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High Coronary Calcium Score: How do others feel emotionally?
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (668)Comment receiving replies
I had a kidney stone back at the end of October and I went into the emergency room at the hospital and I guess because I had a rapid pulse that gave me an EKG as well as a CT the CT found the kidney stone but my EKG came back abnormal. So when I got back into town I got an appointment through my primary care for a cardiologist and I've finally been able to see him. Around Christmas time I had some blood work done and it showed LP a of 101 nmol/L my H my total cholesterol was 191 and my LDL's were 134 but my HDL's were low like at 33. Doctor gave me a calcium CT and it showed the score of 1250. So I have been told I need to take Crestor and metoprolol. I have been on lisinopril for about the last 10 to 15 years. I walk almost every day do yardwork and garden work and I work out with light weight. Try to eat right low fat no sugar.
But my question is does a high calcium score necessarily mean that your arteries are blocked I guess I'm scheduled for a stress test and an echocardiogram next week so I was just wondering I guess that will show blockages or impaired flow.
Replies to "I had a kidney stone back at the end of October and I went into the..."
A high calcium score does not mean that you have a blockage or where that calcium is. In fact, the calcium is not the problem - the soft plaque that is implied by the high score is.
The only way to be certain is to do a CT angio where a cath allows the DR to view your arteries. Otherwise a CT scan w contrast is sometimes used as a less invasive option. If you’re not experiencing discomfort, chances are a cardiologist will simply treat w medication and lifestyle changes.
I would also add that people live long, normal lives w high CAC. Again, soft plaque is the bigger concern since these can break off and cause MI and stroke. However, statins have a long, proven track record in helping to mitigate this risk.
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Found this on one site. I think it gives you a good idea of what to expect.
CAC = 0
No identifiable atherosclerotic plaque.
Low risk for cardiovascular disease.
Less than a 5% chance of coronary artery disease.
CAC = 1-10
Minimal plaque burden.
Significant coronary artery disease is unlikely.
CAC =11-100
Mild plaque burden.
Likely mild or minimal coronary stenosis.
CAC = 101-400
Moderate plaque burden.
Moderate non-obstructive coronary artery disease is highly likely.
CAC = Over 400
Extensive plaque burden.
High likelihood of at least one significant coronary stenosis (>50% diameter).