Connect
I have a very high calcium score. What next?
Just joined the site and I'm looking to share with others who have had a high calcium score. I found out today that mine is 2996 and I am scared by this. I am 61 and I am totally asymptomatic. Now I feel like a walking time bomb. I am thinking of requesting an angiogram to see if there's any narrowing anywhere and if it can be corrected with a stent. After a second heart doctor told me that the plaque buildup might be uniform over the course of years with no big problem areas, I am encouraged. But the score still freaks me out, specifically my LAD at 1333. I don't smoke or drink but I have to lose 40 lbs.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Connect
Crestor and Zetia… Loose Weight. Watch what you eat.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionProbably something they saw with Lung CT scans
Exercise
Last year had cac score 295 . Put me in 95 % for my age. Was advised to start statin. I did not. Was a previous smoker. Stoped 23 years ago. Previous drinker . Stoped 10 years ago. Total cholesterol runs around 175 with ldl at 110. Exercise everyday day. Try to stick to whole foods with minimal processed foods. Debating starting rosuvastatin at 5 mg 3 times a week. Not sure if my calcified plaque is from my past lifestyle and medication is necessary. Thoughts ?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@statcac - I understand your hesitance to start taking statins. You have changed to a healthy lifestyle with possibility to slow the progression of plaques.
Many of us have inherited genes for atherosclerosis. I have- I also stopped smoking years ago, healthy diet and exercise as well as taking statins for years now. I had a calcium score CT recently- my score was not terribly high, but I got angry!
I also take Zetia to control cholesterol from diet. My LDL is low enough and HDL high- in other words doing the best I can.
There is continuous research on statin’s effect on plaque already there. So far, there seems to be some regression as well as stabilizing the plaque- making it less likely to break off.
What are your reservations about starting statins on a daily basis?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI did try Atrorvastatin 20mg for a couple weeks and had side effects ( brain fog and leg pain ) I am also concerned about the effects statins have on the rest the body .I did start the rosuvastatin at 5mg 3 times a week . I am going to give it a couple weeks and see how I feel . I fell into the rabbit hole regarding statins online and that generated my concern.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsCT Angiogram
Creator and Zetia
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy husband also had leg pain for a long time. He was then switched to another drug and started at lower dose.
He had quadruple bypass 9 years ago.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHave a CT-A to make sure you have no blockages. Keep exercising and eating well. Watch the Triglycerides and fats
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI am 61 yr old male and just had a CAC test with score of 2699. My Total Cholesteraol is 231 with HDL 90. Blood Pressure ranges from 120/60 to 140/80. I workout regularly including HIIT with peaking heart rate around 150 at the high end and no physical issues at that level. So I am asymptomatic but younger brother had stent to fix 100% blocked artery so have a family history. Currently discussing possible next tests with my cardiologist. Hopeful that the calcium is in the arteries not inside them. Have just started statins and aspirin per my cardiologist. Thoughts?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions