Just found out my calcium score is 474. Next steps uncertain.

Posted by mikesto @mikesto, 2 days ago

Went to my primary care doctor complaining of light-headedness and slight pressure on the left side of my chest. Had the Cardio CT done and it came back at 474. Visited the cardiologist who I had seen about 15 months ago and she recommended Rosuvastatin. Long story but my PC had removed me from statins after I developed side effects. 15 months ago I had similar symptoms, which is why I went to the cardiologist. Took a stress test and passed with flying colors. Turns out the stress test does not indicate degree of blockage of the arteries. My calcium scores are: left main - 145.7; left anterior descending - 229.0; left circumflex - 63.6; right coronary artery - 35.4; posterior descending artery - 0. Now, I've seen much higher scores talked about here and bless you all for how you are handling it, but since I have some pressure and occasional light-headedness, I am freaked out a little. Cardiologist cannot test for the degree of blockage, probably an insurance thing, and she told me not to go all out while exercising. That concerns me too. I am active and have always watched my diet. I just climbed Angels Landing in Utah last month at 69 years old, That is a very strenuous hike. So the plan of care is low dose aspirin, Rosuvastatin, fish oil, and return in a month to see how my cholesterol is doing LDL - 146, Total 215. If I return with symptoms, she is leaning toward a procedure. I would like to know the degree of actual blockage before proceeding, but not sure how I will be able to find that out. Feedback appreciated and good luck to all in similar or more serious situations.

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Yeah - normally the criteria is pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc - and, based on age and even a bit of heart history, it's off to the Cath Lab.

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@davy75

I had very similar symptoms and my doctor recommended an angio, which found a 90% blockage. Stents were placed.

Get this checked. It may save your life. The cath procedure was not painful and literally took 20m, excl prep time.

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Will definitely push for this. Thank you.

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They can do a Coronary CT Angiogram which is very similar to the CT. Less invasive than a traditional angiogram and similar information.

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@bitsygirl

They can do a Coronary CT Angiogram which is very similar to the CT. Less invasive than a traditional angiogram and similar information.

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Doesn't calcium buildup make CTA less effective as it is somewhat obscured by calcium reflections?

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