What should I be aware of if I am a senior with calcification in the aorta?

Calcification in the aorta is extremely common at your age. It is often first seen during a routine x-ray. No treatment is needed to remove the calcium, as it doesn't pose a problem.

That said, calcification is an indicator that your aorta isn't as healthy as it could be. It is typically a sign that patches of cholesterol-laden plaque are accumulating in your aorta. Patches there usually mean that plaque is in other arteries, too, like the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle.

The best way to protect yourself against this invasion is by taking the standard prevention steps. These include exercise, a healthful diet, not smoking, and controlling weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. You may also want to discuss medications like low-dose aspirin and a statin with your doctor, depending on issues like your bleeding risk and your fasting cholesterol profile. That's the best way to "live with it."