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Calcium score
I have been on 40 mg simvastatin for years with a low dose aspirin. My cholesterol is well under control in fact my HDL is 88 my triglycerides are perfect. My mom had a stent put in her LAD artery when she was 70 due to about 80% blockage.
About 8 years ago I had a calcium store test and it was 21 and a couple years later I had another one and it went to 49 and then two years later it went to 69 but the doctor, my cardiologist said no concern and some of the plaque was in my lad artery I have cardiophobia I am petrified. And just last week he said for peace of mind, from my peace of mind why don't I get the CAT scan that shows if there's blockage in my arteries but to say that and not tell me to go ahead and do that it doesn't seem like he's concerned?
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Relax, your numbers aren't that bad. I've been well over 1000 for 7 years and totally asymptomatic. Since you are already on a statin and aspirin, you're already taking action to prevent/slow your potential CAD. Just be moderate in your diet and lifestyle and enjoy life.
That actually gave me a little piece of mind.
What do they do for you? I just left an abusive husband not long ago so my stress and anxiety is over the top of my blood pressure is fine everything else is good except me worrying.
And my mom that had the stent put in when she was 7 Day
What are your LDL and Triglyceride numbers? Can't assess without.
What is your height and weight?
1 Get stress test
2 Get advanced lipids panel
You have a lot to deal with. You may be transferring some of your other issues into the anxiety regarding the cardio issue. Easy to do and totally normal. Having the courage to leave a toxic relationship was a good step. Try to have a positive attitude that you can now make other changes that will improve your life and you may find things falling in line and you'll be in a better place. You can't underestimate the effect of taking care of your mental health when it comes to your physical well being. Having good support is important.
Good luck and try to not obsess over your numbers. I think you'll be just fine.
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1 ReactionI appreciate that. Thank you so much
5'5" 144 put on about 20 lb since last year due to my osteo arthritis on my lower back hips Don't Spurs and bulging discs I was not able to exercise now I'm back on the treadmill I was too thin before
Trying to find my latest blood work which was many months ago my HDL was 88 my LDL I believe was 60 something my triglycerides were in the 60s and my overall cholesterol I believe was 180
Good lipid numbers. Good weight, etc. You sound fine.
Easy to get advanced lipids panel, easy to get treadmill workup stress test.
You sound extremely informed. I haven't had the calcium score in about a year or two so I'm sure it's going up because of my age as per the cardiologist I just thought it was weird to tell me to put my mind at ease I can get that CAT scan to check my arteries
I'd guess s/he's talking about a coronary CT angiogram. This is a different scan from the calcium CT. It can tell you the rough percentage of blockage in each coronary artery. For example, I have a really high score, almost 600, and the coronary CT angiogram showed no blockages more than 50%. That's not optimal, but given the time it takes for the blockages to progress and the fact that they can be stopped in some cases, I'm in reasonable shape. I don't think they consider intervention until the blockages are 70% or more.
I'd guess that at your numbers, s/he really isn't concerned but thinks that maybe knowing the percentage would give you peace of mind. If the numbers you mentioned are overall CAC scores, they are low. A score less than 100 is in the lowest risk category. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16824-calcium-score-screening-heart-scan) outside of a score of zero. For some people, knowing might make it worse I suppose. You'd have to decide for yourself. Not all cardiologists offer a CT coronary angiogram (if that is what is being offered) unless you had symptoms, so yours is trying to put your mind at ease. (I would guess.)
He specifically said for my peace of mind cuz I'm so terrified. I never understood that but even if there's some blockage, isn't there a chance the plaque can break off