Calcifications in the Aorta

QUESTION: When my doctor showed me the x-rays he had taken of my low back, he
pointed out some small white flecks which he called "calcifications in the
aorta" (I made him write it down so I would get it right). He said they
probably didn't mean anything serious, but I want to be sure. Do you think
they are serious?
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ANSWER: Many things can be seen when an x-ray is carefully studied that
sometimes have no relation to the original reason for the study, and may have
no bearing on your state of health. The calcification seen on your x-ray are
the result of atherosclerosis, frequently called "hardening of the arteries".
Although such a finding would require additional work up and investigations in
a man under the age of 45, it is considered a normal part of the aging
process, and may frequently be seen in older patients. As the arteries age
they weaken and develop plaques of atherosclerosis, in which calcium may be
deposited over time. It is the accumulation of this calcium that created the
small white flecks that were observed on the x-ray. While there is no cause
for alarm, and I am sure that these flecks have nothing to do with your back
problem, it would not be unwise to have a general checkup that might look at
your overall condition, and provide you with a further reassurance as to the
insignificance of these findings.