The angiogram is helpful, but you might be asked to submit to an MRI, and if the blocked artery is not especially dangerous, to a stress test on a treadmill with CT scan and contrast dye. I had both the MRI and the MIBI stress test first, and then the electrophysiologist wanted an angiogram before he'd even meet with me. The MIBI was awful recovering through a mask while I gasped and thought I would surely pass out. But all they found was a short run of SVT at the point where they decided they had seen enough. The MRI, never heard a thing. Angiogram two weeks later, as the gentleman surgeon removed the catheter from the hole in my wrist, he leaned over and said to me, 'Minor deposits. You're good.'

Often a Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries will help to determine if there is significant blockage in those two arteries. They branch just below the ears, and one of the branches might be blocked, or both. Happened to my dad...100% blocked on the right carotid, 90% on the left.

A high score like yours is cause for concern, and you will be strongly encouraged to take tests, imaging, and to take some medication such as a statin. Some abide statins well, some do poorly on them. So, keep an open mind, and if you don't experience anything untoward, good for you. If you feel unwell, lack strength, develop muscle aches, then tell you physician. Note that you would be strongly advised to supplement with Co-enzyme Q10 or CoQ10 because statins prevent you from making your own supply, which people's bodies do. It's very important for muscle function, especially the heart muscles. You might wish to read up on that issue first, and also ask your doctor.

A bypass or stent will only happen if the occlusion is severe and likely to close off inside of a year or two. Depends on the amount of obstruction IOW.

The one artery, besides the carotids, that you don't want to be blocked is the 'left anterior descending' which wraps around the front of the heart on the left side.

My heart issue experience started just like this a little over 1 year ago and included an EchoCardiagram and Arteriorgram (through wrist). I have a mild case of AFIB. My CAC was reported at 2000 even and I have a 40% block in the joint where the LAD meets the D1 artery on left side of heart. I've been on BP med Ramipril and Statin-Atorastatin for 14 years because BP was diagnosed high by PCP and he also thought "anyone over 55 needed to be on a Statin" . Most Cardiologist thinks Statins ought to be in the public water system. Cardi said 40% was not a concern and nothing needed until 70% or more. Fast forward after sent home for annual in 1 year. My annual EKG showed I had developed a LBBB, left bundle branch block. My left side of heart is firing intermittently. Right side takes over when that happens. Back to round of tests: 30 day monitor, Nuclear Stress Test (no treadmill), MRI before and after getting the juice. In consult, Cardi says I had one 20 minute AFIB moment and insisted I take Eliquis (Blood Thinner) and Apixaban Systemic (Beta blocker) So I've started these this week. I go back in 3 months for followup. I know the test cycles are to keep with rules in place for medicare and insurance carrier, but it seems like once you get into this routine it doesn't change. Thankfully no heart attacks or even short of breath episodes. Frankly had a vein Doc not tell me of a PVC that I had on his table while vein work in left leg, I would not have gone to Cardi. He was a former Thoracic Surgeon. He said he wouldn't put me to sleep to do any further procedures until I saw a Cardiologist. 72, still working in real estate and enjoying life one day at a time.