I recognize calcification of the coronary arteries by these symptoms | Calcification of the coronary arteries

I recognize calcification of the coronary arteries by these symptoms

Calcification of the coronary arteries is a longstanding remodeling process that does not develop acutely. If unhealthy nutrition and lifestyle cause LDL cholesterol to be built into the vessel walls, the person affected does not notice it at first. Only when this remodelling of the coronary arteries continues to progress can it become symptomatic.

If a strong calcification of the vessels finally occurs, which restricts the flow through the coronary arteries, one speaks of the so-called coronary heart disease (CHD). The heart muscle is then no longer sufficiently supplied with blood and the nutrients it transports. Depending on the severity of the illness, this manifests itself as pain or tightness in the chest (angina pectoris) or shortness of breath.

The pain is often located behind the sternum, but can also radiate into an arm or even be perceived as upper abdominal pain. Initially, these complaints only occur during physical exertion or heavy psychological stress. With progressive calcification, however, they can also occur at rest. If the calcification of the coronary arteries leads to a complete blockage of a vessel, this is called a heart attack. If the calcification of the coronary arteries was previously unnoticed, the heart attack may well be the first symptom of coronary heart disease

Treatment

The prognosis of coronary artery calcification depends on its severity. A slight calcification of the vessels is normal in old age and usually does not cause any problems. If the calcification of the coronary arteries progresses farther, coronary heart disease occurs. This disease is the main cause of death in the western industrial nations and should therefore be treated by a doctor in any case.

Course of disease

Calcification of the coronary arteries is a process that develops over years and does not start overnight. Furthermore, a slight calcification of the vessels is perfectly normal in old age and normally does not cause any discomfort. Only a severe calcification that exceeds the normal level of age must be considered a disease and treated as such.

If the calcification of the coronary vessels progresses to such an extent that the blood flow in the vessels is restricted, the first symptoms often occur. This is then referred to as coronary heart disease, which may need to be treated. If the lifestyle is not changed, this disease progresses more and more until breathing difficulties and chest pain occur in everyday life. Here, surgical treatment with the help of a stent or bypass must be considered.