High Coronary Calcium Score: How do others feel emotionally?

Hi, I pray your tests go well! I just found out 5 weeks ago that my score was 2267. If you didn’t have anxiety before you sure do now and I can relate completely. I had a nuclear stress test a couple weeks ago and I passed with no blockages seen. Hopefully you will pass also then it comes down to slowing the progression. I have been watching a lot of Dr. Ford Brewer’s videos trying to educate myself more. Still don’t understand why they say if your score is over 400 you have a significant chance to have blockages, but most people who have these nuclear tests pass?? Anyway, just wanted to let you know you have someone pulling for you in Wisconsin. Good luck and keep us posted so that we can all learn from each other. Phillip

Well, It's been almost a month since my test revealed my white knuckle inspiring 6451.12. I have seen the Cardo and in the morning I am going in for a CIMT, a heart ultrasound and a nuclear stress test tomorrow. I am on 20mg Rosuvastation and a baby aspirin. I am down 10 lbs solid and totally off carbs. I am hoping to get released to exercise so I can start building collateral circulation. I have ubiquinol on the way. It would be here but Costco put the wrong bottle in the envelope. I am attacking the disease on all fronts I can think of. Wish me luck and say a prayer if you are so inclined as I gather more information about where I'm at.
Thanks,
Bill

Sounds like when you said’working out is tough to do’ that you won’t be doing it often enough or for long. You need to make the time to work out at least 4 days a week as if your life depends on it.

Hey everyone. I had an EKG, Stress Test, Echo that were all fine, but I asked for additional test and my score came back at 1460. I feel fine and everything but of course now I feel like a ticking time bomb. I'm only 47 yrs old. My issue is came from Hypertrigliceridemia. At my age and having this I dont know what to do, my doctor has me taking natural supplements called Coratin, K-2 and Nattkinese with Crestor 5mg every other day. Plus working out, which has been tough to do. Is there anyone with any other suggestions?

From my understanding there are ways to slow plaque progression through diet, supplements, exercise. Plaque can increase as much as 40% per year and keeping progression to a minimal will lower the chances of an event. The only way to do this is through a CAC retest, radiation exposure is minimal. Although high CAC Score means risk is increased, there are probably many other factors involved in having an actual event. Lowering stress, meditation, mindfulness are probably all beneficial. I want to monitor my plaque progression percentage, so I plan to retest after a two year period.

Once you have been diagnosed with a high calcium score I think there is little merit in further scans (you already know you are at high risk) and you add another risk since you are exposing yourself to additional radiation.

You should take steps to modify your lifestyle but be aware that while you can reduce the risk a little you are always going to be at high risk. Most major studies put the risk of having a major cardio event or stroke at 20--25% within a year with a CAC over 1000 (and asymptomatic!), and a likelihood that an event is probable in 3-5 years.

In addition to lifestyle modifications I think that cognitive behavior treatment can be helpful to help you understand and cope with the stress that such a diagnosis can cause.

Good luck!

Are you monitoring plaque progression? What do you feel is the cause of a high calcium score? I'm also 62 with a CAC of 979, asymptomatic. I'm moving forward with diet modification, supplementation, increased exercise.

I can certainly relate to the anxiety. I am 62 with score of 1771. Life long high cholesterol but unfortunately can not take statins. Now PCP is urging me to take REPATHA I am terrified of the high score but also terrified of drugs due to the statins that caused severe neurological muscular issues. Totally asymtomatic, BP under control. Have had hypothyroidism for 30 years. Would be interested in anyone taking REPATHA and their experiences.

I am in similar situation. Taking 20mg rosuvastatin and 81mg aspirin. My calcium score was only 99 but have heart valve issues. I'm going to ask Dr. about it on next visit in April. Until then, I won't make changes on my own. Curious to hear what your dr. thinks.

New study out questioning usefulness of low dose aspirin therapy. I take 40 mg. atorvastatin and 81mg. aspirin. I don't know if I should continue or not. I had a very high cc score and that's when I started this regimen. Had a nuclear stress test in Nov. 2018 came back normal.??????