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..
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Thank you ! I just looked those up and I'm totally committed also! Did you do an angiogram or anything?
I hear you. I felt the same way when I did a Coronary Artery Calcium CT scan 2 years ago (Score = 1,500). You're right that knowledge is power, even if it is a shock at first. The best news is that you had a good stress test result two years ago and it is likely to be ok now as well. For me, I started following the American Heart Association's Simple 7 guidelines regarding diet and lifestyle. So far, so good. Take care and hang in there.