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Just found out my calcium score is 474. Next steps uncertain.
Went to my primary care doctor complaining of light-headedness and slight pressure on the left side of my chest. Had the Cardio CT done and it came back at 474. Visited the cardiologist who I had seen about 15 months ago and she recommended Rosuvastatin. Long story but my PC had removed me from statins after I developed side effects. 15 months ago I had similar symptoms, which is why I went to the cardiologist. Took a stress test and passed with flying colors. Turns out the stress test does not indicate degree of blockage of the arteries. My calcium scores are: left main - 145.7; left anterior descending - 229.0; left circumflex - 63.6; right coronary artery - 35.4; posterior descending artery - 0. Now, I've seen much higher scores talked about here and bless you all for how you are handling it, but since I have some pressure and occasional light-headedness, I am freaked out a little. Cardiologist cannot test for the degree of blockage, probably an insurance thing, and she told me not to go all out while exercising. That concerns me too. I am active and have always watched my diet. I just climbed Angels Landing in Utah last month at 69 years old, That is a very strenuous hike. So the plan of care is low dose aspirin, Rosuvastatin, fish oil, and return in a month to see how my cholesterol is doing LDL - 146, Total 215. If I return with symptoms, she is leaning toward a procedure. I would like to know the degree of actual blockage before proceeding, but not sure how I will be able to find that out. Feedback appreciated and good luck to all in similar or more serious situations.
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Yeah - normally the criteria is pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc - and, based on age and even a bit of heart history, it's off to the Cath Lab.
Will definitely push for this. Thank you.
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1 ReactionThey can do a Coronary CT Angiogram which is very similar to the CT. Less invasive than a traditional angiogram and similar information.
Doesn't calcium buildup make CTA less effective as it is somewhat obscured by calcium reflections?
My initial CTA missed the entire blockage of my RCA due to movement. Luckily I had the cath which picked it up.
It’s the gold standard for a reason. The MD has real-time visuals on the blockages and can perform flow measurements to ensure they get it right.
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1 Reaction+1 on cardiac catherization. I want a procedure where the doctor can finally see what is going on, and fix it with a stent if needed, right there and then. I don't want one that is almost as good but not quite.
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1 ReactionWhat many don’t realize is that our arteries can function well even if some blockage exists. It comes down to how well the blood is flowing in vessels. During the cath procedure, pressure differential is measured across a blockage to determine its severity. Not every blockage needs a stent nor does every vessel have the same significance. A 80% blockage in a proximal, large caliber artery is NOT the same as one in a distal, small caliber branch.
I’m in awe of what doctors can achieve with this procedure and the countless lives it has saved.
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1 ReactionI am in a similar situation.my CAC score is almost 400
In order to stop the progression of the calcification the LDL has to be 55 or less. Regardless of the total.
I take 30mg of pravastatin and it does the job.
Plus healthy food and exercise.
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1 ReactionI have a major blockage in the right coronary artery. I had an angiogram, and the doctor said no stent was needed. Why? Because my body developed corollary arteries to bypass the blockage and keep the blood flowing. I am a runner, and my cardiologist says running is what helped me and to "keep running." I've never had any symptoms.
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1 ReactionNot sure how many of you have seen the following article that came out a couple of days ago,
I Was In Great Health. So Why Were My Arteries Clogged? - The Wall Street Journal https://apple.news/ABFBzMVx5TISLeuvU-YJ90w
I could copy and paste the article for those who do not have access to WSJ, but not sure if there is any legal implications for doing that.
I had been on the ideal diet recommended for cardiovascular health along with active life style for many years. I would love to get tested to rule out the condition described in the article. I need to work with my doctors next week and I do not know how much it will cost if my insurance will not cover the lab test.