Blood contains a variety of substances that circulate throughout the body, but never dissolve in the blood. One of these substances is calcium. Others include fat and cholesterol. When your blood contains excess calcium, fat and cholesterol, these substances can accumulate and harden on the artery walls. These hardened deposits narrow the arteries and decrease their elasticity, which hinders blood flow. This condition is referred to as atherosclerosis.
Causes
The development of calcium plaques is not related to your intake of dietary calcium. Atherosclerosis occurs when certain conditions damage the inner layers of the arteries. The most common causes of damage include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and high blood glucose levels. When the arteries are damaged, they attempt a healing process immediately. This healing process causes plaque to accumulate in the damaged areas.
Symptoms
Atherosclerosis does not usually cause any symptoms until the arteries have been so severely blocked or hardened that blood flow is significantly hindered. When symptoms do occur, they depend on which arteries are affected by plaque, including calcium plaques. When plaque narrows the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, it can result in chest pain, shortness of breath and abnormal heart rhythms. When plaque narrows the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, it can result in difficulty speaking, confusion, vision disturbances, dizziness and headache. When the peripheral arteries, which supply blood to the limbs, are affected, it causes numbness and pain.
Treatment
One of the first steps in treating atherosclerosis is making a series of diet and lifestyle changes. Following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can help reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which in turn can reduce plaque development. Increased exercise can also help you reduce cholesterol levels and promote weight loss, which can help atherosclerosis. If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to control the condition, medications may be prescribed. It is also important to quit smoking if you are a smoker.
Complications
If left untreated, atherosclerosis can cause a number of serious health conditions. Some of the most common conditions include coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Atherosclerosis may also lead to an aneurysm, which is a bulge that forms in the wall of an artery. If an aneurysm bursts, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Atherosclerosis can also lead to a transient ischemic attack, also referred to as a TIA or mini-stroke.
Considerations
MedlinePlus notes that most people develop some degree of atherosclerosis as they age. The key to preventing complications from the condition is to engage in a healthy lifestyle. Proper diet and exercise is especially important for those with a history of heart disease.
