High calcium score: I'm in shock

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

It appears you do stress tests to your heart frequently as you are quite active. If you the book “beating the heart attack gene” they say stress tests are only accurate if you have more than 70% blockage. I strongly recommend you to Read the book. It is so surprising when you are fit and a high calcium score comes back. The book calls it cat in the gutter. Their approach is to keep the cat in the gutter through statins, etc.

Very interesting. Can you tell us how the K2 has impacted your CAC? Trying decide if this is the route I should go.

Thank you

Hello, I'm 68 and I just had a CAC test done and the results were 430. So I've been researching using vitamin K2 or MK-7 which is the same thing. There are several doctors on you tube that say K2 will pull the calcium out of your arteries. There have been many studies done that show these results. So I'm going to take 500 mcg's a day or possibly more to see if this can bring my 430 number down. They also say there are no side affects from using K2. So that's good. Good luck.

Thanks for responding. I believe at the end of day truth is my calcium score is at 1500 and there is definitely blockage. We all know a 400 score is maxed out but still manageable if you take statins, eat healthy and exercise. I would only approve catherization if the angiogram procedure shows arteries that need stents (angioplasty). I am not in a rush and will look for a second opinion. I somewhat dislike the lack of candor from my -young- cardio doctor who was vey eager to "move forward" with procedures. My PCP suggested the same and that I should not just leave it to the Gods to decide. Second opinion is a must for me and maybe an older cardiologist who can I actually have a short conversation about it. I might end up doing the angiogram but 1st things 1st: stress, nuc, and echo tests. Be well.

alaskat,

It is unusual, from what I've read and heard, for a cardiologist to recommend catheterization in the absence of symptoms or other information indicating blockages - while the gold standard, they are considered medically invasive.

I may have misread your history? You are asymptomatic and have not had a stress with echo?

Book is arriving today so thanks for that. Looking forward to learn some more.

Book is arriving today so thanks for that. Looking forward to learn some more.

If you have calcified plaque that means you have soft plaque also. The soft plaque is what causes strokes and heart attacks. Statins will calcify the soft plaque making it less likely to rupture. A great book is “beat the heart attack gene” by Bradley Bale and Amy Doneen. ( Bale-Doneen method). I had a 2267 score 3 years ago and follow their advice and see a Bale-Doneen doctor. Best of luck to you.