Connect
← Return to Any women with high CAC scores?
Discussion
Any women with high CAC scores?
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Jan 6 1:16pm | Replies (53)Comment receiving replies
I realize this is an older post, but I stumbled upon it when I was researching high CAC scores. I am a 58 year old female who lives an active, healthy (or so I thought) lifestyle. I exercise 6 days a week which includes cardio dance, weights, and walking. I have borderline high cholesterol (LDL 102, HDL 83), low triglycerides, BP 110/66, A1C 5.9. My primary doctor recommended a calcium scan which came back at 107, putting me in the 92nd percentile for my age, with most of the calcium in the LAD. I was shocked! I’ve never had symptoms, but my dad had a heart attack in his 60’s.
I am now on 10 mg rosuvastatin, a very low fat, low carb diet, and am exercising less than before. The cardiologist I saw said that I may have been exercising too much which was causing inflammation that could have led to the calcium in my arteries. My EKG was normal, I had a carotid artery ultrasound which came back minimal 1-15%, and I am awaiting a stress test in February 11.
Any advice or words of wisdom or encouragement? I’ve been very worried since learning about this back in November.
Replies to "I realize this is an older post, but I stumbled upon it when I was researching..."
LDL should be closer to 50.
HDL is relatively high.
A1C shows you to be pre-diabetic?
Stress test will provide more background.
Stress test with echo would be more helpful.
My lipid numbers are similar to yours due to Lp(a) 106 and APOE 3/4 (the 4 prevents me from clearing LDLs efficiently). My CAC, LAD is 74. Get your LP(a) lipid tested along with your APOB. APOE is a genetic blood test. Taking a statin can raise Lp(a) by 20%. I've been approved for Leqvio, which reduces LDL by up to 50% and LP(a) by up to 26%. No amount of exercise, diet, or statin can reduce Lp(a) because it's an independent factor. There are no drugs as of now to target AP(a). But drugs are coming up that are in their final stages of trials. For now, there are two other PCSK9 that reduce Lp(a) similar to Leqvio.
Connect
What percentage of blockage do you have. My story is very similar but my numbers were 397. Maybe ask for an angiogram. I passed the stress test with flying colours. I ended up with a stent. You are as strong as your weakest point.