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Interventional Cardiology (Expert Forum)
Aortic calcification concerns
Answered by
Truman Medical Center
MO
Questions in the Interventional Cardiology forum are answered by medical professionals affiliated with the Truman Medical Center. Topics covered include acute coronary syndrome, angina , atrial fibrillation , cardiac catheterization , cardiomyopathy , drug abuse & cardiac disease, echocardiography , heart failure , hypertension & heart disease , lipid management , minorities and heart disease, peripheral vascular disease prevention, valvular heart disease , women’s heart health, and the warning signs of a heart attack.
Aortic calcification concerns
by charley40, Jul 14, 2008 04:04PM
Hello, I recently had an x-ray for a lower back injury when it was found that I have a "mild" abdominal aortic calcification. I'm a 40 yr. old male smoker, dad had 1st heart attack at age 44, 2nd one took him at age 46. We are not sure, but it is possible that my dad had an aortic aneurysm from what I was told. Mom had stroke at age 71, then heart attack took her at age 73. Both parents had high blood pressure where mine is fine at 115/75 average. My weight is fine at 5'5" and 135 lbs. I do take after dad as far as dental health (periodontitis) though I'm getting that addressed this week after years of ignoring it. I am aware of increasing evidence with oral health and heart health.
Two years ago, after some intermittent chest pain, I was diagnosed with mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The dx was based on my thalium treadmill echo. I requested a meeting with the head of cardiology and was told the he did not agree with his colleagues findings and ruled out any abnormal dysfunction, it is a normal part of aging etc.
After reading too much online about aortic calcification, I'm concerned. Can you help me regarding what questions/tests I should be asking/inquiring about regarding this with my primary physician? I do know I need to quit smoking for too many reasons, and I've severely changed my diet though it wasn't horrible to begin with. My most important question is, can I reverse calcification with diet and exercise? Also, I had asked the advice nurse if calcification and sclerosis were the same since I'd read that online. She had told me they are not necessarily the same and that I need to find out what the content of the calcification is, i.e. is it easily dissolvable, would meds help, etc. Is that correct?
I do apologize for the length of this post and I also sincerely thank all the doctors in advance for providing this outlet for people such as myself.
Signed,
Worried
Two years ago, after some intermittent chest pain, I was diagnosed with mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The dx was based on my thalium treadmill echo. I requested a meeting with the head of cardiology and was told the he did not agree with his colleagues findings and ruled out any abnormal dysfunction, it is a normal part of aging etc.
After reading too much online about aortic calcification, I'm concerned. Can you help me regarding what questions/tests I should be asking/inquiring about regarding this with my primary physician? I do know I need to quit smoking for too many reasons, and I've severely changed my diet though it wasn't horrible to begin with. My most important question is, can I reverse calcification with diet and exercise? Also, I had asked the advice nurse if calcification and sclerosis were the same since I'd read that online. She had told me they are not necessarily the same and that I need to find out what the content of the calcification is, i.e. is it easily dissolvable, would meds help, etc. Is that correct?
I do apologize for the length of this post and I also sincerely thank all the doctors in advance for providing this outlet for people such as myself.
Signed,
Worried
Doctor's Answer
by Douglas Bogart, MD, Jul 15, 2008 07:48AM
, Jul 15, 2008 07:48AMTo: charley40
Calcification in the vessels is due to atherosclerosis in the vessels and you clearly do have vascular disease. You MUST stop smoking as a first step. You should have a CT for calcium scoring of your heart and very likely you will have disease there as well. The steps to reverse atherosclerosis are --smoking cessation, diet , exercise and medication such as the statin drugs--even if you don't have an elevated cholesterol.
You should also have a sonogram of the abdomen to check for an aneurysm.
The calcium in the wall of the artery is a marker of disease and is present before the artery narrows (like the coronary arteries do) or dilates (for example an aneurysm formation). This is a WAKE UP CALL ---HEED IT!!!
You should also have a sonogram of the abdomen to check for an aneurysm.
The calcium in the wall of the artery is a marker of disease and is present before the artery narrows (like the coronary arteries do) or dilates (for example an aneurysm formation). This is a WAKE UP CALL ---HEED IT!!!
