Study: Calcium supplements linked to higher death rates for aortic stenosis patients

A new study shows elderly people who have aortic stenosis and also take calcium supplements have a higher death rate.

Aortic stenosis restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Samir Kapadia, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, says calcium can cause stiffness in the blood vessels and heart valves, which makes it dangerous.

"If you are taking calcium supplements, and you had aortic stenosis, then what we found is that your chance of dying from aortic valve disease, or chance of dying in general, or needing aortic valve surgery was higher compared to the patients who are not taking calcium supplements," said Kapadia.

For people who have aortic stenosis and are not getting enough calcium from their diet, then it may be worth it to take a calcium supplement. However, it’s best to consult with their physician to be sure.