The Importance Of Calcium For Heart Health
Learn why calcium is essential for heart health, its role in muscle function and blood pressure, and how to maintain balanced calcium levels through diet or supplements for optimal heart care.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 28th Jul, 2025
Introduction
Calcium is often associated with strong bones and teeth, but did you know it also plays a crucial role in keeping your heart healthy? Your heart is a hardworking muscle that relies on calcium to function properly. In this article, we’ll explore why calcium is essential for heart health, how to maintain healthy calcium levels, and what happens if you have too much or too little of it.
Why Does Your Heart Need Calcium?
Calcium is a mineral that helps your heart in several ways:
1. Regulates Heartbeat: Your heart beats in a steady rhythm thanks to electrical signals that control its contractions. Calcium helps these signals move smoothly, ensuring a regular heartbeat.
2. Supports Muscle Function: Just like other muscles, your heart needs calcium to contract and pump blood efficiently.
3. Maintains Blood Pressure: Calcium helps blood vessels relax and contract, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Calcium?
Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can affect your heart in the following ways:
Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): Without enough calcium, your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
Weakened Heart Function: A calcium deficiency can make it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.
Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure: Low calcium levels may contribute to high blood pressure, which can strain your heart over time.
Can Too Much Calcium Be Harmful?
Yes! While calcium is essential, excessive amounts (hypercalcemia) can also cause problems, such as:
Hardening of Arteries (Calcification): Too much calcium can deposit in blood vessels, making them stiff and increasing the risk of heart disease.
Heart Rhythm Disorders: Excess calcium can disrupt normal heart rhythms.
Kidney Stones: High calcium levels may lead to kidney stones, which can indirectly affect heart health.
How to Maintain Healthy Calcium Levels for Your Heart?
Here are some of the ways to maintain healthy calcium levels:
1. Eat Calcium-Rich Foods
The best way to get calcium is through a balanced diet. Some excellent sources include:
Dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli
Nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds
Fish like sardines, salmon with bones
Fortified foods like orange juice, cereals, plant-based milk
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
2. Get Enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. You can get it from:
Sunlight
Fatty fish
Egg yolks
Fortified dairy products
3. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or strength training, helps keep your bones and heart strong.
4. Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Salt
Too much caffeine or salt can cause your body to lose calcium. Try to limit coffee, soda, and processed foods.
5. Check Your Calcium Levels
If you have heart concerns or risk factors (like a family history of heart disease), a simple blood test can check your calcium levels.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
Unexplained fatigue or weakness
Irregular heartbeat
Muscle cramps or numbness
Frequent bone fractures
Your doctor may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or further tests to ensure your heart stays healthy.
Conclusion
Calcium is not just for bones—it’s a key player in heart health too! By eating a balanced diet, staying active, and monitoring your calcium levels, you can support a strong and healthy heart. If you have concerns about your heart health or calcium intake, consider booking a consultation with a specialist through Apollo 24|7 for personalised advice.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
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KVC CLINIC, Kolkata
Dr Aakash Andgi
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
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PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
KVC CLINIC, Kolkata
Dr Aakash Andgi
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
