Has anyone seen a reduction in their CAC score from taking vitamin K2?

Posted by hikerguy62 @hikerguy62, Mar 31, 2023

I was told earlier this week that my CAC score is 2534. I considered myself to be a very healthy 60 year old male. I've never drank or smoked, always maintained my weight right around 155 lbs. (at 5'7"), hiked all my life (and still hike, but not as much or as far). I ate primarily chicken, pork and salmon the last 8-10 years (VERY rarely red meat) and no family history of heart disease except an uncle who had a heart attack (and was a heavy smoker until that wake-up call) and my dad who passed away from a heart attack at 84. So to say I was shocked when my doctor called and told me the score is a big understatement.

I've been doing a LOT of research on CAC scores since I got my results this past Tuesday. It's been a roller coaster of emotion because one article gives you hope, then another takes you back down lol

I've started on K2 (in addition to the D3 I started about 3 weeks ago).

I'd love to hear from anyone who's been on K2 (and especially the MK-7 "variety" of K2) who has seen improvement in their score.

Thanks!

Andy

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njx58 | @njx58 | Nov 5 10:24am

In reply to @swilkins1974 "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3693158/ Also on https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-brazil-nuts" + (show)

This study says NO beneficial effects were found - and it's a much more recent study.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8869304/
This is the problem. A study comes out, it starts to be repeated on Web sites, and everyone just takes it as gospel and nobody ever does any further investigation.

missey | @missey | Nov 5 7:42pm

In reply to @njx58 "D3 does not raise your cholesterol. I've been taking it for over a year, and my..." + (show)

I talked to my cardiologist and told him I was taking K2 for supplement, and he told me I was wasting my money and not to bother! I am still taking it and will not stop! My primary care physician I lay the one year straight up, increase on the graph for over calcification on her shoulders as she told me to start taking supplements of calcium and eat a lot of cheese and dairy to build up my bones. It only took about one year for my numbers to shoot so high and developed heart problems as a result. I am not a happy camper.

writer418 | @writer418 | Nov 6 6:36am

I’ve been on this board awhile and from everything I’ve read, there is no way to lower your Calcium score. You can lower your LDL and that’s helpful. Go to a cardiologist and make sure your heart is working as it should. If it is, lose weight, stop eating red meat and enjoy your life. That’s about it. By the way, statins are designed in part to harden plaque which is way preferable to soft plaque which can cause blood clots. But that effect may also cause your calcium heart score to go up. Good luck.

mayoconnectuser1 | @mayoconnectuser1 | Nov 6 7:19am

In reply to @missey "I talked to my cardiologist and told him I was taking K2 for supplement, and he..." + (show)

Missey,

So, you are ignoring the advice of your cardiologist?

Also, not sure calcification of cholesterol happens quickly - many people note high calcium scores after a life of cholesterol buildup and then statin meds - which begins the calcification process - a positive thing in most cases.

lindybowers | @lindybowers | Nov 7 5:44am

In reply to @missey "I talked to my cardiologist and told him I was taking K2 for supplement, and he..." + (show)

I don't understand what you are saying! What does this mean? "My primary care physician I lay the one year straight up, increase on the graph for over calcification on her shoulders as she told me to start taking supplements of calcium and eat a lot of cheese and dairy to build up my bones."
I take K2-M-7 every day.

tlclimo | @tlclimo | Nov 7 7:06am

In reply to @mayoconnectuser1 "Missey, So, you are ignoring the advice of your cardiologist? Also, not sure calcification of cholesterol..." + (show)

My cardiologist says not to take k2

missey | @missey | Nov 7 9:30am

In reply to @lindybowers "I don't understand what you are saying! What does this mean? "My primary care physician I..." + (show)

My primary care physician told me to eat as much dairy and cheese related products which I did for a year and a produce so much cholesterol that now I have a heart problem I’m not understanding what you are confused with! This happened all within one year I was following her advice

njx58 | @njx58 | Nov 7 11:37am

In reply to @missey "My primary care physician told me to eat as much dairy and cheese related products which..." + (show)

If that is what your primary care doctor said, you need to find a new one. That is terrible advice.

njx58 | @njx58 | Nov 7 11:38am

In reply to @tlclimo "My cardiologist says not to take k2" + (show)

Mine says it is fine. Ask your cardiologist why no K2, and then do your own research to find studies supporting his opinion.

missey | @missey | Nov 7 11:59am

In reply to @njx58 "If that is what your primary care doctor said, you need to find a new one...." + (show)

I know! Can you believe this? I was also told to take a calcium supplement on top of that she was only focusing on osteoporosis. Thanks.

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