Has anyone seen a reduction in their CAC score from taking vitamin K2?

It would be great, but I am not aware of any CAC score being reduced by any med or supplement or lifestyle change - or, thus far, anyone reporting a reduction for any reason.

Please post if you find anything of this nature!!

I just found some info on pubmed that (in some studies) indicates K2 does help either with reducing the calcium or preventing further calcification, while others say there's no proof. I can't post the full URL, but go to pubmedcom and search for "Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease". It should be the first result shown. Click that link and from there you'll see several other links about K2.

Since everything I've read so far states that (for most people) there are no side effects for K2 , I'm going to continue taking it. I do know from several articles that if you're on a blood thinner (I kept seeing wafarin mentioned) that you must NOT take K2, as it counteracts wafarin's blood-clotting ability. If you're unsure if taking K2 may cause issues, talk with your doc before starting K2.

hikerguy,

Things you might be able to do with support from your PCP, while waiting on the cardio appointment include:
- getting an advanced lipids panel (some call it a CardioIQ) which provides much more detail on lipids, types, etc.
- stress test with echo (echo component is important)
- ultrasound for peripheral artery disease (non-coronary locations)

Are you on statins, yet? Your PCP might want to do this, if you haven't seen them, it might make sense.

My story is at: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/high-cac-score-and-current-status/

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/04/25/despite-hopes-vitamin-k2-supplements-fail-to-slow-calcium-buildup-in-heart-valve
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/Supplement_2/ehac544.1227/6745061
To your point, though - no side effects, so .... why not take it? 🙂

Thanks for that info. My doctor did prescribe Rosuvastatin Calcium 10mg the very day he called to give me the bad news, but I haven't taken any yet. I keep reading they really don't work as good as big-pharma wants you to believe they do and they have NUMEROUS bad side effects. I've cut out sweets and dairy completely, adding more fiber and fruit to my diet and walking more. I'll look into those two tests you mentioned.

Thanks,

Andy

hikerguy,

I always ask this when presented with anti-statin logic - recognizing, of course, that folks can do what they want ... but, following the logic path here.
1. Do you trust your doctor with regard to the other care they have provided over the years? Do you believe they would damage your health because they are in the pocket of "Big-Pharma?" (OK, I do giggle every time I say "Big Pharma")
2. Do you believe your internet research provides a better basis for decision making than your doctor?

I understand where you're coming from. I trust my doctor. It's just that when I read personal accounts of people who were very active prior to going on a statin, then after taking it were so weak or had hip pain or other pain to the point where they couldn't be active any more, I have to really question things. And I recall one in particular who came off of statins and it took him two months to get back to where he was.

My LDL level last year was 128 and was 126 just a few weeks ago. According to what I found on webmd and medlineplus, the range of 100-129 mg/dL is “Near or above optimal".

I'm holding off starting them until I see my cardiologist. I did read statins "may" help stabilize the plaques on blood vessel walls and reduce the risk of certain blood clots, which would be a good thing. I appreciate your reply.

So, yeah, I think it is proven that statins increase calcification on plaques ... CAC score increases after taking statins - and, this is considered safer than the plaque.

Between takin atorvastatin and icosapent ethyl, my LDL and triglycerides are mid 40s ... I think good given high CAC score.

Perhaps we should wager your cardiologist's recommendation re statins? 😎 If he follows broad guidance he will support statin use to hammer your lipids down ... questions include which statin and why, tablet or injectable? Then, you try and see if you have side effects.

Then, recently there is the discussion of Bempedoic acid as an alternative to statins - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215024?query=featured_home

That's a great level for LDL. I don't think I'll take that bet ;), but I'll definitely be talking to him about it. Thanks for that link. Never heard about that "treatment".

20 years on lipitor. Health great and got 700 score.
Question - what % of the CAC is due to statins?
Wish the K2 and CoQ10 was backed by some studies. Appears I should take both. If statins are the #1 drug for past 20-30 years why isn't more research done and shared with doctors?
Realized Williamson is right, we have a sickcare systems - not forward looking.
If you take K2 it's recommended by some to take D3 too.
Another question - if K2 stops calcium plaque and statins reduce K2 - why take it? Would one be better off taking K2 + D3 to begin with?