High Coronary Calcium Score: How do others feel emotionally?

Posted by mcphee @mcphee, Dec 14, 2016

I have a calcium score of 1,950 which is extremely high which means I am at a very high risk for a cardiac event,heart attack,stroke or sudden death.

I take a statin and baby aspirin. I have never been sick, have excellent cholesterol, low blood pressure and I am not overweight. I have no other health problems and I have never been sick. But I feel like a walking time bomb which has caused me a lot of stress. I am 70 yrs old.

I wonder how others with this condition feel emotionally?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

@botexas

That score may be high for a 37 year old,but understand that not all is known about calcium scores. I am 75 and my score is 2500 and I have no symptoms. Had nuclear stress test and had Mets score of 13 which is equivalent performance of a 24 year old. Further test showed my three arteries to the heart were 90%,88% cand 88% open with good blood flow. Talk to your Dr. I would try to eat a dash diet,and if he says ok,hit the gym and exercise using aerobics and weights. I go 7 days a week for 80 minutes/ visit. Try not to worry and good luck.

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How has your diet changed throughout your life? Do you have any ideas why your calcium score is so high?

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@pcspetpro

How has your diet changed throughout your life? Do you have any ideas why your calcium score is so high?

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Relatively good for most of my life. I rarely over indulge. Quit sugar drinks at 25. Never have liked desserts or candy. I was skinny most of my life until about 30. Got up to 201lbs at my heaviest, (I’m 5’10”. Been a health nut the last 3 years. Been in the gym 200 plus times each year for the last 3. Often times for up to 90 minutes at a time. That all being said it just doesn’t make sense. I know way unhealthier guys my age that are likely sitting on a score of zero.

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@1997ta

So I've been having palpitations quite frequently lately. Seems to occur more after a night of alcohol consumption and more frequently after may meals. My heart rate will increase to nearly 100 beats per minute for a couple hours before settling back down. There will be an extra beat or a skipped beat here and there. I had previously had an ablation in 2010 to correct AVNRT, but haven't visited a cardiologist since. Cardiologist ordered the Cardiac Calcium score. Well I haven't heard from the cardiologist yet, but I can review the results online. I'm 37 years old and the CAC score came back as 402. First thought I was hoping higher was better, but looking into it, that's an off the chart number for my age. I'm devastated.

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(62 5' 10" 150lbs) I discovered I have a CAC Score of 979 about six months ago, I have been obsessed with figuring out the process of athrosclorosis and its causes. It's way more complicated than I could have ever imagined, and there are so many factors that contribute to calcium deposits in the heart. Some of these factors include poor diet, nutrient deficiency, inflammation, hypertension, stress, lack of sleep, heavy metal exposure, tooth decay/mouth bacteria, pollution and genetics. There are probably many others and no one completely understands the process of athrosclorosis. The process can advance 30% per year, so I am continuing my research, changing habits, and increasing my nutrician and exercise. I plan on taking another CAC Test in about 18 months. The High CAC Score Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/2390693934337849/

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@pcspetpro

(62 5' 10" 150lbs) I discovered I have a CAC Score of 979 about six months ago, I have been obsessed with figuring out the process of athrosclorosis and its causes. It's way more complicated than I could have ever imagined, and there are so many factors that contribute to calcium deposits in the heart. Some of these factors include poor diet, nutrient deficiency, inflammation, hypertension, stress, lack of sleep, heavy metal exposure, tooth decay/mouth bacteria, pollution and genetics. There are probably many others and no one completely understands the process of athrosclorosis. The process can advance 30% per year, so I am continuing my research, changing habits, and increasing my nutrician and exercise. I plan on taking another CAC Test in about 18 months. The High CAC Score Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/2390693934337849/

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Thank you for the reply. I only found out two days ago, so the last two have been the most stressful part of my life. Luckily, I do see a therapist so I will find a way to mentally process this diagnosis. Thank you for sharing your group as well. I've sent a request to join.

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@pcspetpro

How has your diet changed throughout your life? Do you have any ideas why your calcium score is so high?

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Being a southern boy I have eaten a lot of fried foods and have a sweet tooth. Not sure how much a role foods plays but for nine months stopped eating sweets and fried foods. Been married to present wife for 25 years and she decided to have the test after my score and my score was 2500 and her score was 0. Go figure! Believe genetics play a role as both of my parents had some heart issues,but both lived into their nineties. Eating a lot more wild fish,avacadoes, fiber and vegetables. Big believer in exercise.

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@1997ta

So I've been having palpitations quite frequently lately. Seems to occur more after a night of alcohol consumption and more frequently after may meals. My heart rate will increase to nearly 100 beats per minute for a couple hours before settling back down. There will be an extra beat or a skipped beat here and there. I had previously had an ablation in 2010 to correct AVNRT, but haven't visited a cardiologist since. Cardiologist ordered the Cardiac Calcium score. Well I haven't heard from the cardiologist yet, but I can review the results online. I'm 37 years old and the CAC score came back as 402. First thought I was hoping higher was better, but looking into it, that's an off the chart number for my age. I'm devastated.

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Many things play a role in heart disease, it looks very likely that bad oils and excessive sugar/carbs are on that list. You have made some good changes.

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So I've been having palpitations quite frequently lately. Seems to occur more after a night of alcohol consumption and more frequently after may meals. My heart rate will increase to nearly 100 beats per minute for a couple hours before settling back down. There will be an extra beat or a skipped beat here and there. I had previously had an ablation in 2010 to correct AVNRT, but haven't visited a cardiologist since. Cardiologist ordered the Cardiac Calcium score. Well I haven't heard from the cardiologist yet, but I can review the results online. I'm 37 years old and the CAC score came back as 402. First thought I was hoping higher was better, but looking into it, that's an off the chart number for my age. I'm devastated.

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@luckyg

I just found this group today. Ten years ago when I was 73 I found out I have a calcium score of 2274. I will be 84 years old next week. I feel fine and have had no heart related problems. That's why my user name is LuckyG. I am on a statin and a 325 aspirin every day and I try to limit my saturated fat intake and keep my weight down, When I first found out I was scared to death but I don't think about it much at this point. Good luck. Gary

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LuckyG that’s what I needed to hear. I just got my calcium score yesterday and it’s 1130. I spent all night wondering when I’ll die. My cholesterol is a little high but I have my blood pressure under control. I feel fine and haven’t been sick in the last 3 years. I’m having a stress test in 2 weeks. I wish they had never told me about my calcium score. It’s better not to worry your self into a heart attack.

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@charpeters1

LuckyG that’s what I needed to hear. I just got my calcium score yesterday and it’s 1130. I spent all night wondering when I’ll die. My cholesterol is a little high but I have my blood pressure under control. I feel fine and haven’t been sick in the last 3 years. I’m having a stress test in 2 weeks. I wish they had never told me about my calcium score. It’s better not to worry your self into a heart attack.

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Knowing gives you the opportunity to investigate why you have a high calcium score, and to make the changes in your life that will slow progression, and lower the risk of a heart attack.

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Ok, I know it's not a contest, and I'm very new to the high calcium club. I haven't read all the posts, so I don't know for sure what the highest score is, but I was called today within 2 hours of the test with my score of 6451.12.
First question to ricochet around my skull is "How am I alive?"
So far I haven't found anyone at this level to reassure me.
It is reassuring that a high score is not a grenade with the pin pulled, and that people are managing it.

So right now I have been scheduled for a consult with a cardiologist next Friday, March 8.
My pcp says the'll do a stress test and go from there.
59 3/4 y.o. Male
6'3", 270 lbs.
Last July had a physical
5.9 A1C
187 total cholesterol
161 Trigly
38 HDL
32 VLDL
117 LDL
Blood Pressure generally 120something over 80ish.
Just started going to the gym and am tolerating 20 mins cardio and 20 mins weights without pain or dizziness.
I get occasional dizziness when standing up suddenly, but no chest or side pain.

What can I expect in terms of testing and protocols in the weeks to come?
Apparently my risk is pretty high. Are they not being aggressive enough? I mean, a week?

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