Plaque is a hard substance that forms in your arteries, making them less flexible. Calcium is one of the components of plaque; fat and cholesterol are other substances that combine with calcium to form plaque. Plaque-filled arteries can reduce your blood flow, putting you at risk for other medical problems.
Causes
Calcium and other substances in your blood can form plaque when other risk factors in your body come in to play. Chronic high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and smoking all put additional pressure on your arteries, causing damage. Although your body tries to repair the damage, the particles of calcium, cholesterol and fat can stick together on the sides of your blood vessels, forming plaque. The term for plaque buildup in your arteries is atherosclerosis.
Risks
Health risks associated with calcium- and cholesterol-laden plaque include a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke. Atherosclerosis also can damage your kidneys if the plaque accumulates in the blood vessels within the organ, thus compromising kidney function. Another complication stemming from atherosclerosis is PAD, or peripheral arterial disease. Plaque builds in the arteries that supply blood to your arms and legs, reducing your blood flow to your pelvis and extremities. Numbness and possible infections can result.
Conventional Treatment
Diet modifications, exercise and medications are among the conventional treatment methods for people who have calcium plaque buildup. Following a low-fat diet and getting 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week can help you lose weight if needed and reduce high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol- and blood pressure-lowering medications and drugs to keep you from developing blood clots might be prescribed by your doctor.
Alternative Medicine
Ironically, taking a calcium supplement under your doctor's direction could be a form of alternative medicine to treat and prevent calcium plaque and atherosclerosis, according to MayoClinic.com. A variety of nutritional supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, beta-sitosterol and coenzyme Q10 might help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which could prevent plaque from forming in your blood vessels.
References
- NIH News; Calcium Plaque Build-up in the Arteries Leads to Coronary Heart Disease in Multi-Ethnic Groups; March 2007
- National Heart Blood and Lung Institute; What is Atherosclerosis?; July 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Atherosclerosis: Treatments and Drugs; June 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Atherosclerosis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies; June 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Atherosclerosis; Alternative Medicine; June 2010
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