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First time on CHOLESTEROL medication
I am a male 5’ 8’ 148 LB 64 yrs.
Never been heavy and do exercise and watch how much and what I eat. Like vegies, fruit, and maybe a burger or steak once every 2-3 months.
Chicken is the prime meat.
Not on any prescript meds.
I get a checkup every year.
The PCP decided to have a Calcium Score test. The results came back in the danger range 4122
Both PCP and I did not understand how it was so high based on my past checkups and activity, and lifestyle, and family history.
So, I had a stress test recently at a local cardiologist facility. .
I don’t know what all the numbers mean but the cardiologist said blood flow was good through the arteries.
I was on the treadmill for what seems longer than normal as the tech said they had enough info and asked if I wanted to keep going. I said ok. Maybe went another 5 minutes.
It was a standard Bruce protocol. I reached 9 minutes and went to 10 METS, supposedly above avg.
Not sure what it all means.
The latest blood test results prior to the teat all shows normal or better. Too many number to list.
CHOLESTEROL 191
HDL 56
LDL 117
TRIGLYC 93
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio 3.4
VLDL 19
My CHOLESTEROL bounces between 200 and 170
My LDL also varies lower.
I don’t understand why I need to be on low dose baby aspirin.
I really don’t like the idea of taking aspirin every day.
I also asked if I should retake the Calcium Score test and the Cardiologist said it won’t change. But, I am skeptical.
My questions :
Why the baby aspirin if there is good blood flow through the arteries ?
Why the low dose cholesterol med?
And
More importantly,
If I would not have had a Calcium Score test done and only the stress test, what would the results be for taking medications?
Because, I spoke to others who have had stress test done and they did not take Calcium Score test and some never hear of a Calcium Score test.
thanks
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I wouldn't be worried, based on your cited numbers. You must have a genetic predisposition to depositing plaque, or it is every bit as likely that you have some underlying systemic inflammation. Inflammation makes deposition of plaque easier on the endothelial layers of the arteries. Did your physician suggest a CRP or other test to determine if you need to have a therapy to control it? Might be worth an ask.
So far, your risk for stroke is low, insofar as what I see and understand (I'm not a health expert). It would be your call to stop the aspirin unilaterally, or to challenge your prescription with the person who issued it. Ask him/her what your risk is based on the all-cause mortality associated in the literature with your numbers.
Good idea to have a cardiac CRP
and consider a carotid ultrasound
that sometimes shows intimal vessel wall thickening or any changes in flow. These would indicate atherosclerosis and stroke risk.
Statins do more for us than prevent cardiac events. All the things good for your heart protect the brain.
Very true, and you've just reminded me that I forgot something I had intended to include in my response above: statins do have a modest anti-inflammatory effect. But, if inflammation is the problem with this person, it's obviously insufficient.
Thanks for chiming in!
Like @gloaming said, I think you may have a genetic disposition that is giving you the high calcium score. I know it can feel scary and upsetting to be told you should be on medication for the first time. It sounds like you have done the right things taking care of yourself, so please don’t feel you have done anything wrong or your body is giving out…you may have a lot of years of good health in front of you.
In my personal opinion, I think you should take the medications as a preventative measure. Your HDL looks great. I work my tail off and only get near 50. Your doctor, probably PCP can order blood tests to see how your numbers are doing.