Calcium + Older Women = Increased Heart Attack Risk?
By Lifesaver Education
Many people, especially older women, take calcium supplements for bone health and to stave off or treat osteoporosis, a practice that may prove dangerous to cardiac health according to a recent study.
A study published in the online British Medical Journal examined the effects of calcium supplementation on 12,000 participants. Researchers analyzed 11 different randomized and controlled studies on calcium (without the addition of vitamin D). The researchers took into account differences in the study design and controls, as well as other factors, to minimize bias.
Results showed that there was a 30% increased risk of heart attack in supplement users, and a smaller risk of suffering a stroke. Because so many people supplement with calcium, this could mean that many people are unknowingly at higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Other studies that looked at diet supplementation with calcium did not find a heightened risk for heart attack or stroke, leading researchers to conclude that the risks are only related to supplements.
There has also been recent debate about the effectiveness of calcium supplementation on reducing the risk of fractures in those who suffer from osteoporosis. Given this, researchers urge that further studies be done to verify whether or not calcium supplementation plays a role in increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, and that women with osteoporosis not be treated with calcium (with or without vitamin D) unless they are receiving an effective drug to treat osteoporosis. The bottom line, researchers say, is that more study is needed to determine if calcium is needed at all when there are other drugs designed to treat osteoporosis.
Knowing the risk factors for heart disease can help prevent heart attack and stroke. Although more research is needed on the potential role of calcium as an agent that increases the risk for both, controlling other risks such as obesity, high cholesterol and smoking is likely to be of more benefit in reducing overall risk. Basic Life Support, also known as BLS classes provide instruction on how to recognize and respond to a cardiac emergency. To find a Los Angeles CPR class near you, visit LifeSaver ED.
Source: Calcium supplements linked to increased risk of heart attack, study finds
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