Connect
CCTA after 1,000+ CAC score - warranted?
Hi,
Just joined and read a few older posts. My CAC score is 1,005 (I’m 64). Shocked like many others here in belonging to this “unique” group of high risk individuals. More to the point my LAD score was 525 (“widow maker” artery) and 398 in the RCA. So the two most important arteries. Has anyone with similar been advised to do a non invasive CT Angio test with contrast dye? I guess it’s worth knowing ASAP the amount of blockage right? Of course I’m on low dose aspirin, 40 mg statin and Zetia. But these meds are just for maintenance right?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Connect
My understanding is the CT-A is an angiogram - but non-invasive (except for the injection of the contrast dye). Otherwise I'd need two of the invasive types of angiograms (one for the LAD artery and another for the RCA artery). Also, apparently, carotid arteries can also calcify, and the CT CAC test doesn't measure them. They are the two that carry blood to your brain (e.g. if obstructed then you get a stroke). The CT Angiogram with dye might be able to observe narrowing spots of all of the above. Then I'd get the catheter to pinpoint areas for widening. I hope that makes some sense.
I definitely concur that anyone with high CAC should have their carotids checked. I did and there is stenosis but not enough to worry about yet. Also, the same mechanism that is clogging your coronary arteries can impact the arteries in your brain. I've had a couple of brain MRI's that show that I have chronic microvascular ischemia. You can visibly see areas where there has been ischemia and white matter disease, and lacunar strokes. If you have high CAC be on the lookout for neurological symptoms. The problems is that there is no treatment since they can't stent your brain like they can your coronary arteries. But the same things you do to manage your CAC can slow progression there as well.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNo, don't think I would take one of those MIBI tests (also all those various pop-up clinics in Alberta are a bit suspect, IMO - best to stick with hospital procedures - in any case I'm not in Canada at present). Were you referring to the 2-part MIBI tests equating to the 500 chest x-rays?
I will, however, enquire about the CT Angio test with my Cardio Doctor. I know it uses contrast dye which scares some people off, but I have had a contrast dye CT scan 5 years ago when a hospital was checking for possibility of an embolism. The dye didn't cause me any problems. I will also ask about getting the carotid artery ultrasound.
MIBI stress test does come with two rounds in the CT scanner. You go into the scanner first thing, they do a baseline, then you are asked to go on the treadmill, with CO2 mask and an IV in place, they start the treadmill, and with an attending physician in the facility monitoring your vitals in real time, they take you up to your VO2 Max. They stop the treadmill, you go sit in a room after a debrief by the attending who should provide you with immediate feedback about what he/she saw, you're asked to eat and to drink, wait about an hour, then another round in the scanner.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYou can get a copy of your disc of your CCTA and have your dr. send it to the folks at Cleerly (https://cleerlyhealth.com/) it's a few hundred dollars but you will get a clear picture of what's going on inside - the exact type of plaque and amount of plaque. It uses AI technology.
I found out i had 80 percent blockage in LAD and 72 on right side. I'm on a very strict whole food plant based diet very low fat --- so am able to avoid anything invasive. Made lifestyle changes and got my LDL under 55 where you can start reversing or halting the progression of heart disease.