Calcium deposits can occur when you have an excess amount of calcium in your body. Normally, the body uses 99% of the calcium that enters the body, and the other 1% is dissolved in the blood. However, due to certain medical conditions and health issues, calcium deposits can occur in the arteries, kidneys, brain, bones, tissues, and other organs. For example, bone spurs and atherosclerosis are two conditions caused by calcium deposits.
Schedule your CT scan
How Are Calcium Deposits Detected in the Body?
Calcium deposits are detected in the body using various diagnostic tests. Your primary care provider may order a calcium blood test as part of your annual wellness exam. During a physical examination, calcium deposits under the skin and on the bones may be detected just by touch; for other types of calcium deposits, X-rays and CT scans are used to determine their presence and extent of calcification.
What Causes Calcium Deposits To Form?
One common myth about calcium deposits is they occur from excess calcium intake. However, this is not true. High calcium diets do not cause calcium deposits. Instead, there are several different risk factors and causes that continue to calcification, including:
- Infections
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Genetics
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Previous surgeries
- Certain cancer treatments
- Chronic inflammation
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Calcium metabolism disorders
What Are the Potential Health Risks Associated With Calcium Deposits?
Calcium deposits can increase the risks of different health conditions, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney stones
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Psychiatric and behavioral problems
- Dementia
- Weakened bones
How Can Medical Scans Help in Diagnosing Calcium Deposits?
Medical scans, such as X-rays and CT scans, can help detect and find calcium deposits in different areas of the body. While some calcium deposits are harmless, others can have more serious implications if left untreated.
For example, most calcium deposits on teeth, in the breasts, or under the skin rarely need treatment. On the other hand, calcium buildup in the arteries, kidneys, brain, shoulders, and feet requires some type of medical intervention and treatment.
What Types of Scan Are Used To Detect Calcium Deposits?
The two most common diagnostic scans used to detect calcium deposits are X-rays and CT scans. X-rays can show calcium buildup in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. However, they may not be as detailed as CT scans.
A calcium score test is a type of CT scan used to detect calcium deposits. This scan looks at the amount of calcium deposits in various areas of the body and shows the level of calcium buildup.
Additionally, MRIs and ultrasounds may also be used to detect calcium deposits. These tests are normally reserved for use after X-rays, CT scans, and further diagnostic purposes.
When Should I Consider Getting a Scan for Calcium Deposits?
You should consider getting a CT scan for calcium deposits after the age of 40 if you are at risk for heart disease, kidney stones, dementia, and high blood pressure. Generally, those at risk include anyone with a family history of these medical conditions or currently any of the following:
- Past or current tobacco use
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
If you are younger than 40 and have a family history of high cholesterol or actively smoke, you should consider getting a calcium score test. Depending on your specific risk factors and medical condition, it is recommended that you get one every three to five years.
How Accurate Are Scans in Detecting Calcium Deposits?
According to Harvard Health Publishing, CT scans are highly accurate at detecting calcium deposits, unlike other tests, which can provide false negatives (showing no problem when there is one) or false positives (showing a problem when there isn’t one).
This is because during the scan, multiple images are taken in thin sections of the area being scanned. The images are then combined to produce a larger image, which can reveal calcium deposits. These appear as white specks on the larger image. Next, the CT scan software calculates a score depending on the level of calcification found.
What Does a Calcium Test Score Mean?
Calcium test scores range from zero to over 1,000, or higher. Zero means no calcium deposits have been detected. Other scores are broken down by various ranges as follows:
- 1 – 100: Mild calcium deposits
- 101 – 400: Moderate calcium deposits
- 400+: Extensive calcium buildup
How Are Calcium Deposits Treated?
The location of the calcium deposits will determine how it is treated. Generally, lifestyle changes can help to slow and reduce calcium deposits, such as:
- Low-cholesterol, low-fat, and low-sodium diets
- Exercise
- Stop using tobacco products
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Lose weight
Medications can also be used to help manage various medical conditions related to calcium deposits. For more extensive calcium buildup, surgical procedures may be recommended.
How Can I Schedule a Scan To Check for Calcium Deposits?
The easiest way to schedule a preventative medical scan near you to check for calcium deposits is to book your appointment online at Preventative Diagnostic Center. We are the leading non-invasive CT scan diagnostic facility in Las Vegas. We offer a variety of different preventative medical scans to help detect potential health problems earlier when they are often easier to treat and manage.
Book your CT scan
Sources:
Calcium Deposits. (2022).
Heart Health: Calcium Scan Concerns. (2023).
What Is Cardiovascular Disease? (2024).
