Calcium & Atherosclerosis

Approximately two-thirds of adults in the United States will begin to develop atherosclerosis -- plaque buildup in the heart's arteries -- before they reach age 35, the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association reports. Atherosclerosis is an underlying cause of leading killers, including heart disease and stroke. Calcium may play a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a buildup of fatty plaque on the arteries that supply your heart with blood. In Greek, atherosclerosis literally means "hard paste," according to the American Heart Association. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include obesity, physical inactivity, a high saturated and trans fat-rich diet, tobacco use and old age. If atherosclerosis is allowed to progress, it can lead to serious medical conditions such as blood clots and heart attacks. Like many nutrients, calcium can influence atherosclerosis.

Evidence

A study published in the July 2010 "British Medical Journal" investigated the link between calcium supplementation and the risk of heart attacks in a group of more than 11, 000 volunteers. The researchers found that supplementing with calcium increased risk of a heart attack by approximately 30 percent. They found no link between calcium intake and stroke. Another study published in the February 2008 "British Medical Journal" found that taking calcium supplements boosted heart attack risk in a group of older women.

Mechanisms

Calcium is a component of arterial plaque. Supplementing with calcium or a high intake of calcium-rich foods can increase blood calcium, which may increase the formation of plaque. Additionally, high calcium intakes can cause abnormalities of the thyroid, particularly primary hyperparathyroidism. Individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism are at heightened risk of heart disease, according to the 2010 "British Medical Journal" study.

Considerations

While implicated as an atherosclerosis risk factor, calcium supplements may be beneficial for those at risk for osteoporosis. If your physician prescribes calcium supplements, don't discontinue them without asking him. Calcium is just one piece of the atherosclerosis puzzle. You can further decrease your atherosclerosis risk by exercising regularly, eating a heart-healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight.