774 calcium score terrified what’s next?

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.

Welcome 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?

Get a CT-A

It’s not so bad, but your younger…

Realize statins create higher calcification

I would suggest talking to your doctor about getting a CT angiogram of your arteries. It is less invasive than the regular angiogram (and easier to get covered by insurance). That test should give you data on any troubling blockages. If that shows anything, you'd then likely be set up for the invasive angiogram.

My cardiologist told me that she wanted my bad cholesterol under 70, so my statin was upped (from 20 to 40) and I started taking Zetia. Also, next time, you have blood work done, ask your doctor to check your Lp(a). Lp(a) is a genetic issue. Lp(a) can also help create blockages. (I don't understand how.)

Hi, I wound up in the ER yesterday, maybe just anxious. They put me through a bunch of tests and then did a Nuclear Stress test today which was good. My cardiologist doesn’t do the cath unless people fail a stress test or have trouble during it. I was fine and blood flow was good. So now I’m on 80mg of Lipitor, daily aspirin, and a low dose of Novasc for blood pressure. My BP has typically been good but the last couple days it’s been high. Then I have another follow up next week. I tried to push for the cath but I understand why they don’t want to because everything came back ok. I guess the ct angiogram is what I’ll ask about next week.

This doesn't make any sense to me. A calcium score like yours would often be followed up by an angiogram. You don't have to fail a stress test! Honestly, if it were me, I'd be looking for a new cardiologist.

Just reaching out to say many of us feel this way after having a bad CAC score. I've told my story here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-people-in-their-40s-with-very-high-cac-scores/

I had never been to a cardiologist before my CAC score. But I saw one soon afterward and they ordered a CT-angiogram, a nuclear stress test, and an echocardiogram. They also put me on Wegovy before I even had those tests after I asked about whether it could be useful - they seem to view it very favorably to reduce risk. My insurance has covered all of it. I raise this to say that you really shouldn't have any problems getting follow-up tests and treatment. My cardiologist's office basically treats a very high CAC as a flag for more follow up testing, since they don't view the number as very illuminating beyond telling them that you have coronary artery disease.