What Are the Causes of Calcification in Abdominal Aorta?

A hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, is sometimes called "calcification." It may occur in any artery of the body, including the abdominal aorta, and must be treated in order to prevent even more serious disease.

Identification

• Calcification is a phrase used to describe the hardening of the main artery of the body, the aorta, as it passes through the abdomen.

Significance

• This accumulation of cholesterol is also called atherosclerosis and is the main cause of calcification in the abdominal aorta. The artery hardens as plaque forms to help heal damaged aortic tissue.

Causes

• Aortic tissue is additionally injured by smoking, consuming too much fat and high blood pressure. Diabetics with high blood sugar are also prone to atherosclerosis.

Effects

• Minimizing the causes of calcification in an abdominal aorta is vital in order to avoid even more serious conditions like coronary or peripheral arterial disease and an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Prevention/Solution

• Remedies known to reduce the risk of an abdominal aorta include aspirin, cholesterol lowering medications, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise and smoking cessation, according to the UCLA Comprehensive Atherosclerosis Treatment Program.