Aortic Calcification

  Wife recently had a chest film taken for a bout with pneumonia.  The
  physician diagnosed a condition of aortic calcification etc.  She is
  68 years of age and in fairly good health.  Is this calcification
  something of concern or just a passing observation
  The physician did not elaborate on the condition at her last
  appointment.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

_

Dear Harvey, thank you for your question.  Arteries typically calcify in older persons and the aorta is the largest artery in the body. Aortic calcifications do not specifically indicate a problem, but if your wife has symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion, then she may also have blockages in the coronary arteries.  Calcium can also be deposited in the coronary arteries to contribute to blockages there.  Thus, if you wife is feeling fine, then there shouldn't be anything to worry about.  If not, then have her see her physician.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart
Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

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A related discussion, Calcification of the aorta and iliac arteries was started.