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Just found out I have a calcium score of 1591
Hi. I’m 52. My Dad died at 48 of a heart attack. He didn’t smoke or drink and was a runner. My new PCP said it was high time to see a cardiologist. I saw a new one in October and he scheduled me with the exercise coach and nutritionist. He also asked me to get a calcium score. I just found out today it is 1591. I really should not be surprised. But I am trying not to panic. I have never been more motivated to do what needs to be done. I really don’t have a question. I just needed to relieve my panic. And I found this group. My follow up with my cardiologist is in 2 weeks.
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My cardiologist doubled my BP and cholesterol meds and put me on a beta blocker. Sent me for a stress and echo with contrast. Keeps blood work and BP monitored. Prescribed working out daily and treadmill 20 minutes. That was last January. Next appointment is February 2025. Let me know what your doctor says.
Do you take statins? They are known to increase calcification.
What are your lipid numbers and what has your history of lipid numbers been? BP and heart rate? Weight vs height? Lifestyle?
Stress test with echo, peripheral artery test, advanced lipids testing (sometimes called cardioIQ) are all appropriate.
Hi @chhjhh and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm glad you found this support group.
Have you had a chance to poke around here? I found this link you may find interesting:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/high-calcium-score/
I think anyone would be concerned when they learn they have a test result that is out of bounds, so no wonder you feel like panicking! It sounds like you are super motivated, which is great. And you are also doing a lot of proactive things your new cardiologist recommends. When you see your new cardiologist in a few weeks, do you have a list of questions to ask them?
Are you physically active and healthy other than this abnormal lab?
Don’t panic. I found out I had a high CAC last year after shortness of breath. A few tests later and I underwent angioplasty with stent for 90% blocked RCA. I am 50 w/ normal BMI, normal BP and otherwise active and healthy. My dad had bypass when he was 55. Unfortunately, much of this is genetic.
Now on statin w BB and daily aspirin. Watching sat fat intake and walking everyday. Without that test, I may have had a major cardiac event. IT WAS A BLESSING - I feel my old man was watching my 6 from heaven. My dad never had the chance in the early 90’s. Pharmaceuticals and cardiology treatments are much more advanced. Take your meds, keep you weight in check and tweak your diet. Many live a long and healthy life after these scares. What’s important is the information that you have to change. God bless.
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