Vascular calcification is the formation of bone like substances on the walls of blood vessels. Normal blood vessels are smooth and elastic, but calcified blood vessels become hard, narrow, and have reduced elasticity, which can easily lead to myocardial ischemia, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. Research shows that vascular calcification is not an independent disease, but a pathological manifestation of atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Calcification is not completed in a short period of time, and there are many internal and external factors, such as hormones, cytokines, enzymes, and proteins, involved in this process together. The human blood vessels are divided into three layers, namely the outer membrane, middle membrane, and inner membrane, from the outside to the inside. When calcium salts continue to deposit on it, over time they will calcifie. Endometrial calcification is typically characterized by long plaques, while medial calcification occurs mostly in the elderly, patients with diabetes, and patients with uremia. Research shows that hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking and aging are prone to lead to vascular calcification. Long term high blood pressure in hypertensive patients is a harmful stimulus to blood vessels. In order to combat hypertension, blood vessels have to constantly calcifie and harden. The blood of patients with hyperlipidemia is relatively viscous, and impurities in the blood are more likely to adhere to the blood vessel wall and form calcification. The blood vessels of diabetes patients are immersed in hyperglycemic blood for a long time, which is prone to small vessel sclerosis. Kidney disease belongs to metabolic diseases, especially in patients who require dialysis. Abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism can also lead to excess calcium salt deposition on the blood vessel wall, which is usually more severe than coronary atherosclerosis. The harmful components in tobacco can directly damage the intima of blood vessels, affecting blood lipid levels and coagulation function. Multiple studies have shown that the number of carotid artery plaques and the risk of aortic calcification are gradually increasing among non-smokers, smokers, and smokers. Aging is inevitable and unstoppable. Vascular calcification in the elderly is like aging of the skin, with varying degrees of progression, but it progresses more rapidly when combined with various risk factors. Vascular calcification is an independent prognostic factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and adverse events, and requires active intervention. However, vascular calcification is generally incurable, and the focus is on prevention and control. At all times, it is important to actively improve lifestyle habits, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, exercising in moderation, focusing on a low salt, low-fat, and low sugar diet, and controlling weight. It is recommended to avoid staying up late for long periods of time and eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E. It is not advisable to blindly take calcium supplements. Reasonable medication is very helpful for treating vascular calcification. Standardized use of antiplatelet drugs can significantly reduce the incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. It is recommended to take aspirin, clopidogrel, and other medications under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate this condition. Statin based lipid-lowering drugs can stabilize plaques and significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Actively lowering blood pressure and blood sugar is also of great significance for protecting blood vessels. (Lai Xin She)
Edit：Xiong Dafei Responsible editor：Li Xiang
Source：China.org.cn
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