"Do Calcium Supplements Accelerate Heart Valve Disease?" Asks Cheryl
Medical Expert: Eric Roselli, MD, Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Cleveland Clinic
Page Last Updated: July 16, 2025
As I suffered from a calcified heart valve prior to surgery, I definitely perked up when I read this email from Cheryl of Ontario, Canada.
Calcified Aortic Valve (Aortic Stenosis)
Cheryl wrote to me, "Hi Adam - I have heard that some patients have been cautioned about the overuse of calcium supplements (including Rolaids) considering potential damage to heart valve leaflets. As so many patients, especially women, use supplements, I was curious to know your thoughts about calcium supplements. My calcium use was part of my history when I underwent a mitral valve repair and I wasn't given any warning. What about other antacids such as Tums? Is this a cause of valve failure? Thanks, Cheryl"
Cheryl Irvine, Mitral Valve Repair Patient
After reading Cheryl's question, I was really curious. That said, I reached out to Eric Roselli, M.D., one of the Cleveland Clinic's leading heart valve surgeons.
In discussing this topic with Dr. Roselli, he noted, "Although it is a theoretical concern, there is no direct evidence to support the connection between excess calcium intake and the risk of degenerative aortic stenosis."
Specific to Cheryl's situation, Dr. Roselli noted, "If Cheryl had a mitral valve repair, I suspect she probably had degenerative mitral valve disease (commonly referred as mitral valve prolapse) and there is not even a theoretic concern for her and the use of calcium supplementation. If her primary care doctor believes she should be on calcium or vitamin D supplementation for potential osteoporosis, then - by all means - the history of a mitral valve repair for degenerative disease should not be a contraindication."
Calcified Mitral Valve
I hope this helped all of us learn more about calcium supplements and heart valve disease.
Related Links:
Does Vitamin K2 Prevent Calcified Heart Valves and Blocked Arteries?
Calcium Supplements Could Spell Trouble for Older Heart Valve Patients
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder
Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder
Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.
Comments
Adam's Newest Blogs
New Community Posts
Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
Blog Categories
- Adam's Updates
- Aneurysms
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Replacement
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Before Surgery
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Medical Technology
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Repair
- Patient Stories
- Pulmonary Valve
- Recovery
- Ross Procedure
- Surgeons & Hospitals
- Tricuspid Valve
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.
New Posts From Our Community
Adam Pick from
Torrance, California
When the barista hand you a morning coffee and you know...
Meet Adam
Christopher Hankerson from
Arlington, TX
No date yet, just a timeframe.. within 3 months. Blood platelet...
Meet Christopher
Andrew Dial from
Puyallup, Wa
Today marks my 4th Heart Anniversary. 6/15/22 I recieved my Ross...
Meet AndrewNewest Community Post
Adam Pick from
Torrance, California
When the barista hand you a morning coffee and you know...
Meet Adam
Find Heart Valve Surgeons
Search 1,500 patient-recommended surgeons
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.