Calcified artery v plaque blockage

[DavidG1971]

Are these essentially the same thing? Speaking to someone yesterday who has lived with calcified arteries for a long time. Thanks.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Arteriosclerosis is narrowing of the arteries which can occur anywhere though CAD and PAD are most frequently seen. This plaque can be cholesterol, fat or calcium. Fatty deposits were seen as the real risk for many years although calcium is now being seen as the risk by some. In reality the jury is still out although there are those obsessed with calcium. Research is still ongoing but I suspect there is no clear answer. The action of statins in stabilising plaque can cause calcification but this does not increase risk.

At the end of the day narrowed arteries are the risk. Up to a point they are asymptomatic and beyond this angina/cramps can occur. At the highest levels this may be disabling and intervention be needed. The more narrowing there is the greater the risk of a clot or ruptured plaque causing a heart or leg attack. Your medication is prescribed to reduce these risks.

[Ianc2]

Some research suggests that high blood sugar causes the red blood cells to become sticky, along with artery lining, gradually clogging up the artery. One of the interesting mysteries of heart disease is why do some people have clogged up arteries and others do not?