High calcium score: I'm in shock

Posted by sjy70 @sjy70, Jun 14, 2021

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..

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

vivienne | @viv2 | Jan 28 8:51pm

In reply to @mayoconnectuser1 "All, So, a quick update ... had QuestDiagnostics complete a Advanced Lipid panel/CardioIQ. Results were interesting:..." + (show)

Hello mayoconnectuser1,

I saw this old post of yours and would like to ask a few questions.

Does your cardiologist think this CadioIQ test to be useful? Do you have it tested periodically?

My regular lipid panel seems alright and parameters were controlled within "target" with a statin and diet. However the results of my CardioIQ did not paint an all rosy picture. Should I repeat the test now since I've lowered my LDL-c further?

Oh, I have a cac score of 39 which puts me at 82 percentile as a 59yo female 🙁

I'd appreciate any input from you or any members here.

mikeis68 | @mikeis68 | Feb 2 8:50pm

I also look forward to your visit with the research cardiologist. I have similar conditions and no symptoms but a score of 1087 and have passed the nuclear stress test and also CT angiogram with minimal issues. Some results were considered incomplete due to movement during procedure but had possible 53% blockage in LAD. So far, cardiologist locally does not feel further tests are needed since asymptomatic. My family wants me to pursue so am seeing another cardiologist in a month or so. Am leaning on requesting a catherizatin angiogram to really see what is the blockage and any need for stent, etc. I take a 40g atorvastatin and baby aspirin 3 days a week. We sound like we are kinda in the same boat. Stay in touch!!!!!

mikeis68 | @mikeis68 | Feb 2 8:52pm

In reply to @viv2 "Hello mayoconnectuser1, I saw this old post of yours and would like to ask a few..." + (show)

that score is very minimal and i certainly wouldn't worry about that score.

megan1853 | @megan1853 | Feb 2 9:21pm

Recently diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Age 76. Stress is the main culprit. Dr. said 3-6 months to heal. Anyone have any suggestions how to do this best? Thank you.

celia16 | @celia16 | Feb 2 10:00pm

Is your job stressful? Are you getting support from friends? Are you in therapy? Did the doctor say exercise is ok? Yoga? Do you have a pet? I haven’t experienced that condition before, just trying to think of ways to destress.

megan1853 | @megan1853 | Feb 3 11:28am

In reply to @celia16 "Is your job stressful? Are you getting support from friends? Are you in therapy? Did the..." + (show)

Thank you for your suggestions. I do have a cat and a Golden Retriever. My job is teaching wonderful kids and I am fortunate to have lots of supportive friends.
I have PTSD which seems to be running in the background along with major dislocations in the family which have not been resolved in years. Those are the issues which I see as main stressors. I will start counseling and yoga. Thank you again for your kindness. I hope you are recovering well.

celia16 | @celia16 | Feb 3 9:56pm

In reply to @megan1853 "Thank you for your suggestions. I do have a cat and a Golden Retriever. My job..." + (show)

Talk therapy really helped me. I’m terrible at yoga, but that’s likely why I need it. Plan to start soon. Good luck with everything.

mayoconnectuser1 | @mayoconnectuser1 | Feb 4 8:26am

In reply to @megan1853 "Recently diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Age 76. Stress is the main culprit. Dr. said 3-6 months..." + (show)

Here is a fb support group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TakotsuboSupport/

megan1853 | @megan1853 | Feb 11 7:04pm

In reply to @mayoconnectuser1 "Here is a fb support group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TakotsuboSupport/" + (show)

Hello and thank you for the referral to the support group. Very appreciated.
Megan

ordiver1 | @ordiver1 | Feb 13 11:12am

58 Year old, no history of High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure or Diabetes, non-smoker, non-drinker, fairly active only risk factor is BMI of 32, fairly active. Requested a CAC score at my physical, came back at 716...I was shocked. Doc prescribed 20mg Atorvastatin and raised to 40mg after 30 days. Echocardiogram and Nuclear Stress test came back as no blockages and normal heart function. Said come back in a year, She also said that the CAC can't determine if the plaque is inside or outside the arteries. Doc said most of your plaque must be on the outside. For the past 6 months, I have been walking 2-4 miles every day, eating better, have lost 30 lbs with goal of losing 30 more. My test results were 2 months ago. Dr said I was heading in the correct direction.

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