Magnesium supplements get a lot of attention for heart health, but when it comes to lowering a coronary calcium score, the evidence doesn’t hold up. A high calcium score points to plaque buildup in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and heart disease, and many people look for simple ways to bring that number down, but relying on magnesium pills alone is not the answer.

A coronary calcium score is measured through a CT scan and gives doctors a better picture of cardiovascular risk than cholesterol levels alone. Some people with normal cholesterol can still have significant calcium buildup. Based on Dr. Keith Roach’s claims, we’ll look at what magnesium can and can’t do, why statins remain a cornerstone of treatment, and other factors that play into lowering cardiovascular risk.

Magnesium doesn’t guarantee a fix for a high calcium score

Magnesium plays a role in many body functions, including muscle and nerve activity, blood pressure control, and heart rhythm. Studies have shown that people with higher blood magnesium levels tend to have lower rates of heart disease. But that link doesn’t prove that supplements themselves reduce heart attack risk or reverse coronary artery calcification.

One reason for the mixed findings is that people with higher magnesium levels usually eat diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and fish, which are known to protect heart health in their own right. That makes it hard to know whether magnesium itself is responsible for the benefit or whether it’s simply a marker of an overall healthier lifestyle.

For people who already have a high coronary calcium score, taking magnesium supplements has not been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack. Clinical trials looking at magnesium in patients with known or suspected blockages have not consistently demonstrated a benefit. In contrast, statins have repeatedly proven their ability to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, regardless of cholesterol levels.

Statins reduce inflammation in the arteries and stabilize plaque, making blockages less likely to rupture and cause a heart attack. Daily low-dose aspirin may also be recommended in certain cases, though it’s not for everyone and must be tailored to individual risk. While magnesium is important for health, relying on supplements as a primary strategy to lower a high calcium score is not supported by strong scientific evidence.

Other ways to lower your cardiovascular risk

Because heart disease is driven by more than cholesterol, a full look at risk factors is key. This includes blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, family history, and lifestyle habits. Some evidence-based steps to lower cardiovascular risk include:

Taking statins if prescribed, even when cholesterol levels are normal.
Keeping blood pressure under control with medication if needed.
Eating a diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Exercising regularly with a mix of aerobic activity and strength training.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol.
Managing stress and getting adequate sleep.

These approaches have all been shown to protect the heart and lower the chance of a heart attack. Magnesium-rich foods can be part of this picture, but supplements alone should not be seen as a treatment for a high calcium score.