Everyone is worried about cholesterol blocking arteries, but not many know that calcium deposits in arteries are also dangerous. Dr Mukesh Goel, senior consultant, cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery, heart and lung transplant surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says: “Arterial calcification is a serious yet often under-recognised concern. While cholesterol deposits initiate plaque buildup, calcification makes these plaques hard and rigid, reducing the arteries’ elasticity and blood flow.
This stiffness forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Calcified plaques are also less likely to rupture than soft plaques, but they still signify advanced atherosclerosis and long-standing vascular damage. Coronary artery calcium scoring, done through a CT scan, is an important tool to assess heart disease risk. A higher score indicates a greater burden of calcified plaque and a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Although calcium in bones is essential, calcium deposits in arteries are harmful. Managing contributing factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic inflammation can help slow progression. Thus, arterial calcification warrants as much concern as cholesterol buildup itself.”
How does hypercalcemia affect the heart?
Hypercalcemia, or elevated calcium levels in the blood, can significantly affect the heart’s rhythm and function. Calcium plays a vital role in cardiac muscle contraction and electrical conduction. When its levels rise excessively, it can shorten the heart’s electrical cycle, leading to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), palpitations, or even heart block in severe cases. Persistent hypercalcemia can also promote calcium deposition in heart valves and arteries, contributing to calcification and reducing cardiac efficiency. Over time, this may lead to hypertension, heart valve disease, or heart failure. Patients with high calcium levels may experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath due to the strain on the heart. Identifying and managing the underlying cause, such as a parathyroid disorder or excessive vitamin D intake, is crucial to prevent long-term cardiac complications and restore normal calcium balance for optimal heart health.
How does hypercalcemia affect the other organs of the body?
Hypercalcemia can have widespread effects across several organs. In the kidneys, excess calcium can lead to frequent urination, dehydration, and kidney stones, and in severe cases, kidney failure. The digestive system may be affected, causing nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Neurologically, elevated calcium can interfere with brain function, leading to confusion, lethargy, depression, or in extreme situations, coma. Muscles may become weak and achy due to impaired nerve signalling. Over time, calcium may deposit in soft tissues, affecting their function. Bone health also suffers, especially when hypercalcemia is caused by overactive parathyroid glands, which draw calcium out of bones, causing bone pain and fragility. Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, hypercalcemia often goes unnoticed until complications arise. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential to protect organs from long-term damage and restore the body’s mineral balance.
What can be done to lower calcium levels in the body that are not diet-related, and caused by other factors, like a hyperparathyroid gland for instance?
When hypercalcemia is caused by conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, treatment focuses on addressing the root cause rather than merely reducing dietary calcium. In primary hyperparathyroidism, surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid gland is often the most effective and lasting solution. For patients unable to undergo surgery, medications like calcimimetics (which reduce parathyroid hormone secretion) or bisphosphonates (which slow calcium release from bones) may help control calcium levels. Adequate hydration through intravenous fluids helps the kidneys flush out excess calcium, while diuretics like furosemide can aid excretion under medical supervision. In cases linked to cancer or excessive vitamin D, treating the underlying condition is essential. Regular blood monitoring, maintaining kidney health, and avoiding unnecessary calcium or vitamin D supplements are also important. Effective management requires a tailored approach guided by a physician or endocrinologist based on the individual’s cause and severity.
Can diet significantly help in lowering calcium levels?
Dietary changes alone usually have a limited effect on lowering calcium levels when the cause lies outside of diet, such as in hyperparathyroidism or cancer-related hypercalcemia. However, dietary moderation can support medical treatment and prevent further calcium buildup. Reducing calcium-rich foods or supplements, avoiding excessive vitamin D intake, and limiting fortified foods can help. Ensuring adequate hydration is crucial, as it aids kidney function and calcium excretion. Limiting high-sodium and high-protein diets may also reduce calcium loss from bones and lower overall calcium load. At the same time, it’s important not to eliminate calcium completely, since deficiency can weaken bones and stimulate more parathyroid hormone production, worsening the problem. Instead, the goal is balance, supporting bone and kidney health while avoiding unnecessary calcium intake. For meaningful and lasting reduction, addressing the underlying cause medically remains the most effective strategy.
