Y54.7: Agents affecting calcification

Agents affecting calcification refer to substances that influence the process of calcification, the deposition of calcium salts within body tissues. This occurrence can lead to various conditions, depending upon where in the body the calcification takes place. For instance, it can cause issues in the arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases, or in the kidney, potentially resulting in kidney stones. Calcification can also occur in soft tissues like breast or tendons, causing discomfort and affecting their normal function. Calcification can be triggered by a variety of factors, including certain medications, elevated levels of calcium or phosphate in the blood, and some metabolic disorders. Symptoms can vary greatly, depending on the location and extent of calcification but can range from no symptoms in the early stages, to pain and impaired function of affected areas as the disease progresses.