- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Martha Grogan, M.D.
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Martha Grogan, M.D.
Martha Grogan, M.D.
Dr. Martha Grogan is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. She is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Grogan has been on staff at Mayo Clinic since 1995 and is a consultant in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
Dr. Grogan is a noninvasive cardiologist specializing in heart failure, adult congenital heart disease and echocardiography. She has witnessed firsthand the importance of patient education in the treatment of diseases such as congestive heart failure and is excited about the tremendous educational opportunities now available through the Internet.
Risk factors (2)
- Calcium supplements: A risk factor for heart attack?
- CRP level: A risk factor for heart disease?
Tests and diagnosis (1)
- Ejection fraction: What does it measure?
Causes (2)
- Coronary artery spasm: What is it?
- Vitamin D deficiency: Can it cause high blood pressure?
Prevention (1)
- Can vitamins help prevent a heart attack?
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Question
Calcium supplements: A risk factor for heart attack?
I've read that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attack in older women. Is this true? I'm taking calcium supplements to treat osteopenia. My daily multivitamin also contains calcium. I wonder if I should stop taking calcium supplements?
Answer
from Martha Grogan, M.D.
Over the years, many studies have suggested that women who have a higher calcium intake experience not only improved bone health but also a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. One recent study, however, raised questions about the protective effect of calcium supplements on cardiovascular disease.
The study — which was published February 2008 in BMJ — was done primarily to evaluate the effect of calcium supplementation on bone density and bone fracture in elderly women. Later, however, the results were reanalyzed to note the occurrence of cardiac events among study participants. Although more heart attacks occurred in women who took calcium supplements, the statistical analysis indicated that the difference could have been due to chance. Also, a similar placebo-controlled study of calcium supplementation showed no increase in the risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular disease in women taking calcium.
Current recommendations regarding calcium supplementation haven't changed because of this study. As with any health issue, it's important to consult your doctor to determine what's best in your case. Many factors may influence your specific needs for calcium.
Next questionCRP level: A risk factor for heart disease?
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 8, 2008.
- Bolland MJ, et al. Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2008;336(7638):262-266.
- Biggs WS. Calcium supplementation: Data were misrepresented. BMJ. 2008;336(7641):404.
- Lappe JM, et al. Calcium supplementation: Results may not be generalisable. BMJ. 2008;336(7641):403.
