Calcification is a buildup of calcium in body tissue. The buildup can form hardened deposits in soft tissues, arteries, and other areas. Calcium is transported through the bloodstream. It’s also found in every cell. Some calcifications don’t cause painful symptoms, while others can lead to serious complications. Treatment depends on the location, severity, and underlying cause of the deposits.
According to the National Academy of Medicine, about 99 percent of your body’s calcium is in your teeth and bones. The other 1 percent is in the blood, muscles, fluid outside the cells, and other body tissues.
Calcification in the arteries that supply blood to the heart increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can affect: