Calcium imbalance increases heart attack risk: Expert tips to prevent hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia

Both too little calcium (hypocalcemia) and too much calcium (hypercalcemia) can harm the heart, disrupting its rhythm and impairing its ability to function efficiently. (Image: Canva)

Calcium is commonly known for its role in maintaining bone strength, but its importance goes far beyond that. This essential mineral plays a pivotal role in many bodily functions, including muscle function, nerve transmission, and, most critically, heart health. When calcium levels are unbalanced, it can have serious consequences, particularly increasing the risk of heart attacks.

Both too little calcium (hypocalcemia) and too much calcium (hypercalcemia) can harm the heart, disrupting its rhythm and impairing its ability to function efficiently. It’s important to understand how calcium imbalances affect heart health and to raise awareness about managing calcium intake for optimal cardiovascular function.

Dr Aravind Badiger, technical director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, highlights the need for awareness on this issue to prevent heart complications and promote overall wellness.

How calcium imbalances affect heart attack risk

Calcium is vital for the heart’s functioning, particularly in maintaining proper heart rhythms and ensuring the contraction of heart muscles. However, when calcium levels in the bloodstream are not within the optimal range, they can lead to two key conditions—hypocalcemia (low calcium) and hypercalcemia (high calcium)—both of which significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, says Badiger.

Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels)

Low calcium levels, or hypocalcemia, can directly affect the heart’s electrical system. Calcium is crucial in conducting electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat. When calcium levels drop, it can cause irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. These arrhythmias compromise the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, raising the risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.

In severe cases, hypocalcemia can also weaken the heart muscles, impairing their ability to contract properly. This can lead to conditions such as congestive heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other areas of the body. Addressing low calcium levels through a proper diet, supplements, or medical intervention can help mitigate these risks.

Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels)

On the other hand, hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, poses a different set of cardiovascular challenges. Excess calcium in the bloodstream can lead to arterial calcification, a condition where calcium deposits form in the arteries, causing them to harden. This hardening restricts blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis—a condition characterised by the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

As arteries become less flexible and more prone to blockages, the chances of blood clots forming in the coronary arteries rise. These clots can obstruct blood flow to the heart, triggering a heart attack. Furthermore, hypercalcemia can put added stress on the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering excess calcium, potentially leading to additional cardiovascular complications.

Both low and high calcium levels disrupt the heart’s normal function, increasing the risk of heart attacks. It’s important to recognise that it’s not just the amount of calcium consumed through diet or supplements that matters, but also how well the body regulates and absorbs this vital mineral.

Also see | Hypocalcemia: Causes, symptoms, and how to boost calcium levels naturally with healthy diet

Raising awareness and promoting heart health

Raising awareness about the risks associated with calcium imbalances is key to preventing heart attacks and promoting cardiovascular health. One should emphasise the importance of regular medical check-ups to monitor calcium levels, as well as the potential dangers of self-medicating with calcium supplements without medical advice, says the expert.

People should be encouraged to seek professional guidance on maintaining balanced calcium levels, ensuring proper absorption through adequate vitamin D intake, and adopting heart-healthy lifestyles. By encouraging a greater understanding of calcium’s impact on heart health, we can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and safeguard the health of communities.