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Crazy high calcium score of 3,000+
61 male with COPD which doesn't keep me from exercising regularly. No symptoms of anything unusual lately. Diet is not great, but not overweight in the least. Had a Stent put in for carotid artery 18 months ago. Been on atorvastin and ramipril for BP and high cholesterol for a few years now. Cholesterol numbers now look pretty good I think.
Just had a CT ordered for calcium score after "severe coronary calcifications" noted on routine lung CT scan. My score was just over 4000, though with 'accuracy comprised by motion detection or something', though I'm guessing it's at least somewhat roughly accurate. I was stunned by this number when I saw it today in my health app (I was prepared to freak if I saw 400!), and haven't heard back from my doctor yet. Found this group in the meantime, which made me slow my catastrophic thoughts somewhat as I imagined myself undergoing emgergency heart surgery this evening....
As I await further word, perhaps you folks can tell me what these numbers mean in the report, and what I can expect going forward?
LM: 0 LAD: 658 LCx: 329 RCA: 3062
Thank you,
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Have you had catheterization? Cath is usually called for if any discomfort or shortness of breath.
No he said it is spread out all over the place and not a threat at the moment with the Statin treatment. The next visit will be my third year annual visit in December. I just go by what he tells me I thought the catheterization would be called for also
It all followed very quickly I took the regular stress test and then the stress test with the dye in it. I guess they pinpointed where everything was. So everybody is probably different as the location of the plaque.
You should read and understand the results - it's not that hard with internet lookup capability.
If I had any discomfort - and a high CAC score - or a history of any kind of other heart issue, including high cholesterol, I would demand they take a look via cath - it remains the only gold standard.
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1 ReactionMy general practitioner ordered the stress immediately. It came back fine, but you should not have to wait on a stress test.
Did your doc inform you that statins often times cause very high CAC scores. Cardiologists, when asked, will say calcification caused by statins isn't dangerous because it "stabilizes soft plaque". Your 2250 number will increase even more with the doubling of statin dose.
Yes I don't understand it. I just have to go with what he says for now. It's going on 3 years now. It is a little scary for sure
Since returning from the trip he had an echocardiogram which identified 2 aneurysms one in the aortic root of 4.4 cm. It also confirmed a prior MCI of which he has no clue of ever having. Nuclear stress test - heart function numbers were good. Cardiologist kept him on 10mg of statin, baby aspirin and started 2.5 mg of a beta blocker. No restrictions as he remains asymptomatic. Will have the full lipid panel in 2 weeks. He's lost about 7 lbs and has made some modifications to diet and strict exercise routine. All good so far.
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1 ReactionI may ask for an Echo cardiogram upon my next visit or in the patient portal. It is always a concerning matter for sure. Try not to worry too much. Thanks for the update
Surprised you are on Such a low dose statin. My husband’s cardiologist increased his atorvastatin from 10mg to 80mg when his Ca score was 5,185.
Even though his LDL was within normal limits. Her goal is to have his LDL 40-50. He has no symptoms at all, is not overweight, does not drink or smoke.