Carotid Artery Calcium Deposits
what does it mean?
Calcification seen in the carotid artery on a dental X-ray means the same as the calcium deposits we see on a heart calcium score.
inflammation:
Just like the "bone spur" of the heel ligament, inflamed soft tissues become calcified over time. Some patients ask, "Should I stop drinking milk?" The calcium isn't the problem. Inflammation is.
Calcium in arteries is a marker for inflammation. Although it is not the source of the inflammation, calcium is a very useful marker.
What does inflammation mean?
Inflammation means risk.
Carotid calcification on dental X-rays is associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death. In one study, 23 of 71 patients (36%) with calcium deposits on panoramic dental X-rays had a CV event in 3.5 years. (1) In the lipidology field, we usually talk about risk over a span of 10 years, A 36% chance of a CV event in 3.5 years is considered extremely high risk.
“Carotid calcifications identified on panoramic radiographs are powerful markers for subsequent vascular events. Patients found to have carotid calcification on panoramic radiographs should be referred for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular evaluation and aggressive management of vascular risk factors.” (1, 2)
Do you have inflammation in your carotid arteries?
Inflammation causes hot joints. Inflammation causes hot arteries. The most important way to use this information about calcium in your carotid artery is to ask this question: Why is the inflammation there?
at cardiosound, we identify where the inflammation is coming from
We determine the root causes of arterial inflammation by doing an extensive array of genetic and blood tests. Once we know the sources of the inflammation, we guide patients through a process to reduce inflammation in all the arteries. And we track progress by measuring arterial plaque thickness.
Some people don’t believe arterial plaque can be reversed. Click here to see pictures of arterial plaque reversal.
Because germs that grow in the periodontal spaces around the teeth contribute to arterial inflammation, our methods of treating arterial plaque often include aggressive periodontal and dental care.
We’ve done this many times.
You’ll know you’ve come to the right place.
References:
Cohen, et al. Carotid calcification on panoramic radiographs: An important marker for vascular risk, Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;94:510-14. https://doi.org/10.1067/moe.2002.125580
Dr Stanley N Cohen (West Los Angeles VA Medical Center) 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology; May 2010
Dental X-ray courtesy of Mike Rogers, DDS, Honesdale PA, and the Bale Doneen Method. Used with permission. See www.BaleDoneen.com