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Raised Calcium Levels Can Increase The Risk Of Having Heart Disease

Undoubtedly, Calcium plays a vital role in many biological processes in the human body.It is associated with blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction and blood clotting. But as we know that the excess of anything is bad, similar is the case with the intake of calcium. Even the best cardiac specialists in Delhi say that people who are genetically predisposed to higher calcium levels are more likely to get a coronary artery disease (CAD) or a heart attack.

Let us have a deeper insight of the role of raised calcium levels in increasing the risk of heart disease:

  • As per the analysis of the recent studies, calcium deposits form an integral part of artery-clogging plaque. They form a major factor in the stiffening of the arteries.
  • Consequently, this leads to interference with the action of the heart valves. Consult the best heart specialist doctor in Delhi and he would also advise you to maintain an optimal level of calcium in their body.
  • A technique known as Mendelian Randomization was adopted by the scientists to test for causal links between calcium levels and CAD or heart attack. This procedure is based on analysis of genetic variants or genetic differences that help to predict the susceptibility levels for a particular ailment.
  • There are some drawbacks associated with the studies, i.e., some factors like age and sex were not recorded during the procedure. Another issue that the results failed to address is how much calcium the average person should consume each day to keep bones strong and healthy.
  • Due to these uncertainties in the balance of benefits and risks of calcium supplements, it would be best not to rely just on calcium for building strong muscles. Focus more on regular exercise, vitamin D from sun and vitamin K from green vegetables rather than supplements available in the market.
  • We also suggest you to consult one of the best cardiac specialists in Delhi and visit him or her regularly if you fall under the high-risk zone of having heart disease. Your doctor will conduct a test called Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan to see the level of calcium deposition (if any) inside your heart arteries.
  • During this test, a specialized x-ray machine is used for taking pictures of your heart in thin sections. These scans would create a view which reveals the level of calcification in the inner walls of arteries.
  • These are an early sign of atherosclerosis which can further lead to heart attack or stroke.

Treatment for Raised Calcium Levels

  • If you are found to have mild hypercalcemia, then you need not get alarmed as regular monitoring of calcium level and medical management will help in bringing back the calcium level to normal.
  • More severe cases of hypercalcemia are treated through various treatment modalities like intravenous fluids or medications like bisphosphonates or calcitonin.
  • There are certain underlying factors like excessive vitamin D or overactive parathyroid glands which cause raised levels of calcium in the body. So to help your body attain normal calcium levels, you doctor will treat these underlying conditions.

Prevention of Hypercalcemia

Following lifestyle changes will help you in keeping a balanced level of calcium in the body:

  • Regular exercise and strength training
  • Quitting smoking
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Proper diet management
  • Avoiding excessive intake of vitamin D and calcium supplements.
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