Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our bones and teeth. However, its significance extends beyond skeletal health. Our hearts are more than just muscular pumps, they depend on a delicate balance of nutrients, and calcium might just hold a key spot in this cardiovascular puzzle. We spoke to Dr Sanjay Singh, General Physician, Cygnus Laxmi Hospital, who explained the role of calcium in heart health.
Calcium and Heart Health
Dr Singh said, “Calcium participates in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting, all of which are integral processes for maintaining heart health. The heart muscle itself relies on calcium ions to initiate and regulate its contractions, which ultimately propel blood throughout the body.”
Role Of Calcium In Heart Health
Dr Singh said, “Maintaining an optimal balance of calcium is vital for overall health, including heart health. While a calcium deficiency can lead to a range of health issues, the direct link between a lack of calcium and heart problems is a complex matter that requires careful consideration.” According to Nutrients, the recommended dietary intake for individuals aged 19 and above ranges from 1000-1300 mg, depending on the specific reference guidelines.
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Blood Pressure Regulation
Calcium may influence heart health through its potential impact on blood pressure regulation. Dr Singh said, “Adequate calcium intake is believed to help in relaxing blood vessels, promoting better blood flow, and potentially reducing the risk of high blood pressure. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for heart diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.”
Electrical Signalling in the Heart
Dr Singh highlighted, “Calcium also plays a pivotal role in the electrical signalling of the heart. Calcium ions are crucial for coordinating the heart’s rhythm and ensuring proper synchronisation between its various chambers.” An imbalance in calcium levels could potentially disrupt these electrical signals, leading to arrhythmias and other heart rhythm disorders.
Arterial Health and Cholesterol Metabolism
Dr Singh said, “Low calcium levels might be associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup.” Adequate calcium intake could influence cholesterol metabolism and reduce plaque deposition in arterial walls.
Also Read: Decoding Cholesterol: Expert Lists Facts That You Should Know
Blood Clotting and Vascular Function
Calcium is integral to blood clotting, a process that prevents excessive bleeding after injury. However, when this process becomes dysregulated, it can contribute to the formation of clots within blood vessels, leading to conditions like deep vein thrombosis or even heart attacks if a clot blocks a coronary artery.
What You Should Know
Dr Singh concluded, “Maintaining an adequate intake of calcium, along with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, contributes to overall cardiovascular well-being. However, simply increasing calcium intake is not a panacea for preventing heart problems. Other factors, such as genetics, diet quality, physical activity, and overall lifestyle choices significantly impact heart health.”
Bottomline
While the expert consensus acknowledges the importance of calcium in supporting various physiological processes that contribute to heart health, it’s essential to understand that heart problems are multifactorial and rarely stem from a single nutrient deficiency.
Disclaimer
This article contains information shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, individuals concerned about their heart health should consult with healthcare professionals, including cardiologists and registered dietitians, to develop personalised strategies that encompass a holistic approach to cardiovascular well-being.