Just found out my calcium score is 474. Next steps uncertain.

Posted by mikesto @mikesto, 6 days ago

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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@mayoconnectuser1

Marta,

My understanding is that lower LDL will decrease cholesterol buildup, but other factors determine the calcification of cholesterol - ex: calcification of cholesterol on you arteries is increased by statins - this is a positive thing as it decreases the likelihood of chunks of cholesterol breaking off.

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What is odd is that when this happens, your calcium score can actually go up. It makes sense because plaque is being calcified, so now you have more calcium than before. It's a good thing. Nobody is going to get their score down to zero again.

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@njx58

What is odd is that when this happens, your calcium score can actually go up. It makes sense because plaque is being calcified, so now you have more calcium than before. It's a good thing. Nobody is going to get their score down to zero again.

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NJX,

To comment a bit further, to my knowledge, no one has ever shown a calcium decrease of any amount.

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@agb

You might want to ask about your cholesterol numbers. Not playing doctor here, but both your LDL and total C are higher than recommended, and since you’re having symptoms, I’m surprised you’ve not been put on some aggressive therapy.

I have a calcium score nearly twice yours with no symptoms, exercise and diet are by the book, and my LDL goal, from my cardiologist, was to get the number under 50. I am considered high risk due to family history, so a statin, Zetia, and Repatha got it all where it’s supposed to be.

Good luck in your journey

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Thank you for your comment. My cardiologist is concerned about my cholesterol and put me back on statins, (rosouvastatin) specifically. Goal for LDL is below 80. Spent 3 hours in the ER Friday after experiencing shortness of breath, but tested ok and released. I am not happy with the lack of urgency, but I can’t get a second opinion until mid December. In the meantime, I’m trying to stay active without overdoing it, just listening to my body, and if things worsen it’s back to the ER. Staying positive!

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