or blocked, and they depend on which vessels are affected:
- Coronary arteries: Chest pain (angina pectoris), heart attack
- Cerebral arteries: Stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Leg arteries: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – pain when walking, also known as intermittent claudication
- Renal arteries: High blood pressure, reduced kidney function
Diagnosis
Several diagnostic methods are used to detect and assess arterial calcification:
- Blood tests: Measurement of cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers
- Blood pressure measurement at arms and legs (ankle-brachial index, ABI)
- Ultrasound (duplex sonography): Visualization of vessel narrowing, particularly in the carotid arteries
- ECG and stress ECG: Assessment of cardiac function
- CT angiography or cardiac catheterization: Detailed imaging of affected vessels in advanced disease
Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications form the cornerstone of treatment:
- Heart-healthy, balanced diet (low in saturated fats, rich in vegetables and whole grains)
- Regular physical activity
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss in cases of obesity
Medication
Depending on the risk profile and disease stage, various medications may be prescribed:
- Statins: Lower LDL cholesterol and slow the progression of plaque buildup
- Antihypertensives: Reduce blood pressure
- Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin): Prevent the formation of blood clots
- Antidiabetic medications: Control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes
Interventional and Surgical Procedures
In cases of severe arterial narrowing, mechanical widening or bypass surgery may be necessary, such as balloon angioplasty with stent implantation or a bypass operation.
Prevention
Many risk factors for arterial calcification are modifiable. Regular health check-ups, a heart-healthy lifestyle, and consistent treatment of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can significantly slow or even prevent the progression of the disease.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Fact Sheet. Geneva, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
- Libby P. et al.: Atherosclerosis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0106-z
- Herold G. et al.: Internal Medicine. Eigenverlag, Cologne, 2023.
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Related search terms: Arterial Calcification + Arteriosclerosis + Vascular Calcification