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A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
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A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

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Calcium and Cardiovascular Disease

Ian R Reid1,2, Sarah M Birstow1, Mark J Bolland1

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Endocrinology and Metabolism (Seoul, Korea)
|September 29, 2017
PubMed

Insights

High circulating calcium levels increase vascular disease risk, independent of other factors. Dietary calcium is safer than supplements for cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Elevated circulating calcium is a recognized risk factor for vascular disease, supported by extensive longitudinal studies.
  • Potential mediation by other cardiovascular risk factors exists, but an independent effect of serum calcium is suggested.
  • Genetic variations in the calcium-sensing receptor linked to higher serum calcium correlate with cardiovascular disease, implying causality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between circulating calcium levels and vascular disease risk.
  • To investigate the role of calcium supplements versus dietary calcium in cardiovascular health.
  • To analyze the impact of calcium on mortality and vascular disease progression.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of prospective studies with large participant cohorts and long follow-up periods.
  • Review of clinical trials involving calcium supplements in patients with varying degrees of renal function.
  • Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and observational studies on dietary calcium intake.

Main Results:

  • Prospective studies indicate circulating calcium is an independent risk factor for vascular disease.
  • Trials in renal failure patients show increased mortality and vascular disease with calcium supplements.
  • Meta-analyses suggest adverse cardiovascular effects from calcium supplements, particularly in calcium-naive individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating calcium is a significant risk factor for vascular disease.
  • Dietary calcium intake is preferable to calcium supplements for cardiovascular health.
  • High calcium intake, especially from supplements, may accelerate vascular disease and increase mortality.

Keywords:
CalciumCalcium, dietaryCardiovascular diseasesMyocardial infarctionOsteoporosisRisk factors

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