How is coronary artery calcification treated?
Currently, there is no known specific treatment for coronary artery calcification. Risk factor modification is recommended and includes treating hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, as well as preventing the development of advanced kidney disease.
Is coronary artery calcification serious?
This can damage the heart muscle, and can be life threatening. You have probably heard of the term 'hardening of the arteries' – this is the same thing as calcification. The calcium forms hard crystals in the blood vessel wall.
Can calcified arteries be repaired?
Calcification in coronary artery disease can be reversed by EDTA-tetracycline long-term chemotherapy. Pathophysiology.
How do you get rid of calcification in the arteries?
Eat a balanced diet composed of all essential nutrients. Exercise can decrease the buildup calcium and cholesterol inside the artery. Exercise burns body fat and it also does not allow the fat to stay for a long time in the blood. Reduce your sodium intake.
How do I get rid of calcified plaque in my arteries?
Eat a heart-healthy dietAdd more good fats to your diet. Good fats are also called unsaturated fats. ... Cut sources of saturated fat, such as fatty meat and dairy. Choose lean cuts of meat, and try eating more plant-based meals.Eliminate artificial sources of trans fats. ... Increase your fiber intake. ... Cut back on sugar.
What are the symptoms of coronary artery calcification?
Coronary Calcification SymptomsAngina (chest pain)Numbness in the extremities.Decrease in blood pressure.Heart attack.
Can you Stent a calcified artery?
Heavily calcified coronary arteries are the bane of an interventionalist's existence, and can make stent deployment technically difficult to nearly impossible.
Can vitamin D cause calcification of arteries?
Experimental studies have shown that excessive vitamin D activities can induce vascular calcification, and such vascular pathology can be reversed by reducing vitamin D activities. The human relevance of these experimental studies is not clear, as vitamin D toxicity is relatively rare in the general population.
Lifestyle Changes
Medications
- If you’re at risk of coronary calcification, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol medications to reduce low density lipoproteins (LDL) known as the "bad" cholesterol (eg, statins) or to increase high density lipoproteins (HDL) known as the "good" cholesterol (eg, niacin). Newer medications such as PCSK 9 inhibitors (eg, Repatha, Praluent) are give...
Procedures and Surgery
- For severe atherosclerosis (plaque)that has caused — or threatens to cause — symptoms or disease, further intervention may be necessary. This can include: 1. Coronary stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is guided into the blocked artery and a tiny balloon is inflated to pry open the plaque and restore blood flow. A sten…
Ready For An appointment?
- If you need to be evaluated for coronary calcification or want to discuss treatment options, schedule an appointmentor call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today. Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnoseand treat coronary calcification.
Diagnosis
- To diagnose coronary artery disease, a health care provider will examine you. You'll likely be asked questions about your medical history and any symptoms. Blood tests are usually done to check your overall health.
Treatment
- Treatment for coronary artery disease usually involves lifestyle changes such as not smoking, eating healthy and exercising more. Sometimes, medications and procedures are needed.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Making certain lifestyle changes can help keep the arteries healthy and can prevent or slow coronary artery disease. Try these heart-healthy tips: 1. Don't smoke.Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. Nicotine tightens blood vessels and forces the heart to work harder. Not smoking is one of the best ways to lower the risk of a heart attack. 2. Control blood …
Alternative Medicine
- Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid. It's thought that they can lower inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation has been linked to coronary artery disease. However, the pros and cons of omega-3 fatty acids for heart disease continue to be studied. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include: 1. Fish and fish oil.Fish and fish oil are the most effectiv…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you have symptoms of coronary artery disease or any risk factors, make an appointment with your health care provider. You may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and to know what to expect from your doctor.