Anyone out there w very high CAC and high LP(a) ?

Posted by gfmama @gfmama, Jan 14, 2023

Went for executive physical for no reason other than husband said to go with him. Labs indicted 234 total cholesterol w highish LDL of 138. Doc wanted CT CAC score. Cried when it was 740. Then doc wanted Lipoprotien (a) test. Devastated at 170. Went on 10 mg atorvastatin. Changed lifestyle. After two months LDL is 78. triglycerides 38 My BP always 120/80 or less and passed stress test. It’s devastating to know that LPa is hereditary and causes plaque and clots. I’m 63 and need to lose 20 lbs. but feel very scared. Clinging to hope and faith that I can live long time. If anyone in my boat I’d like to hear from them too.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

northwoodsgal | @northwoodsgal | Jan 15, 2023

Recently found myself in very similar situation. Awaiting results of CAC scan. Stress test scheduled for next week. I share your feelings.
Trying to optimize what I can.. weight, ldl, glucose..
Concerns for son and siblings.

jlharsh | @jlharsh | Jan 15, 2023

@gfmama Genetically high cholesterol and elevated LP(a) run in my family. While I didn’t get the LP(a) from my dad, I can say he has both and is alive and kicking at age 88! My untreated LDL has been 300 and I had a high calcium score as well. I would say you are not in a better situation than knowing this information and having a doctor that understands how to handle it. No two folks look exactly the same and knowing is so, so helpful. I believe 1 in 5 people in the US have elevated LP(a). Nothing has changed for you except you have more information, and information is what will be helpful to live your best life! You’ve got this!!! 🙂

tia50 | @tia50 | Oct 22, 2023

Was your number mg or nmol?

gfmama | @gfmama | Oct 25, 2023

nmol i believe for the LPa

ndealw | @ndealw | Oct 26, 2023

My CAC is 595, Lipoprotein a is >600 nmol/L, total cholesterol 178, HDL 73, LDL 87, triglycerides 89. I take 20 mg rosuvastatin daily along with ezetimibe and now Repatha every 2 weeks. My cardiologist says there won't be good meds for Lipoprotein a for another year, meanwhile he wants my LDL's lower. Will be retesting lipids after 6 weeks on the Repatha. I want to cut my dose of the statin because I have a lot of muscle aches and I am prone to debilitating leg cramps. I was freaked out about the CAC score of 595 but if you read more posts on this forum there are those with much higher, and it makes a difference whether it is in the walls of the arteries or on the inside, which is more dangerous. I haven't chosen any further testing, my nuclear medicine stress echo didn't show any obstruction and I performed very well for my age (68, and overweight) I exercise 30'/day walking or biking, nothing too high intensity. I feel like at my age, I need to pay attention to ALL areas of health, not just get fixated on my heart related scores.

tia50 | @tia50 | Oct 27, 2023

Did you retest the lp(a)?

tia50 | @tia50 | Oct 27, 2023

In reply to @jlharsh "@gfmama Genetically high cholesterol and elevated LP(a) run in my family. While I didn’t get the..." + (show)

Just curious- Did you retest the lp(a)?

jlharsh | @jlharsh | Oct 28, 2023

In reply to @tia50 "Just curious- Did you retest the lp(a)?" + (show)

@gfmama My LP(a) has been checked twice now, consistent and not a problem.

tia50 | @tia50 | Oct 28, 2023

I was hoping my 220 would miraculously be lower with a second test....

Please sign in or register to post a reply.