how to counteract calcium buildup?

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What Is Coronary Calcium?
Calcium, the body's most abundant mineral, circulates through the body and is vital for bone strength and for many cellular functions. But calcium can also form deposits in the arteries. This calcification stiffens the blood vessels, causing "hardening of the arteries" or atherosclerosis. This buildup, along with cholesterol and other fatty substances, adds to the formation of "plaque" in the lining of an artery, which blocks the flow of blood to the heart.

There is a direct link between the degree of calcium buildup in the blood vessels to the amount of atherosclerotic plaque, and therefore, the likelihood of subsequent heart attack or stroke. "Conceptually, it is like buying a house with new plumbing," says Frank Pearl, MD, cardiologist on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. "Even after the first week, the inside of the pipes will be coated with some matter. If not maintained over the years, the coating inside of the pipes builds up." Proper care of your health can help prevent similar buildups in your arteries.

Coronary artery calcium screening helps physicians detect atherosclerosis, the leading cause of heart disease. This is especially important since over half of all first coronary heart disease events are sudden and occur in individuals who had no previous symptoms.

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how to counteract calcium buildup?

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