Cardiologists… BTDT, been there done that. If you are otherwise a healthy individual with no symptoms the most a reputable cardiologist will do is put you on a statin and perhaps give a stress echocardiogram or nuclear scan. If the stress echo results are normal the doctor will advocate for aggressive lifestyle changes: regular exercise, balanced mostly plant based diet, abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol and keep BP in check. Regular check-ups/blood work with your GP are important.
Also keep in mind if you have an elevated calcium score it has been high for a VERY long time. And how are you doing now? Fine and probably asymptomatic.
CAC score isn’t a death sentence; it’s a wake-up call.
If no symptoms don’t get tricked into an invasive coronary angiogram without any functional testing like stress echocardiogram or nuclear testing. And resist the unnecessary angioplasty.
Get on a statin. I resisted like an dummy for 20 years, my father started taking them when they first came out in the 1980s I believe it was, and when he recently turned 85 years old I realized he was just doing fine on them and my fears were irrational. The statin will stabilize the soft plaque and prevent it from breaking off and forming clots.
Calcium is just one piece of the puzzle, while this illustration isn't scientific it gives a good overall picture.
#christianzane. Thanks for your comment. Two weeks ago I got a score of 535. I have taken an 2d echo and today a nuclear stress test. The 2d echo was great. I have great blood pressure, always have. And healthy weight.
If the stress test doesn’t show anything, I believe my doc is just recommending lifestyle changes: diet, exercise, statin, hydration, etc. I was thinking I needed another doc, to see about more testing. Listening to YouTube Cardiologist, I am hearing CT Angiogram, CIMT, etc.
I thought my doc wasn’t doing enough.