High Coronary Calcium Score: How do others feel emotionally?

The cardiology professionals consider a diet that is low in saturated fat and abundant in fruits and vegetables--along the lines of a Mediterranean diet--is heart healthy. Recent studies show that a Vegan diet may be even better.

My numbers are Total Cholesterol 150, Triglycerides 120 LDL 95; HDL 28. Now that I am on a statin, my numbers are about half that, except for HDL, which stayed the same

There is some disagreement amongst 'professionals' and it must be considered that doctors/cardiologists aren't trained in nutrician. There is also the question of how different individuals metabolize different macronutrients. For some people zero saturated fat and a high quantity of fruit could cause a problem. Some people get very sick on a vegetable, grain & fruit only diet. Making sure that one is getting the full spectrum of micronutrients & antioxidants is also extremely important. Overall health, energy and quality of life are all very important considerations. There is a high degree of 'participation' in figuring out what will work best for the individual. Ultimately the time and effort invested may work out better than following 'nutritional guidelines', or a diet one is told to follow by an 'authority'. Old health advise like low fat processed food, margarine, many highly processed seed oils, have been exposed as potentially causing health problems. There are many other causes of a high calcium score. Newer research questions the role nutritional cholesterol/saturated fat plays in the development of heart disease.

I showed a calcium score of 1588 2 months ago. 2 arteries were above the 400 level. My PCP ordered a consultation with a cardiologist and this led to an angiogram performed in February. At my follow-up visit with the cardiologist the test results showed blockages no higher than 20%. I am 70, and he adjusted my medications, especially doubling the Lipitor dosage; took me off Tenormin, reduced the Cardura by half, and added Lisinopril and 81 mg aspirin tab. I am curious as to the high score and the relationship to the thyroid. Any experiences that are similar?

We have some similarities. I am 70 and had the same basic calcium score as you with both the LAD and circumflex arteries above 400. . I had an exercise stress test with echo cardiogram performed last October, rather than an angiogram. I passed the stress/echo test by getting to the maximum heart rate, which shows that I have no blockages >70%. I am on a moderate/high dose of atorvastatin (40 mg ) and a baby aspirin. You are in great shape with no blockages greater than 20%! For what it's worth, I had an ultrasound test of carotid, peripheral and abdominal aorta done. No results yet. All the best to you, Carl

Hi. I am a 64 yo male. I have miled hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and medium MVP. LDL 111, triglicerides 91, HDL 55. was having some symptoms, some shortness of breath at times, some chest discomfort on left side. Dr. suggested having a calcium score scan. It came back with a score of 99. Not bad I thought but he put me on 20mg rosuvastatin. Started last week and many symptoms have subsided. Will check bloodwork in about 6 weeks. Blood pressure and pulse have calmed down too. I'm guessing it must be the rosuvastatin. Some of my cousins have had heart bypass surgery and heart attacks and I want to avoid that. Have refined diet and trying to lose about 10 pounds.

New study out questioning usefulness of low dose aspirin therapy. I take 40 mg. atorvastatin and 81mg. aspirin. I don't know if I should continue or not. I had a very high cc score and that's when I started this regimen. Had a nuclear stress test in Nov. 2018 came back normal.??????

I am in similar situation. Taking 20mg rosuvastatin and 81mg aspirin. My calcium score was only 99 but have heart valve issues. I'm going to ask Dr. about it on next visit in April. Until then, I won't make changes on my own. Curious to hear what your dr. thinks.

I can certainly relate to the anxiety. I am 62 with score of 1771. Life long high cholesterol but unfortunately can not take statins. Now PCP is urging me to take REPATHA I am terrified of the high score but also terrified of drugs due to the statins that caused severe neurological muscular issues. Totally asymtomatic, BP under control. Have had hypothyroidism for 30 years. Would be interested in anyone taking REPATHA and their experiences.

Are you monitoring plaque progression? What do you feel is the cause of a high calcium score? I'm also 62 with a CAC of 979, asymptomatic. I'm moving forward with diet modification, supplementation, increased exercise.

Once you have been diagnosed with a high calcium score I think there is little merit in further scans (you already know you are at high risk) and you add another risk since you are exposing yourself to additional radiation.

You should take steps to modify your lifestyle but be aware that while you can reduce the risk a little you are always going to be at high risk. Most major studies put the risk of having a major cardio event or stroke at 20--25% within a year with a CAC over 1000 (and asymptomatic!), and a likelihood that an event is probable in 3-5 years.

In addition to lifestyle modifications I think that cognitive behavior treatment can be helpful to help you understand and cope with the stress that such a diagnosis can cause.

Good luck!