Calcium buildup: how dangerous is it?

Calcium buildup is also known as calcification. It is the build up of calcium in the body, either in the body tissue, blood or organs. This build up can take time, but when it occurs is hard and can cause damage to the body’s normal functions.

In most cases, calcium buildup is caused by various conditions. Some disorders can be help calcium to be deposited in places where it wouldn’t normally go. These places include:

• small and large arteries
• heart valves
• brain, where it is known as cranial calcification
• joints and tendons, such as knee joints and rotator cuff tendons
• soft tissues like breasts, muscles, and fat
• kidney, bladder, and gallbladder

Some calcification can be harmless, and in people aged 60 and over, it is seen as a common sign of age to have calcium deposits in the blood vessels.

What causes calcium buildup?

Calcium buildup can occur from many things including:

• infections
• calcium metabolism disorders that cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood)
• genetic or autoimmune disorders affecting your skeletal system and connective tissues
• persistent inflammation

However, one thing that should be understood, is that calcium build up is not the result of a calcium-rich diet.

How do I know if I suffer from calcium buildup?

Most people discover that they are suffering from calcium buildup when they undergo an x-ray or scan. Blood tests will also help determine how your body is coping with calcification.

Less commonly, cancer can cause calcium deposits. A calcification is usually tested to rule out cancer as a cause. Your doctor will order a biopsy to work out what has caused the buildup.

Breast calcifications are common and occur when calcium builds up within the soft tissue of the breast. There are two main types of breast calcifications: macrocalcifications (large) and microcalcifications (small). Macrocalcifications are most common in women who are aged over fifty.