High Coronary Calcium Score: How do others feel emotionally?

Like so many others on this site I was found to have an enormous calcium score -2316. I had a stress test and as the doc said I aced it.. So a problematic stress test will indicate 70% or greater blockage. So my blockage could be 69% or way lower. I have no idea. After getting that calcium score I went to Colorado for a hiking trip and stressed my heart to the max with zero symptoms. My blood pressure is normal and my HDL is very good, I've been exercising all my life and eating well. The first thing my cardiologist did was put me on 20 mg of Lipitor and baby aspirin. I since quit the aspirin because of some studies I read that concerned me. I think the statin for now is still a good idea because I understand it can limit inflammation and maybe even stabilize the calcium. But at the same time I started working with a holistic practitioner who's been working with my wife for years (she has ovarian cancer and is responding great). He has me on some supplements like K2, Magnesium, fish oil, anthyocyanins and two other supplements that he's developed. I'm giving it a try but I would really love to find a cardiologist that doesn't have a negative attitude toward supplements. I live in NYC and am looking high and low.

I do not take calcium supplements.

@sjnohl Do you take calcium supplements?

@sjnohl Do you take calcium supplements?

I am 65 years old and 7 years ago had a Calcium score of 50 with high BP and high cholesterol. Dr put me on BP medicine and atorvastatin. 5 yrs later my score tripled to 150 so doctor doubled my statin. An additional 2 yrs later and my score is now 368. My lipids are perfect LDL is 27, HDL 65-70, Triclyceride 55, Total Cholesterol less than 100. BP is 115/75. Do not smoke, no alcohol, exercise 45 minutes per day, low fat diet, and plenty of fruits and veggies. Doctor ordered CRP and Homocysteine tests and both were normal. He also upped my statin to 80mg and I'm not sure that was necessary as my lipids above were at the 40mg dosage. His only suggestion is that I repeat my Calcium scoring test in 1-2 years. I'm looking for suggestions on how to identify the root cause of the increase in my calcium score.

I am 65 years old and 7 years ago had a Calcium score of 50 with high BP and high cholesterol. Dr put me on BP medicine and atorvastatin. 5 yrs later my score tripled to 150 so doctor doubled my statin. An additional 2 yrs later and my score is now 368. My lipids are perfect LDL is 27, HDL 65-70, Triclyceride 55, Total Cholesterol less than 100. BP is 115/75. Do not smoke, no alcohol, exercise 45 minutes per day, low fat diet, and plenty of fruits and veggies. Doctor ordered CRP and Homocysteine tests and both were normal. He also upped my statin to 80mg and I'm not sure that was necessary as my lipids above were at the 40mg dosage. His only suggestion is that I repeat my Calcium scoring test in 1-2 years. I'm looking for suggestions on how to identify the root cause of the increase in my calcium score.

The calcium in the blood is not what to be concerned about The CT that identifies the calcified plaque is indicative of coronary artery disease, depending on the score. It is important to note that only about 20% of plaque is calcified, so you actually have 5 times the amount of plaque.

Unfortunately it is not possible to differentiate between stable and unstable plaque at this time. I haven't seen any study that says calcified plaque is more stable. There are two concerns with CAD. First is the stenosis which is the actual blocking of the arteries. At least with this there is a good chance of having warning signs with this and once you are symptomatic you have treatment options. However, if you have a plaque rupture you can end up with a sudden major cardio event or stroke.