How Long Can You Live with Coronary Artery Calcification

Understanding Coronary Artery Calcification

Coronary artery calcification occurs when calcium builds up along the walls of the coronary arteries. These are the major blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Calcium deposits narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart. This condition is also called coronary artery calcification or calcific coronary artery disease.

Causes of Coronary Artery Calcification

The calcium deposits are part of the atherosclerotic disease process. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the artery walls. As the plaques harden over time with additional calcium, the arteries stiffen and narrow. Risk factors for developing atherosclerosis and coronary artery calcification include:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Family history

Detection Using Cardiac CT Scans

Coronary artery calcification is diagnosed using cardiac CT scans. This diagnostic imaging test takes detailed pictures of the heart and surrounding structures. The CT scanner generates cross-sectional views of the coronary arteries. Calcification and narrowing of the arteries can be measured, providing an assessment of atherosclerotic disease and risk.

How Coronary Artery Calcification Impacts Heart Health

The calcium deposits thicken and harden the artery walls. This causes several issues including:

• Reduced blood flow which decreases oxygen supply to heart tissue
• Increased risk for blood clots which can further block arteries
• Higher chance of plaque rupture leading to heart attacks
• Chest pain or tightness during activity called angina

The extent of coronary calcification correlates with worsening atherosclerotic disease. People with more calcified arteries or obstruction from blockages are at greater risk for complications like heart attack, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Calcification signals the damaging cardiovascular disease process and a deteriorating heart condition, requiring intensive management or treatment.

Angina and Quality of Life Impacts

Those with significant calcium buildup often experience angina during exertion when blood flow cannot keep up with the heart muscle’s increased need for oxygen. Typically, angina causes temporary tightness, pressure, or burning sensations in the chest which subsides with rest. As arteries narrow further over time, symptoms may become more frequent, severe, and prolonged.

In addition to restricting physical activity, angina episodes can severely reduce a person’s quality of life due to constant worry about future attacks. Anxiety and depression frequently occur in those coping with worsening coronary artery disease and related heart problems. Ongoing stress negatively impacts cardiovascular health as well.

Treatment Options for Coronary Artery Calcification

Lifestyle Changes and Medications

Doctors focus treatment on limiting additional calcification and plaque formation along with managing existing cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Recommendations include:

• Following a heart-healthy diet low in salt, fat, and cholesterol
• Exercising regularly within symptom limits
• Quitting smoking immediately to stop damaging artery walls
• Taking medications to control high blood pressure or diabetes
• Using statins or other drugs to decrease LDL and total cholesterol

Medical Procedures to Restore Blood Flow

If medications combined with lifestyle changes cannot control coronary artery disease progression and symptoms, procedures to restore blood flow become necessary. Angioplasty can widen narrowed arteries using a stent implant. Coronary artery bypass surgery grafts healthy vessels to go around severely blocked areas.

Atherectomy procedures utilize catheters equipped with tiny cutting devices to remove fatty plaque directly. Rotablation makes use of a special burr catheter to sand arterial plaque away. Lastly, laser angioplasty breaks down blockages with laser light. Each intervention aims to reopen afflicted arteries and alleviate ischemic heart damage related to poor circulation.

Prognosis and Life Expectancy

Variable Factors Influence Outcomes

How long someone can live with coronary artery calcification depends on multiple factors including:

• Age at diagnosis
• Presence of calcium in other arteries
• Extent of calcification and arterial narrowing
• Risk factors like diabetes or smoking history
• Other existing medical conditions
• Genetics and family history
• Success of treatment and lifestyle changes

Since the gradual buildup of plaque typically starts in early adulthood before any symptoms occur, most cases reflect long term cardiovascular disease. However, healthy lifestyle choices and proper management can slow atherosclerosis progression and calcification.

Impact on Life Expectancy

According to research studies, people with extensive coronary artery calcification have a significantly higher risk of death compared to those with no calcium buildup. One major study found that mortality risk increased nearly 20% for every 100 units of additional calcium detected during CT scans.

Overall, life expectancy fell 2.3 years for each unit increase in calcium scores. So higher amounts of calcification reduce lifespans due to associated cardiovascular events. Still, proper screening and preventative care make early detection possible in many patients. Addressing modifiable risk factors and keeping detailed follow up with one’s cardiologist helps limit calcification rates with the potential to extend lifespans.

Without intervention, worsening arterial flow restriction eventually causes oxygen starvation of heart muscle known as myocardial ischemia or infarction. Prolonged lack of blood flow leads to permanent scarring and heart failure. While mild stable angina allows for normal life expectancy, unstable angina predicts high risk for imminent heart attack and shorter projected survival.

Importance of Cardiac Care and Risk Reduction

Coronary artery calcium scans enable early identification of plaque buildup years before blockages normally cause angina and heart damage. This means preventative steps align with primary goals of minimizing further calcification while controlling other cardiac risk factors intensively with medications and lifestyle improvements.

Following doctor’s orders, maintaining follow up monitoring, and properly managing heart disease offers the best chance for normal longevity. Though challenging, adjusting daily habits to nurture cardiovascular wellness ensures people with coronary calcification can live full, enjoyable, active lives for decades after diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.