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What Causes Calcification of Arteries?

This article will discuss the significant cause of the calcification of arteries.

You see, the human body becomes more calcified as we get older. But we aim to keep our bones calcified, while other body tissues are prevented from being calcified.

The body needs calcium for good health and vital functions. Calcium keeps your teeth and bones strong. But it is also involved in heart function. In some cases, calcium deposits may have a negative impact on human health.

Calcification of arteries occurs when calcium accumulates in the arteries that channel blood to the heart. The buildup of calcium in the coronary artery can lead to coronary artery disease and increase your risk of a heart attack.

Top signs of heart problems

The symptoms experienced by a heart patient depend on the type of heart disease.

Signs of heart disease in the blood vessels

Coronary artery disease affects the blood vessels that supply the heart muscles. Plaques (cholesterol deposits) in the heart’s arteries are the primary cause of coronary artery disease. The accumulation of these plaques is referred to as atherosclerosis. When a person has atherosclerosis, blood flow to the heart is reduced. It may lead to a stroke, chest pain (angina), or a heart attack.

Top signs of a heart problem include:

· Shortness of breath

· Pains in the chest, tight chest discomfort, and chest pressure.

· Pain in the jaw, neck, throat, back, or upper belly.

· Numbness, coldness, weakness, or pain in the arms or legs if the blood vessels in these body parts are narrowed.


Understanding calcified arteries

There’s calcium in your body. It occurs naturally therein. Most of the calcium in your body is present in the teeth and bones. But on the other hand, over 1 percent of the calcium in your body circulates in your blood (1).

Studies have shown that the arteries may be calcified due to the release of calcium when the smooth muscle cells die in the heart’s arteries (2).

It is also worth noting that macrophages (cells of the immune system) in the arteries may release inflammatory compounds that ease the process of calcium deposition. Over time, these calcium deposits form spots or speckles that can develop into fragments or sheets.

Certain medical conditions can trigger genetic changes that result in the calcification of arteries. These conditions often cause the development of coronary artery calcifications at an earlier age. Examples of these conditions are (3):

· Singleton-Merten syndrome

· Pseudoxanthoma elasticum

· Idiopathic basal ganglia calcification

· Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome

· Gaucher’s disease type 3C

Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash


What causes calcified arteries?

There are two types of cells in the human bone: the osteoblast and the osteoclast. The osteoblasts are cells that take charge of building the bone.

On the other hand, the osteoclast degrades or breaks down bones. So, the bone is building up and breaking down at all times. The implication is that you have osteoporosis if you have too much osteoclast.

You start calcifying in your bones if you have too many osteoblasts, especially in your arteries. So, technically, your arteries begin to turn into bones, which is a bizarre thing.

Vitamin K2 is helpful for your bones

Osteoporosis — meaning “porous bones,” is very common in the Western world.

It has a high prevalence among older women and severely increases the risk of fractures.

It is important to note that vitamin K2 plays a central role in calcium metabolism, the primary mineral found in teeth and bones.

Vitamin K2 activates the calcium-binding effect of osteocalcin and matrix GLA protein which in turn help to build and maintain the bones (4).

Controlled studies have also shown that vitamin K2 may benefit bone health.

A 3-year study involving 244 postmenopausal women found that intake of vitamin K2 supplements significantly slowed down age-related bone mineral density (4).

Similar benefits have been observed in long-term studies involving Japanese women (5).

So, in line with these findings, vitamin K supplements have been recommended to prevent and treat osteoporosis in Japan (6).


Photo By bigmouse108


Causes of vitamin K2 deficiency

The human body produces enough vitamin K. However chronic diseases can cause a deficiency. Symptoms that may indicate vitamin K2 deficiency include:

· Lack of motivation or problems with concentration

· Heavy bleeding in injuries (vitamin K2 plays a vital role in blood clotting).

· Injuries take an exceptionally long time to heal

· Brittle bones

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should check the level of vitamin K2 in your body.

Most cases of vitamin K2 deficiency are attributed to metabolic disorders. In this case, some bacteria can produce fewer bacteria. Bile acid sequestrants or antibiotics can also cause vitamin K2 deficiency by affecting the production of vitamins.

Illnesses like alcoholism, liver disease, celiac disease, poor absorption, and altered lipid metabolism can also cause vitamin K2 deficiency.


Takeaway

Calcification of arteries can signify that you have heart disease or atherosclerosis. Your healthcare provider can determine the extent of calcifications through a CT scan.

If you are diagnosed with artery calcifications, you can take some steps to prevent further buildup. Follow any lifestyle measures your healthcare provider recommends and manage all underlying conditions.


Disclaimer: Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Correction to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this article or others.

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