Tablets containing calcium increase the risk of heart attacks in advanced women, New Zealand scientists believe.

Such pills are often prescribed to women after the menopause period to prevent loss of bone density (prevention of osteoporosis).

The results of the previous study showed that calcium protects against cases of heart disease, because it lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. Although the latest study proved otherwise, British doctors asked women not to stop treatment.

A group of scientists from Auckland observed 1,471 healthy women in the post-menopausal period, for five years. Part of the women participating in the study took tablets containing calcium, and part - fictitious.

As a result of the study, it was found that more heart attacks were observed in the group of women taking calcium-containing tablets.

After careful analysis, it was found that 31 women taking calcium-containing tablets had 36 heart attacks, and 21 women taking a placebo had 22 attacks.

Also in the group taking calcium tablets, the rate of sudden deaths was increased.

According to scientists, the cause is loss of vascular elasticity with calcium intake. They also believe that taking calcium is dangerous for women of advanced age.

It would be a wise act to dissuade taking pills containing calcium, women of advanced age and those suffering from heart disease, said the study's head Professor Ian Reid (Ian Reid).

Medicinform. Net.