I think it is important to realize that a high CAC score may indicate problems beyond coronary considerations. When my cardiologist called me panicked by my over 1000 score the same afternoon that I had the test I thought I was doomed , especially after finding out that my risk of an MI was 20-25% per year. I'm still haer 4+ years later and am still largely asymptomatic. My LDL is only 48 and total cholesterol is 115 thanks to statins and ezetimibe.

However, if your coronary arteries are affected it is very possible that the same mechanism is having an impact on other systems. In my case I have bilateral carotid blockages (not yet to the level that needs intervention, last scan only 39%). My major problem is cerebral microvascular ischemia. The same plaque that is clogging my coronary arteries is slowing killing my brain. Numerous head MRI's show hyperintensities where vessels are are being blocked with brain cell death, as well as multiple lacunar strokes. These were found after TMI's and other neurological issues.

I would encourage anyone with high CAC to be vigilant and aware of these other risks, as well as PAD (which thankfully I don't have!) At least in the case of carotid stenosis there are surgical interventions which can address the problems. Unfortunately, at this time there is no way to roto-root your brain so I just have to live with my white matter disease.

I am 65 and was diagnosed at 61. At least I'm still posting, dead men don't post.

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