High Coronary Calcium Score: How do others feel emotionally?

I had my first CT angiogram about 11 years ago and my score was 320. Decided to go strict vegan and after two years had another CT angiogram and my score was 420.
I have been very active my entire life with exercise, running, weight lifting, cycling, yoga and racquet sports. I am 68 years old.

I remained about 95% vegan after my second CT scan. And continued my active lifestyle.

I had another CT scan last week and now my score is 1080

Disheartening to say the least.

I had an echo stress which was inconclusive and a nuclear which shows no blockages.

I am extremely discouraged . I thought I was doing everything right and nothing seems to stop the progression

Discouraged in NY

Hi @stanimal, was your nuclear test PET MPI or SPECT MPI? Did they quantify your blood flow? Any stenosis information from your CT scans? If you have no blockages/obstruction, I wouldn't be discouraged! I have a lower calcium score but my recent coronary CT angiogram shows a 50% stenosis in mid-LAD, which worries me; my cardiologist wants me to do a stress cardiac MRI MPI as soon as possible. But like you I super active, around 15 hours per week of vigorous or intense exercise, with no angina or other symptoms.

Hi

It was a SPECT MPI. Doctor said everything was normal including blood flow. As far as the CT scan no stenosis reported.

Hello Everyone,

I have never posted a blog before, so here it goes. I actually work in the medical profession as a COO, my wife convinced me to get a calcium scoring and have my annual check-up. Yup...healthcare professionals are the worst about taking care of themselves. Anyway...my labs are OK except lipid profiles...all out of wack. 218 total cholesterol, high triglycerides, high LDL and Low HLD to be brief. I get a calcium scoring and bam! 170. It was a bit in each vessel, 70, 80, 30 I went into panic mode and text'ed my primary care physician who I know. First he said positively, no other abnormalities seen...which I knew. As I told him I was panicking, something I don't do, he said take a deep breath--yes definitely a bit of a surprise, but still in a safer zone than many others. He put me on Crestor 10mg, and 81mg aspirin and will repeat the labs in 3 months, which will be at the end of April. He said we will adjust meds if necessary. He said exercise, eat better.... I am 6 ft. 185lbs, I was not an exerciser to be honest. So I have been exercising 6 days a week--no Shortness of Breath, and I run vigorously with a sweat. I dropped 10 lbs and hold my breath. My brother had a similar issue but he is 10 years older than me when dx, he was a smoker---I was not. He is still around...gives me hope. My father was in the same boat, but had heart attack late 50's, but passed away in Mid-80's. Just nerve racking to say the least. I'm going to ask him if I should get a Cardiologist recommendation. Thoughts?

Hello Everyone,

I have never posted a blog before, so here it goes. I actually work in the medical profession as a COO, my wife convinced me to get a calcium scoring and have my annual check-up. Yup...healthcare professionals are the worst about taking care of themselves. Anyway...my labs are OK except lipid profiles...all out of wack. 218 total cholesterol, high triglycerides, high LDL and Low HLD to be brief. I get a calcium scoring and bam! 170. It was a bit in each vessel, 70, 80, 30 I went into panic mode and text'ed my primary care physician who I know. First he said positively, no other abnormalities seen...which I knew. As I told him I was panicking, something I don't do, he said take a deep breath--yes definitely a bit of a surprise, but still in a safer zone than many others. He put me on Crestor 10mg, and 81mg aspirin and will repeat the labs in 3 months, which will be at the end of April. He said we will adjust meds if necessary. He said exercise, eat better.... I am 6 ft. 185lbs, I was not an exerciser to be honest. So I have been exercising 6 days a week--no Shortness of Breath, and I run vigorously with a sweat. I dropped 10 lbs and hold my breath. My brother had a similar issue but he is 10 years older than me when dx, he was a smoker---I was not. He is still around...gives me hope. My father was in the same boat, but had heart attack late 50's, but passed away in Mid-80's. Just nerve racking to say the least. I'm going to ask him if I should get a Cardiologist recommendation. Thoughts?

triglycerides were 210, hdl 35, ldl (I have to find the paper, I'm at work), total cholesterol was 218. My doc is sending me for more detailed lipid panel.
I have an appointment with an interventional Cardiologist scheduled....figured might as well. I work with several academic healthcare systems. I don't need a referral--I have very good insurance luckily.

Interesting, one of my staff members who did the calcium scoring on me---I am the COO of a large Radiology Company---told me today she is 45 and she received a score of 50...same thing panic mode. Overall---even thought it caused me many sleepless nights, its better to know to be proactive. My father in law has a score of 2000 and has had it for 5 years...probably higher now, and he is doing well with no symptoms and is followed by both primary and cardiologist.

don't be discouraged. Calcium scores are becoming less and less relevant. I'm assuming you are on a Statin drug.
My score was 2,854. I'm 56 and at the gym every day for the past 30 years. Lots and lots of tests show blood flow is perfect. So living life as though I have another 40 years.
Jeff