Calcification Research Paper

By Jonas Wilson, Ing. Med.

Calcification of the arteries

Arterial calcification is a gradual and progressive process that is seen in most people after the 6th decade of life. This results in a reduction of arterial elasticity and an increased propensity for morbidity and mortality due to the impairment of the cardiovascular system’s hemodynamics. Implicated in this impairment as a direct consequence of the calcification are aortic stenosis (narrowing), hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy (enlarged heart), myocardial ischemia, and general compromised structural integrity of the heart.

Arterial calcification consists mainly of apatite calcium salt precipitates, similar to hydroxyapatite, which is found in bone. There are several risk factors associated with the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. Older age, African descent, no college education, high total cholesterol, smoking and hypertension are the risk factors associated with arterial calcification. Several proteins have also been identified in playing a role in the development of vascular calcification. Some of the proteins are inhibitory, while others are activating.
The increased load on the heart also results in increased left ventricular size and diastolic dysfunction. Calcification of the aortic valve results in aortic narrowing, a life threatening condition. Calcium deposits also cause weakening of the vasomotor responses. The ultimate result is a compliance mismatch within the cardiovascular system that leads to early mechanical