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I have a very high calcium score. What next?
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Jun 23 7:02pm | Replies (346)Comment receiving replies
Thanks for responding Jasper1072. Most of my lipid test results last I had one about a little over a year ago were within ranges. Little high on the triglycerides, 160. My blood pressure was high, 145/95, so thus the reason to start me on blood pressure meds. I was somewhat alarmed by the "Frank's sign" notification, but now with the elevated calcium score, I am somewhat uneasy. Especially since really, most of my score is concentrated in one area, LAD. Would you happen to have a view on my resting heart beat question, I just keep thinking all of this means low blood flow, and harder work for my heart, or higher beats per minute in this effort, yet, I am not seeing that thus far. I do intend to start a whole foods diet, lose some much needed weight I've been saying I'm going to lose for years, and increase my cardo. Also, any views on the increase YOY, I am hearing mixed feelings on statins, and its element on the increase it promotes by taking it, as well as just in "general" it can be between 8% to 30%. What is best practice to making it 8%?
Replies to "Thanks for responding Jasper1072. Most of my lipid test results last I had one about a..."
jaxson123,
What are your lipid numbers?
Have you had an advanced lipids screening? One testing company calls it Cardio IQ.
The calcium could be in the arterial walls or even outside the artery ... supposedly. Statins will increase the CAC score as it causes calcification of soft plaques, but this is better than softer plaques breaking off.
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Hi @jaxson123---
You are doing your homework, which I think all of us do when we are told that we run a higher risk for a heart attack. Most of us go into panic mode...the term I used when I learned my score. I quickly found out it is not the end of the world...CAC tells you that you have some level of heart disease, but can't tell how much specifically and can't tell you if you have blockages...Heck, you don't need calcium to have a blockage---just that you are at higher risk. The more calcium, the more risk in theory. Many factors including where the calcium is, density etc.
Yes, you will see the literature states being on statins will increase CAC, but as some say that may not be a bad thing. Generally speaking it is the soft plaque that could potentially have you clutching your chest! Calcium is suggested to be more stable. IMHO, don't concentrate on the score, concentrate on how you should live a healthier lifestyle...exercise, appropriate medications to reduce cholesterol levels including your LDL, Triglycerides. Again, if they do find something, don't panic....your at least ahead of the game and can take steps to mitigate a bad event. I would be happy to share with you my own regimen that works for me. Feel free to message me privately and I would be happy to share with you the steps I personally have taken to take control of my destiny the best way I can.