Many people associate calcium with healthy bones and teeth. Most of the body's calcium is found in these areas of the body, but calcium may also build up in the blood vessels. Calcium of this kind, combined with fatty deposits, is not beneficial to the health. Atherosclerosis is the medical term for the hardening of the arteries due to calcium and fatty plaque blocking blood flow. Medications and medical procedures can be used to remove calcium deposits from the blood vessels.
Step 1
Take statin medications to remove calcium that has accumulated on the walls of blood vessels.Statin drugs reduce high cholesterol levels and can reduce the hardening of the arteries that can be caused by calcium and fatty plaque, according to Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Undergo chelation therapy, a treatment used to remove lead and other metals from the bloodstream. A chemical called EDTA binds to metals when injected into the body, and causes them to be excreted through urine. The American Heart Association explains that although chelation therapy is not FDA approved to treat atherosclerosis, some doctors use it experimentally to remove calcium deposits from the blood vessels. However, the Association says there is no scientific evidence that it works to remove calcium from blood vessels.
Step 3
Schedule an endarterectomy if medications fail to remove enough calcium and fatty deposits from your blood vessel walls. An endarterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the mineral and fat accumulations are scraped from the artery walls, allowing blood to flow more freely.
Step 4
Discuss the benefits of an angioplasty with your doctor, especially if the calcium buildup is causing you to have pain in your legs. Angioplasty is used to treat vascular disease by opening the blocked blood vessels. Placing a stent in the blood vessels keeps them open, allowing blood to circulate to your extremities.
