I was diagnosed with atherosclerosis when I got a CAC Score of 256 six years ago. At first, I was hit with a wave of anxiety, which lasted a long time, but I have gradually been able to manage the anxiety pretty well and have told myself that I am doing everything I can to reduce the chances of a cardiac or brain event (American Heart Association's 'Essential Eight' lifestyle guidelines). This year, because I have been experiencing shortness of breath at rest, the cardiologist ordered a bunch of tests, including an echocardiogram, 14-day heart monitoring for atrial fibrillation, lung function tests, and a CT angiogram. I've completed and passed all of them so far, and will have the CT angiogram performed next week. I did have an enlarged left atrium, which the cardiologist said was probably "athlete's heart" related. The anxiety never goes away entirely, but I've developed stress management strategies that hold it at bay.