High calcium score: I'm in shock

Posted by sjy70 @sjy70, Jun 14, 2021

Hi everyone... just wanted to share my last few days - I'm scared and lost and was just hoping to hear from some people who have been in my place. Long story short - I went in for a "routine" checkup at age 50 to make sure my heart was okay. I had a stress test two years ago that was fine. But I do have a family history, and somewhat high LDL and blood pressure so the doctor sent me for a cardiac calcium score. It came back at 407 at age 50!!! That's like the 98th percentile for my age, which is shocking. I do Crossfit and have done half marathons so it was totally unexpected. Now I'm going for another stress test in two weeks to make sure no blockages are over 70%, and I'm not sure of the steps after that.... I'm terrified of needing open heart surgery - I've gotten myself into a place of being okay with a stent if needed. I know it's better to know than not know, but I just feel like my life was suddenly ripped out from under me and to be honest I'm spinning right now... every waking second I feel like I'm going to drop over..

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@jlharsh

I imagine you are thinking next Friday cannot get here soon enough, @ss52 . It sounds like you have a cardiologist who is looking out for you and have a good plan in front of you. Kudos on doing all you can to take care of you!

I felt the same way after getting my calcium score. My next step was a CTA and I believe it showed over 70% blockage in the LAD. I had a heart cath and found out the blockage in my LAD was actually around 40%, significantly less. All this to say that each test we get provides another piece to the puzzle, and I really didn’t know much until we had enough of the pieces.

You mention your medications were not working well to control your blood pressure. Have you made changes?

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They've added Ezetimibe. I don't think I can take it. Seems to have shortness of breath

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