Connect
High calcium score: I'm in shock
Hi everyone... just wanted to share my last few days - I'm scared and lost and was just hoping to hear from some people who have been in my place. Long story short - I went in for a "routine" checkup at age 50 to make sure my heart was okay. I had a stress test two years ago that was fine. But I do have a family history, and somewhat high LDL and blood pressure so the doctor sent me for a cardiac calcium score. It came back at 407 at age 50!!! That's like the 98th percentile for my age, which is shocking. I do Crossfit and have done half marathons so it was totally unexpected. Now I'm going for another stress test in two weeks to make sure no blockages are over 70%, and I'm not sure of the steps after that.... I'm terrified of needing open heart surgery - I've gotten myself into a place of being okay with a stent if needed. I know it's better to know than not know, but I just feel like my life was suddenly ripped out from under me and to be honest I'm spinning right now... every waking second I feel like I'm going to drop over..
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Connect
swilkins,
There is a massive amount of information about the effect of statins on soft plaques - it causes the soft material to calcify which prevents the soft material from breaking off. This obviously increases CAC scores, though.
My limited knowledge, but lots of reading led me to conclude the calcium could be inside the artery wall - and, some even say outside the wall (although I can't figure out how this would happen).
Stress tests come in different varieties, some with and some without echo (ultrasound) testing - so, specificity is needed when discussing. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16983-exercise-stress-echocardiogram
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@mayoconnectuser1
I had a calcium score of 87.
On a CT scan the LAD was calcified.
I recently had a cardiac cath done and to my surprise all coronary arteries were clear. The calcium must have been on the outside.
Yeah - I wish there was more certainty wrt calcium location - would alleviate some anxiety.
The only way to tell is apparently to actually LOOK with optical device ... if there is a real goodness to the procedure it is that the cardiologist will place a stent/stents in any areas signficantly blocked, thereby potentially saving one's life!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYou are right- one would have to go in and look, but that’s not happening unless there are symptoms.
I had the cardiac cath where they saw all coronary arteries as part of testing before I got a new aortic valve. They would have placed stents if needed.
Yes, scary indeed! Best advice is speak / ask questions of your cardiologist- work the program they set for you- exercise, etc you will be better!! Best, Jim B
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionGreat info and advice ! Thank you Tim! Stay well, best, Jim B
If you Google you will find that running ,hiking cause this reading. But it’s calcified and not prone to rupture. Calcium score does not mean artery is block. Use MESA calculator so that you can find where u stand. Not to worry
sharad,
Sorry... running and hiking cause what reading?
CAlCIUM SCORE OF HEART CORONERY
Sorry, again, but why would hiking and running cause something related to one’s calcium score - increased or decreased?
Can you provide an online citation discussing this?