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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Calcified Heart: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Introduction
Calcification of the heart refers to the abnormal deposition of calcium in the heart tissue, including the valves, arteries, and myocardium. This condition can contribute to serious cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and valve dysfunction.
Causes of Heart Calcification
Calcification can occur due to various reasons, such as: - Aging: Calcium deposits naturally build up over time. - Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Impaired kidney function can lead to calcium-phosphorus imbalance, promoting calcification. - Atherosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries due to cholesterol buildup may lead to calcified plaques. - Diabetes: High blood sugar levels accelerate vascular damage and calcification. - Genetic Factors: Some individuals may be predisposed to excessive calcium deposition. - Inflammation and Infections: Diseases like rheumatic heart disease may contribute to valve calcification.
Symptoms of Heart Calcification
The symptoms vary depending on the affected area of the heart: - Coronary Artery Calcification: May lead to chest pain (angina) or even myocardial infarction (heart attack). - Valve Calcification: Can cause breathlessness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. - Myocardial Calcification: Rare but can result in heart stiffness and reduced pumping function.
Diagnosis
Heart calcification is often detected using: - Echocardiography: Identifies calcium deposits in valves. - CT Scan (Coronary Calcium Score): Measures the extent of calcification in arteries. - X-Rays: May reveal calcium buildup in major blood vessels. - Blood Tests: Help evaluate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Treatment and Management
Since calcification is usually irreversible, treatment focuses on slowing progression and managing symptoms: - Lifestyle Modifications: - Healthy diet (low in saturated fats, rich in fruits and vegetables) - Regular exercise - Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol - Medications: - Statins (for cholesterol control) - Blood pressure medications (to reduce cardiovascular strain) - Phosphate binders for kidney-related calcification - Interventional Procedures: - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (stents for blocked arteries) - Valve replacement (for severe valve calcification) - Dialysis in Case of Kidney Disease: Helps regulate calcium-phosphorus balance.
Conclusion
Heart calcification is a serious condition that requires early detection and proper management. Proper lifestyle adjustments, medication, and sometimes surgical intervention can help improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
3. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guidelines
- https://kdigo.org/guidelines/
- https://www.kidney-international.org/article/S0085-2538(23)00766-4/fulltext
- https://kdigo.org/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38490803/
- https://kdigo.org/guidelines/acute-kidney-injury/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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