Calcification of the heart is a common condition that can lead to serious cardiovascular events. It is important to differentiate between coronary and peripheral calcifications when considering arterial calcification. Coronary calcification is caused by dysmorphic precipitation of calcium induced by chondrocyte-like cells and associated with the appearance of inflammatory factors, such as cytokines. On the other hand, peripheral calcification is caused by osteoblast-like cells acting on several contributing factors, such as hyperphosphatemia, hypercalcaemia, and hyperparathyroidism.
The basis of treatment for coronary calcification are lifestyle changes that can help slow the progression of the disease. These may include stopping smoking, losing weight, abstaining from alcohol, and controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels. Additionally, diet plays an important role in limiting cholesterol, fats and sodium intake. Exercise is also recommended to help reduce the risk of calcification.
In highly calcified arteries with severe atherosclerosis, additional intervention may be needed to prevent symptoms or diseases. This may include procedures such as coronary stenting or bypass surgery. Other surgical procedures that may be performed include a rotational, orbital, or laser atherectomy to remove plaque and calcium from the artery. Intravascular lithotripsy has recently emerged as a therapeutic option in the treatment of calcific peripheral artery disease.Aortic valve calcification is a condition in which calcium deposits form in the aortic valve.
These deposits can cause the valve opening to narrow and lead to aortic valve stenosis. If arteries start to calcify early, it may go unnoticed for several years as younger people usually have no reason to get images. Coronary angiography can provide information to your healthcare provider to help you assess your cardiovascular risk.The Disrupt CAD I trial was the first multi-center, single-group prospective trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for the treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions. Percutaneous coronary intervention for a highly calcified coronary artery remains a major challenge for interventional cardiologists.The key to treating calcification of the heart is prevention through lifestyle changes and diet modifications.
If additional intervention is needed, there are several surgical procedures that can be performed to treat the disease. Intravascular lithotripsy has recently emerged as a viable option for treating calcific peripheral artery disease.
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