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What is the role of calcium in blocking blood vessels?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My medical condition, background information, current lifestyle, and medications are as follows. My cardiac calcium score was over 4,500 before four years ago and is now over 9,400. Angioplasty before six months revealed mid-right coronary artery stenosis of less than 50% and diffused LAD 20% to 30%, but no focal stenosis was visualized. It also shows a large diagonal branch from the proximal segment of LAD with stenosis of 60% to 70%, a left circumflex artery with 30% stenosis at the ostium and 30% to 40% stenosis on its proximal segment, and one large obtuse marginal visualized without significant stenosis. RCA is large and dominant. In the distal segment of RCA, 70% of the cases are stenosis.

There is a moderate degree of calcification in proximal RCA. The left ventriculogram showed an estimated ejection fraction of 60% to 65% with no significant wall motion abnormalities. During angioplasty, the interventionist was unable to place a stent and said RCA was like cement. Subsequent cardiac calcium scan revealed left main and LAD 1575, LCX 1276, RCA 6589. In pericardium there is no evidence of calcification or effusion. The enlargement of the ascending aorta is 4.3 cm. I am asymptomatic.

I used to do exercise daily and have a pretty good diet. I do have minor ischemia. I stopped taking calcium supplements after the angioplasty. I take 400 mg of Magnesium glycinate daily, 5000 IU of vitamin D about 4 times a week, and 45 mcg of vitamin K2 daily. I use a transdermal Magnesium chloride spray (EASE) on the chest area daily. I am taking a variety of supplements, including Omega 3, vitamin C, CLA, L-Camatine, Ubiquinol, Strontium for my senior osteoporosis, Pycnogenol, Mycophyto (a combination of 6 mushrooms and garlic). I am also taking medications, which include Plavix 75 mg daily, Verapamil ER 300 mg, Simcor 500/20 mg, and Aspirin (enteric-coated) 81 mg. I have been told by three cardiologists that calcification is irreversible and probably genetic.

My question is, is cardiac calcification an irreversible condition? Do any significant (and accessible) studies prove that? The addition of crystallized magnesium chloride is helpful for the decalcification process? If so, what are the other forms of magnesium can I take along with it? Are oral chelation (EDTA supplements) safe and effective in decalcification, and what are the recommended doses? Do Aspirin or Plavix block GLA and cause calcification? I am pleased with your recommendation.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com!

There is no need to worry; with the right care and treatment, everything will be fine. I have thoroughly reviewed your case and understand your genuine health concerns.

Cardiac calcification can often be reversed if it has not reached an irreversible stage. However, while we can prevent further calcification, advanced stages may not be reversed. There is a lot of research on this topic, with varying viewpoints.

For instance, Dr. Dean, in her book The Magnesium Miracle, explains how magnesium can dissolve excess calcium in the body. She illustrates this by showing that when calcium is mixed with magnesium in water, the undissolved calcium begins to dissolve. This same principle applies to our bodies; when calcium accumulates, magnesium helps to dissolve it. Low magnesium levels can lead to muscle spasms, hardened blood vessels, and weakened bones, while proper magnesium levels support bone density and reduce the toxic effects of excess calcium.

Your calcification level and the triple vessel disease you have been diagnosed with led three cardiologists to conclude it is irreversible. However, I believe we can halt further progression and reduce additional calcification, provided it is not genetically predominant.

Crystallized magnesium chloride can be beneficial but should be taken alone if prescribed rather than mixed with other forms of magnesium. It is great that you are already taking magnesium glycinate. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) supplements can also be effective as they bind to excess calcium and other salts, helping to mitigate toxicity (a common dosage is one capsule daily).

To assist you further, I have a few questions:

  1. Have you been prescribed crystallized magnesium chloride and EDTA supplements?
  2. Which joints are mainly affected by osteoporosis?
  3. What are your lipid profile levels?
  4. Are you diabetic, and if so, are you taking any medications?
  5. What is your current blood pressure?
  6. Do you take any dietary fiber supplements?
  7. How much water do you consume daily?

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

You mentioned the possibility of some decalcification, the irreversibility of advanced calcification, and the possible prevention of further calcification. Based on the previous information and the details I am providing in this follow-up, could you please let me know approximately what you think? What percentage of the decalcification should I achieve? How specifically can I bring the reversal? Measures to prevent further calcification.

I suppose these are the core questions. I understand the explanation of the undissolved crushed calcium being followed by additional calcium. Currently, I have stopped taking calcium supplements, but I still have normal range blood calcium. Should I begin calcium again? How can I apply Dr. Dean's findings to my situation? I am taking 400 mg of magnesium glycinate daily and transdermal magnesium chloride. I am going to start adding the crystallized Calcium chloride once daily. But in your answer, you said to take either the former or the latter. Which is preferable, the glycinate or chloride? If glycinate, is 400 mg sufficient? If chloride, which is better, transdermal or oral? Among the other supplements and medicines I described in the original query. Is there anything that could promote calcification? Please ensure that I am taking sufficient vitamin K2? How do I know I have the correct balance between vitamin K2 and D3? Is vitamin K2 intake a significant contributor to decalcification? I read a book about a year ago called "The Calcium Bomb," which characterizes calcium deposits as nanobacteria. Has this been proven wrong, or is it still a viable theory?

The Magnesium chloride was discovered accidentally. My sister-in-law has taken this for years. When she heard of my problem, she gave us a bag of crystals, stating on the label that they aid in the decalcification of the arteries. The crystals are diluted in water and then taken in a 1 oz dose mixed in a 4 oz glass of juice. I tried them and had some constipation issues. That led us to the transdermal form (EASE), which I have been regularly using, spraying on chest and carotid arteries. EDTA - I had never tried this, but I have read about it. I recently heard of a doctor here doing a clinical study on chelation therapy, but he is confining the study to those who have already suffered a heart attack. I have always been reluctant to take EDTA supplements because they are not regulated, and I have no idea of the safety and effective dosage. Joints involved in Osteoporosis are Mild osteopenia in the left hip (18% increase in density since 2004 - 2 % decrease since 2009), Severe osteopenia in the right hip (5 % increase since 2004 - 3 % increase since 2009), Normal lumbar spine (34 % increase since 2004 - 10 % increase since 2009), Right femoral neck 74 % of expected value, T-Value -2.2, Lumbar spine L2 through L4, density 1.233, T-Value -0.1, Left femoral neck density 0.888 g/cm^3- 83 % of expected value, T-value -1.4, Lipid profile - cholesterol 137; HDL 65, LDL 56, triglycerides 78. I am nondiabetic. I am taking medications (cardiac): Verapamil 300 mg, Simcor 500/20 mg, Plavix 75 mg, Aspirin/enteric coated 81 mg. My BP is in the normal range between 120 to 130 mmHg over 70 to 80 mmHg.

I take dietary fiber supplements such as Benefiber daily and Align probiotics daily. Normally, I drink 4 glasses of water (12 oz) daily, along with 4 oz aloe and 4 oz pomegranate juice, about three cups of decaf coffee, and a glass of red wine with dinner.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com!

Considering all the information you have provided, I would like to address your recent queries. The answer to your question is quite subjective; it largely depends on factors such as the quality of your diet, your level of physical activity, and how well you manage any comorbidities. The good news is that the reversal process has already begun, thanks to your healthy diet and active lifestyle, which are highly conducive to this goal.

To prevent further calcification, focus on reducing your intake of salt and calcium-fortified foods. It sounds like you are already maintaining a great combination of diet and lifestyle, so there is no need to reintroduce calcium supplements.

Dr. Dean's findings emphasize the miraculous role of magnesium in dissolving excess calcium in the body and preventing it from clogging blood vessels. Your current magnesium glycinate dosage of 400 mg is sufficient, and there is no need for additional supplements.

None of your current medications or supplements promote calcification, and your vitamin K2 dosage is appropriate. Your blood work indicates a good balance between vitamin K2 and D3. While there is limited research proving that vitamin K2 significantly contributes to decalcification, it is generally accepted to have some benefits. The theories presented in The Calcium Bomb remain relevant, and your joint issues seem primarily related to age-related changes.

Overall, your lipid profile is not concerning, and there is nothing alarming that indicates significant harm.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At October 7, 2015
Reviewed AtSeptember 25, 2024

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