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What Is Coronary Calcification and How Can I Avoid It?

diagram of coronary calcification (atherosclerosis)

Dr. Grant Bailey, one of the cardiologists at South Denver Cardiology, specializes in cardiovascular disease, imaging of the heart and blood vessels and also help with our congestive heart failure clinic. Below, Dr. Bailey answers the questions of “What Is Coronary Calcification and How Can I Avoid It?”

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death both in the United States and worldwide. When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart, it can eventually cause these arteries to become blocked, preventing proper blood flow to the heart. This process, called atherosclerosis, can trigger a heart attack.

Atherosclerosis is often referred to as “hardening of the arteries,” and this process is impacted by a variety of factors, including:

Once cholesterol accumulates in the coronary arteries, calcium and other minerals will also build up there. This process is called coronary calcification. Coronary calcification can be detected on x-rays, which is why this type of imaging is commonly used to identify the presence of calcium in heart arteries. Coronary calcification is a common sign that you have atherosclerosis and vascular disease.

Why Is Coronary Calcification Concerning?

If a diagnostic test detects the presence of coronary calcification in your arteries, it means you have atherosclerosis. If your coronary calcification is severe, it may indicate that you’re likely to develop blockages in your arteries. Therefore, coronary calcification is often associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other complications associated with poor blood flow to the heart and other organs.

Steps to Reduce the Risk of Coronary Calcification and Heart Disease

Coronary artery disease is a complex condition that is impacted by a variety of factors, including genetics. While it’s impossible to control a genetic predisposition to heart disease, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

A great first step to determine whether you’re at risk of heart disease is to visit your doctor and have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked. When these levels become elevated, it indicates you are at higher risk of heart disease. If you experience high cholesterol, high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor to see if medications might be an effective way to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

diagram of coronary artery disease

The Importance of Diet and Exercise in Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease

Regardless of whether these test results indicate an elevated risk of heart disease, you should commit to getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and eating a heart healthy diet.

Many people work sedentary jobs, sitting in a chair at a desk for long hours every day. Research has shown that over time, even small amounts of daily physical activity and exercise can drastically reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that being active will also improve your mood, sleep quality and overall wellbeing. In addition, it can even reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life. For this reason, finding ways to add exercise into your daily routine is perhaps the most important thing you can do to take control of your health.

The other important factor impacting your heart health is your diet. There is a lot of information circulating – both accurate and inaccurate – regarding the best foods to eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and many people struggle to determine which advice should be followed. The following tips will help you maintain a heart healthy diet:

Find Out if You Have a Genetic Predisposition to Heart Disease

Genetics can play a major role in your heart health. As a result, even if you take all the steps necessary to maintain optimal heart health, you can still be at risk of heart disease. If you have a strong family history of heart problems, you should visit a cardiologist for routine diagnostic testing to ensure any signs of heart disease are detected in their earliest stages.

South Denver Cardiology Can Help You Maintain Optimal Heart Health

At South Denver Cardiology, we offer a wide range of services to help you take control of your heart health and treat any heart conditions you may develop. This includes:

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. South Denver Cardiology Associates serves patients in Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas.

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