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774 calcium score terrified what’s next?
Hi, I’m a 53 year old man and I’ve had high cholesterol for probably 15 years. I’ve been on Lipitor for at least 12 but I think longer. I just had an echo stress test a month ago that was normal, though my blood pressure went up high during the test to 218/89, which I thought was crazy but it’s because I’m out of shape. My resting Bp is usually perfect, sometimes the bottom number can be a little higher which is never consistent. I have had my blood work done regularly and my results have been ok but not great, my ldl has been either higher range normal or sometimes a little higher. My pcp is a cardiologist and hasn’t seemed worried. I was in decent shape and much more active until about 4 years ago when I went though a lot so I’m trying to get in shape again. Now I got a calcium score yesterday and it’s 774. I’m terrified and haven’t slept all night. What should I push my doctor to do? I really want an angiogram and the ultrasound to check the neck arteries to, is that too much? I’m not sure how to get them to do it, though he is ok usually, but it seems like I may need to really push for this because it’s not always done? I am overweight and going to do zepbound because I’m 6’ and 233 so I want to lose 45lbs or so.
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This is hard to say. It's possible you've had a high calcium score for a long time! Remember: a statin does not lower your calcium score. In fact, it may raise it because it calcifies the soft, dangerous plaque, so a higher score is actually a good thing (like if you exercised and you "turned fat into muscle.")
I would not be terrified since you've been on a statin for so long. Also, there are people whose scores are 1000 and higher, and are still walking around and living their lives.
Why not discuss with your cardiologist? Or get a second opinion from another one who either does angiograms or works in a group that does them.
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1 ReactionWelcome to Connect @maverickf . You took a good next step (after sleep deprivation and all 😀) to post your question. You will find support here.
This has to feel like a crisis to you and your doc may see it as more of a marathon. I’m worried you will drive yourself crazy trying to manage your doctor and telling him what you want done. I found my best comfort level and progress has been with finding a doc I trust and treating it more like a partnership. They know the science and I know my body. First things first, pin down what is happening in your body. Your doctor will have an efficient and effective way to go about doing this. Push your doctor? You could push your doctor to definitely take you serious, and also help you understand the process they will be walking you through. That leaves the bandwidth for you to work on the pieces you are in control of.
What prompted you to get a calcium score testing? What symptoms are you having? What is zepbound?