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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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@15eastover I also have a high calcium score of 1687 which I received about 6 months ago and it was a bit shocking. Have done stress tests, etc. and I have no symptoms so am taking 40 gr atorvastatin and exercising and trying to eat a reasonable diet. the mental stress was initially the worst but I am enjoying my life and doing the activities and family things that make me happy. I just had a physical and all my numbers are excellent. I just have calcium deposits that we will continue to monitor and take appropriate action when needed. My advice is to listen to your Dr. and go out and enjoy the things you love. the mental challenge will get easier over time. Best to you!
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4 ReactionsThank u for the reply. Happy Holidays!
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2 Reactions@15eastover my husbands was 5185, no symptoms.
Went from atorvastin 10 to 80mg, added Asa 81mg daily and diet and exercise. He was not overweight, but due to diet change lost 20 lbs. Stress and all tests were normal. No significant blockage. He was a wreck too, but getting used to it now.
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2 Reactions@15eastover Mine was much lower than that and I was put on Repatha injections twice a month
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1 ReactionSome of these numbers are shocking. Mine was 332. I've tried statins and non-statins (zetia) but can't tolerate them - bad rash reaction. I itch enough already from the eliquis! My sister-in-law has been on statins her whole life; just had some stents put in! I've heard it's all genetics. You have to go your own way. I'm putting my situation on a lower priority. I just got diagnosed with SMM. Good luck, my friend.
my latest cac result was over 6000. I've been on warfarin for past 20yrs. My Dr. did an angiogram which showed no blockage that required a stent.
My understanding is that plaque that has calcified is actually a good thing as there is less chance of it causing a heart attack or stroke.
I've read that warfarin can cause high coronary calcium but having a mechanical aortic valve, i have no other blood thinner choice.
Rob
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1 Reaction@robmtk how old are you? What did your doctor say? Not even a smaller amount of blockage?
@gchang817
i'm 79 closing in on 80yrs old.
I have a small blockage in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Dr said it did not warrant putting in a small stent as i would feel no benefit from it ( I had been complaining of a mild sob while exercising).
@robmtk have you ever had any cardiac event or previous stents before that score?
Per My husband’s cardiologist…stenting not indicated unless 70% blocked or more. Eat right, exercise, statins or whatever u can tolerate. My husbands LDL is now 35 a cardiologist want to keep it there ( on atorvastatin 80mg) because he tolerates it without any issues. Reduce stress! This is stress with a high Ca I know, but try not to stress over it. Do what you can with diet, exercise, and drugs and enjoy life the best you can!