Rochester, Minnesota - Calcium is important for bone health. The mineral is also a component of the plaque that develops in your heart arteries if you have atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Does this mean taking calcium increases your risk of heart disease and heart attack?

Authors of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examines this issue and found that, when taken in supplement form, calcium may increase a woman's risk. But the opposite is true when consuming calcium-rich foods. In that case, calcium is good for your heart.

In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Dr. Carolyn Landolfo explains the relationship between calcium and heart disease.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute