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I have a very high calcium score. What next?

Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Nov 16, 2025 | Replies (506)

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Profile picture for aldo2 @aldo2

@christianzane Yes, it's most likely a good thing if the CAC score is increasing (to some degree) while the statins are lowering the LDL - it's likely that the meds are hardening the soft plaques and stabilizing things. But what I don't agree with (at least not entirely) is the medical profession's SOP to not take the next step and do a CTA to check for stenosis if the patient has a very high CAC score. As many have pointed out, the CAC score on its own is just a confirmation of Coronary Artery Disease. But if you have a very high score, and unless you have the CTA, you won't know if you have any significant stenosis developing that needs action (like a balloon and stent). Simply telling an asymptomatic patient with a high CAC score to just go home, take the meds, watch their diet, and call the doctor if they get chest pain seems to be like painting only half a picture. At least people are now more aware of getting a CT Calcium test to begin with. So that's an improvement, but I bet most people have still never heard of them - even though they've been around for 2-3 decades now.

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Replies to "@christianzane Yes, it's most likely a good thing if the CAC score is increasing (to some..."

@aldo2

Most cardiologists who know what they are doing are not going to have asymptomatic folks get a CTA unless they have symptoms suggestive of angina or exertional discomfort or a CAC score let's say in the 1000s. I'm 59 years old with a score of 178, on a statin and plant based diet with regular exercise, no smoking and moderate wine consumption and my doctor says not to even worry about it. Also CTA exposes you to a lot of radiation which may do more harm in the long run. I think it's up to everyone's own personal preference as a one size fits all doesn't apply to these situations. But if a CTA test brings comfort in a situation where someone is worried and stressing about it all the time it might be worth it.