Are Calcium Supplements Harming Your Heart?
Can calcium supplements harm your heart? This question worries many, especially older adults relying on calcium for bone health. In this insightful Gen S Life episode, Cardiologist Dr. Ajit Menon separates fact from fear by explaining what really causes arterial calcification — and why calcium supplements are not the culprit.
Dr. Menon begins by clarifying that arterial blockages are primarily caused by cholesterol deposits, not calcium. Over time, calcium may get deposited on these existing cholesterol buildups, a process known as calcification. However, this calcium deposition doesn’t create blockages — it only makes arteries stiffer and sometimes more challenging to treat through angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Importantly, Dr. Menon highlights that no scientific evidence links oral calcium supplements to arterial calcification. Dietary or supplemental calcium is not a direct cause of heart disease. Instead, these supplements remain essential for maintaining bone density and preventing fractures, especially in seniors and postmenopausal women.
He further explains that a CT calcium scoring test can help detect excess calcium buildup, if suspected, and guide further cardiac evaluations.
Dr. Menon reassures viewers that calcium is a friend, not a foe, when taken responsibly.
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