High Coronary Calcium Score: How do others feel emotionally?

Posted by mcphee @mcphee, Dec 14, 2016

I have a calcium score of 1,950 which is extremely high which means I am at a very high risk for a cardiac event,heart attack,stroke or sudden death.

I take a statin and baby aspirin. I have never been sick, have excellent cholesterol, low blood pressure and I am not overweight. I have no other health problems and I have never been sick. But I feel like a walking time bomb which has caused me a lot of stress. I am 70 yrs old.

I wonder how others with this condition feel emotionally?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

@seaera

I am 70 years old, male. Three years ago diagnosed with 2000 CAC score. I am on 40 mg atorvastatin, losartan (BP never real high but now lower), aspirin. Very lean - avid exerciser. No blockages. No apparent symptoms.....

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So glad to hear!! Thanks for posting❤️

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@seaera

I am 70 years old, male. Three years ago diagnosed with 2000 CAC score. I am on 40 mg atorvastatin, losartan (BP never real high but now lower), aspirin. Very lean - avid exerciser. No blockages. No apparent symptoms.....

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No blockages based on angio results?

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@tennisplayer

That’s great news. Did you have a catheterization to find that out?

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Had a very high resolution CAC scan with dye and they measured blood flow. Cost $3200 and Medicare did not pay. Medicare not much on prevention,only when you have a problem.

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@bluesdoc

This is very reassuring to many of us. Not that this necessarily applies to any of us, but we're all grabbing for straws here as clearly, the medical profession (including me) is fairly clueless about our cohort. So, rays of optimism are warmly embraced. Thanks for sharing this, botexas.

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Thanks, high CAC score not a death sentence. Keep moving, worry and stress bigger problem.

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There is an algorithm available to your cardiologist that enables him/her to plug in several variables, including CAC score, age, and several others. With that information he/she could give you a percentage of the likelihood that you will have a cardiac event within the next ten years. You may be pleasantly surprised. No guarantees, of course, but I was happy with the results of his calculation.

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I'm less anxious about my high CAC Score from about two years ago. I'm taking a statin which brings LDL down to 60, exercising, eating a heart healthy diet. Cardiologist said to keep doing what I'm doing, He said most patients don't follow lifestyle and medication guidelines.

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Have not had a cac test. Maybe needed ? Makes sense from what have read. Have avoided radiation whole life since cumulative. Even argue with dentists over x rays. NO unless absolutely needed. Always opt for MRI over CT. From what read, cac involves a CT scan. A standard CT comes with a good dose of radiation. Know there are low dose CT's as well. Question -does anyone know if the CT for Calcium score test is a standard or low dose scan?

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I recently had a Heart Calcium Score test and was called the same day to make an appointment with my heart doctor. I am very concerned about this and I am worrying as to what kind of risk for having a heart attack. I am a 78 year old female

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Hi @jackandjill88 I'd like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will see that I moved your comment to a previous discussion that has been started about the Heart Calcium Test. This allows you to connect with other members of Connect that are going through the same experiences and a great way to read others stories. Here on Connect we are not medical professionals and cannot offer medical advice, but we can offer stories,health experiences and compassion. I am so sorry you are worried about the risk of a heart attack due to your recent heart calcium score. I'd like to invite @pcspetpro, @bluesdoc, @mark430, @botexas, @bradmm, and @thankful back to the conversation to perhaps offer some insight.

Can you share with us what your score was? Is this the first time you have had a CAC test done?

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@amandaa

Hi @jackandjill88 I'd like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will see that I moved your comment to a previous discussion that has been started about the Heart Calcium Test. This allows you to connect with other members of Connect that are going through the same experiences and a great way to read others stories. Here on Connect we are not medical professionals and cannot offer medical advice, but we can offer stories,health experiences and compassion. I am so sorry you are worried about the risk of a heart attack due to your recent heart calcium score. I'd like to invite @pcspetpro, @bluesdoc, @mark430, @botexas, @bradmm, and @thankful back to the conversation to perhaps offer some insight.

Can you share with us what your score was? Is this the first time you have had a CAC test done?

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Yes, to comment with any meaning, it'd be good to know the CAC score, lipids, other risk factors including BP issues, smoking, family history, personal history of coronary or other significant illness, meds used, exercise level and tolerance...... ie, what your doc would want to know. Though this forum is not for medical professionals, I just happen to be one and the not-so-proud owner of a sky-high CAC level. jon

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