Learn why calcification of the aorta can cause heart attack

Calcification of the aorta can cause infarction because it causes this blood vessel to lose its natural elasticity, hindering good blood circulation. Infarction happens when the calcium plaque completely prevents the blood from passing through or when a part of that plaque detaches from the wall of the aorta and blocks a smaller blood vessel, preventing the blood from reaching the heart muscle. In addition to infarction, calcification of the aorta can also lead to stroke or aneurysm, which is a dilation of the aortic wall.

Atheromatous calcification of the aorta is when there is an accumulation of calcium next to a fatty plaque, which occurs mainly in people who have uncontrolled high cholesterol, which is the main cause of aortic calcification. See how to identify Aorta Atheromatosis.

Main causes of aortic calcification

The risk of aortic calcification increases with age and its main causes are:

Accumulation of calcium in the aorta due to excessive calcium supplementation; Rheumatic fever, which can lead to a decrease in the size of the aorta, making it difficult for blood to pass; Complications of genetic heart disease, such as aortic valve defects; Renal insufficiency; Presence of plaques atheroma, which are plaques formed by the accumulation of fat in blood vessels.

People who have high cholesterol, are overweight, who smoke or consume alcohol in an excessive way also have a higher risk of developing calcification in the aorta.

Symptoms of aortic calcification

Symptoms of aortic calcification are nonspecific, but can usually occur:

Pain in the chest or abdomen in the form of a twinge or tightness, especially during physical efforts such as walking or lifting weight; Heart murmur; Easy tiredness; Heart palpitations; Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet; Increased urination; Dizziness when standing or walk.

The diagnosis of aortic calcification can be made through exams such as angiography, ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance. The doctor will recommend the test according to the person's characteristics, and may even order other types of tests to make a better assessment of cardiac function.

How to treat aortic calcification

The treatment of aortic calcification can be done with medications to control cholesterol and with changes in lifestyle, which includes reducing sugars and fats in the diet and frequent physical activity. In more severe cases, the doctor may find it necessary to perform surgery. See more about the treatment for aortic calcification.

What is the aorta

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, being responsible for receiving all the blood that leaves the heart and distributing it to the rest of the body. When leaving the heart, the aorta curves and goes to the chest and abdomen, dividing into smaller vessels along its path through the body, in order to irrigate all other organs and tissues. Therefore, the description of the diagnosis of calcification of the aorta depends on where the excess calcium is located, it can be: calcification of the abdominal aorta, if the calcium is deposited in the part of the aorta that passes through the belly or calcification of the thoracic aorta, if the excess calcium is in the chest part.