What is the Difference Between Plaque and Calcification

The main difference between plaque and calcification is that plaque is a fat and cholesterol deposit that forms in arteries, whereas calcification is the collection of calcium in coronary arteries. 

Plaque and calcification are two conditions in the coronary arteries. They are indicators of coronary artery disease. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Plaque
– Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is Calcification
– Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Plaque and Calcification
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Plaque and Calcification
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Calcification, Plaque

What is a Plaque

Plaque is a deposition of fat and cholesterol in the coronary arteries. Also, it causes atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the thickening or hardening of blood vessels in the heart due to plaque build-up in the coronary artery’s inner lining. Apart from the fat and cholesterol, plaques may contain calcium, fibrin, and cellular waste products. Due to the deposition of plaques, the artery wall becomes thick and stiff. However, the reason behind the formation of plaques needs to be clarified. It can be due to the inflammation inside the coronary artery. However, plaque formation reduces the oxygen supply and blood flow to the vital organs in the body.

Figure 1: Angioplasty

Furthermore, the risk factors of plaque formation include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, type 1 diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a high saturated fat diet. Also, the symptoms of plaque formation include heart attack, stroke, and the construction of a blood clot. Additionally, a healthy diet, being physically active, losing weight, and stopping smoking help reduce plaque formation risk factors. Angioplasty and medicines such as antiplatelet, anticoagulants, cholesterol-lowering, and blood pressure-lowering medicines also prevent atherosclerosis. 

What is Calcification

Calcification is the collection of calcium inside the coronary arteries. It happens after the formation of plaque inside the coronary arteries. On the other hand, calcification is an indicator of coronary artery disease. Also, it lowers the blood flow to the organs. Good blood flow with oxygen-rich blood is essential for organs. Chest pain and heart attack may occur when the oxygen supply is reduced to the heart muscles through coronary arteries. In addition, there are two types of calcifications: intimal and medial calcification. Intimal calcification is more common in coronary arteries.

Figure 2: Coronary Artery Disease

Moreover, the risk factors of calcification include chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, high BMI (body mass index), family history of coronary artery calcification, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, older age, irregular parathyroid hormone, and high calcium and phosphate levels. Calcification results in arteries being stiffened and that difficult to expand. Calcification symptoms include stable angina, shortness of breath, and heart attack. 

Similarities Between Plaque and Calcification

• Plaque and calcification are two processes of coronary arteries.
• They are responsible for the development of coronary artery disease.
• They occur inside the arterial walls.

Difference Between Plaque and Calcification

Definition

Plaque is a deposition of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. Meanwhile, calcification refers to a collection of calcium in the heart’s two main arteries, also called your coronary arteries.

Composition

Plaque composes of fat and cholesterol in arteries, while calcification composes of calcium deposits in arteries.

Importance

Plaque causes atherosclerosis, while calcification causes stable angina, shortness of breath, and heart attack.

Risk Factors

High cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, type 1 diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a high saturated fat diet are the risk factors for plaque formation, while chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, high BMI (body mass index), family history of coronary artery calcification, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, older age, irregular parathyroid hormone, and high calcium and phosphate levels are the risk factors of calcification.

Complications

Plaque causes reduced oxygen supply to the vital organs, including the heart, while classification lowers the blood flow. 

Conclusion

In brief, plaque and calcification are two processes of thickening the walls of the coronary arteries. They occur inside the arteries. Plaque is a deposition of fat and cholesterol in coronary arteries. It causes atherosclerosis. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, type 1 diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a high saturated fat diet are the risk factors for plaque formation. In comparison, calcification is the collection of calcium inside coronary arteries. It causes stable angina, shortness of breath, and heart attack. Chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, high BMI (body mass index), family history of coronary artery calcification, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, older age, irregular parathyroid hormone, and high calcium and phosphate levels are the risk factors for calcification. Therefore, the main difference between plaque and calcification is their importance.    

References:

1. Atherosclerosis. JHM. (n.d.). 
2. professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.-c). Coronary artery calcification: Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Blausen 0028 Angioplasty BalloonInflated 01” By Blausen Medical Communications, Inc. – Own work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Blausen 0259 CoronaryArteryDisease 02” By BruceBlaus – Own Work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia