@bearcat998 My doctor says he likes to have as many "data points" as possible, so although he knows I'm a runner and I have no symptoms. he still wants me to have a stress test and a carotid ultrasound. I'm happy to do it because I, too, like to have as much data as possible. I've already had a CAC scan, an angiogram, and an echo.

@bearcat998 I completely understand wanting more complete information. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s also helpful to ask, “What information would change what we do?” It sounds like your second opinion will give you an opportunity to explore whether a stress test would help answer your questions about exercising more vigorously or whether the focus should remain on aggressively managing your risk factors.

It also sounds like you have a good team around you. I like that your PCP supports getting another perspective while also helping guide you on the Zepbound decision.

And don’t sell yourself short—you’ve already made some important changes. Quitting smoking 15 years ago, walking your dogs every day, getting on the treadmill, and now adding ezetimibe are all steps in the right direction. We can’t change the past, but we can influence what happens from here.

I currently take ezetimibe. I had taken it before and swore I would never take it again. I currently take 1/2 pill daily and have learned adding the 2nd half doesn’t help much more. I say this to encourage you to all you can about treatment options because they can be as personalized as the set of information you are gathering now. You may also find it valuable to discuss the latest approach to treat with smaller doses of more types of medication if faced with simply increasing what you currently take. Each does something different and more on one is not necessarily better.

I am interested to hear what you learn from testing you are pursuing. Please come back a post an update.