Limestone in the Coronary Arteries Increases the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Many people already know that coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of sudden death among Thais, and the trend continues to rise. When thinking about coronary artery blockage, most people immediately associate it with the buildup of fatty plaque. However, arterial blockage is not caused by fatty plaque alone—it can also result from the accumulation of calcium, commonly referred to as “limestone.”

For further information or Booking..

What causes calcium (limestone) buildup in the arteries?

“Limestone” refers to the accumulation of calcium in the body, forming hardened deposits. This can occur for several reasons, including natural calcium degeneration, aging, or inflammation at specific sites. The body may deposit calcium as a protective mechanism to prevent further injury.

Calcium can also attach to fatty plaque in the arteries, causing the artery walls to stiffen and narrow. Research has shown that even a small amount of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease and may lead to sudden cardiac arrest in the future.

Early Detection: Identifying Calcium in the Coronary Arteries

Calcium buildup often develops silently. We cannot know when these deposits begin forming until symptoms of coronary artery blockage appear—or until a heart attack unfortunately occurs.
Therefore, detecting coronary calcium early is one of the most effective ways to assess risk and take preventive action.

Coronary Calcium Score: A Reliable Method for Detecting Arterial Calcium

The Coronary Calcium Score is a diagnostic method that measures the amount of calcium in the coronary artery walls using high-resolution, high-speed CT scanning. This technique accurately evaluates the severity of calcium buildup and helps predict the likelihood of future coronary artery blockage.

• If no calcium is detected, the score will be 0, indicating a low risk of future coronary blockage or sudden myocardial ischemia.

• If the calcium score is greater than 400, the risk of developing coronary artery disease within the next 2–5 years is significantly higher—even without symptoms.

Why This Test Matters

Silent diseases are often the most dangerous. Detecting calcium deposits early enables physicians to evaluate your cardiovascular risk and develop a treatment or prevention plan that reduces the risk of heart-related complications or death.

Advantages of the Coronary Calcium Score Test

• Examination takes about 10 minutes

• No contrast dye required

• No hospitalization needed

• No special preparation required

Who Should Get Tested?

• Individuals with a family history of coronary artery disease

• People aged 45 and above (both men and women), especially postmenopausal women

• Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

• Smokers

• Individuals who are overweight or obese

Can Calcium Buildup in the Arteries Be Prevented?

Although we cannot fully control the formation of calcium deposits, we can reduce risk by:

• Maintaining a balanced, heart-healthy diet

• Exercising regularly

• Getting adequate sleep

• Reducing stress

• Undergoing routine annual health check-ups

Taking proactive steps today can significantly lower your chances of developing severe heart disease in the future.

For further information or Booking..