Connect
4,400 Calcium Plaque Score
Hi:
This is my 1st post. Sorry for all the questions but my CAC really has me worried.
I'm a 71 y/o male with a massive calcium plaque score of 4,400. But I have no symptoms. The only reason the scan was done was because every day I have heart palpitations. They were diagnosed as benign but when they continued for over a year the scan was ordered.
BNP is 40. Blood tests are all normal. Cardiologist said I "aced" the treadmill tests. 6'2" 158 Lbs. Dr. who did the Cardiac Catheterization didn't recommend stents. The Surgeon and Cardiologist still say the everyday palpitations are likely unconnected to the CAC and are very likely benign.
Meds: Baby aspirin and Repatha. No BP meds. Dr suggested bisoprolol. I didn't want to take it because my BP averages around 100/64. Occasionally as low 90/62. Pulse in morning in mid 90's, but afternoon around 65. I already feel a bit lightheaded when I get up from a seated position.
LDL 52. HDL 72. Triglycerides 69. Calcium 8.7
Is it a mistake for me not to take Bisoprolol?
With such a high score why am I not having any symptoms like being out of breath when I exercise or chest pain.
Also, what does it mean that I have such a low BNP with such a massive calcium buildup?
Finally, is it unusual to have such a low calcium score (8.7) with such a massive calcium buildup?
I'm still wondering about the everyday palpitations?
Thank you for your time!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Connect
@robmtk
Thank you for your input/story. It's encouraging:)
@claireike I am not a doctor. Please consider canceling the invasive cath and getting an AI CCTA that will show you much more than a cath. I use CLEERLY AI, but there are others as well. My CAC is over 2000, but my plaque is free of the more dangerous low density kind.
Good Luck.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@laketahoebob you asked about treatments. Using low dose rosuvastatin, Ezetimibe and Repatha. Calcification continues to stabilize plaque so don’t focus on that too much. I suggest you talk to other cardiologists for second opinions. I have been living with high CAC for more than 20 years.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@laketahoebob
Thank you, good input for me to look into 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHusbands score is 5,185. No symptoms. Increased his atorvastin to 80 mg ( high intensity) and his LDL is now 24! Cardiologist says that’s great. Added Aspirin 81mg per day, low cholesterol diet, and exercise. Aced the stress test, coronary angiogram shows all 3 coronary arteries 24-49% blockage, no stents til 70% blocked. Calcified plague is stabilized and his score may even increase with statins but that’s less risk of plaque breaking off. My husband freaked out too, but you get used to it and do the best you can. Stressing is not good!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 Reactions@laketahoebob are you a cardiac surgeon. Why you give advice when are only going by your limited knowledge. I hope people dont listen to tour useless advice.
I'd like to remind members of the Community Guidelines for Mayo Clinic Connect (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/). In particular:
4. Respect All Members
- Show respect for members even when you do not share their views.
- Disagreements are fine. But mutual respect is essential.
Mayo Clinic Connect is a place for members to share experiences to help one-another make more informed decisions and to have more thorough discussions with providers based on those experiences and shared knowledge. Share your own experiences. But do not tell others what they should do. Experience does not replace professional medical advice. It does not replace a diagnosis. It does not replace treatment.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction