Living with high calcium score

Same reason I was given the CT Scan, family history, I was also diagnosed with bradycardia, low heart rate (which I thought it meant I was physically fit, guessed wrong). Yea, waiting for the cardiology meeting was tough, and yes I read and watched everything I could. I was no longer sleeping well, trying to figure what went wrong, and how much time I had left. However, I feel very good during my workouts, the more intense the better I feel. I just hope this is the correct path and I hoping to get the statin dropped, but the Cardiologist is very pleased with the LDL of 39, so I think I'll have a problem to get this ok'ed. One thing I would do different leading up to the Cardiologist visit, is not spend so much time watching every talking head give their "opinion" . I would have a much more definitive list of what I want to continue doing, and what I want to accomplish. And what do I need to do to make them work. It might have save some anxiety and maybe better sleep. Good Luck and I pray you hook up with a great care team.

@tdlclinic Hi... I did see some utube docs say to reduce activity out of caution, and glad your Doc gave you the green light to continue. I'm still early into this diagnosis (4 days), so I'm still reading all I can while trying not get too freaked out. Cardio doc visit is a little less than 2 weeks out, so its going to be a long few days. I am a bit overweight, but always relied on BP, and Cholesterol as a marker, so I kept chugging along thinking I'm fine. Had a checkup with a complete blood panel done 2 weeks ago, and primary care doc said test results were perfect! Here's where I give him kudos. Grandmother (heart attack @55, mom and dad passed with heart issues in their early 70's (72 &73), so doc ordered a CaC, and here we are..

@jlharsh Hi! Thanks for the reply and reaching out. Yea, its been a roller coaster couple of days while trying digest it all, and absorbing knowledge like drinking from a fire hose. Very comforting that there are others out there traveling the same journey, and we can correspond. And, of course, guessing what tests my Cardio Doc might administer, in addition to questions such as "is it safe to exercise", what "additional drugs" may help, etc . All the while also looking at alternative, more natural based supplements that may help my prognosis. Cardio doc appt is 11 Aug at the latest.

Just found this group, and may help answering some of your thoughts. I am 71 and on Atorvastatin 20 MG for almost a year. My high CAC 784 was diagnosed a little over a year ago. Almost the same physical as you, I was an active Hiker, tennis and badminton player, and went to the gym 3 times a week. I never had high LDL (btwn 78 and 92) and after the statin I'm at 39. I still feel great and have increased my cardio workouts since this chapter has begun. I am feeling no adverse effects and consistently maintain a peak heart rate 155 to 168 during my workouts. I am moving towards a more plant based diet and waiting on my next lab reports. I meet with my Cardiologist once a year and whenever I have questions her staff has been really responsive, which is a big help. I have had all the follow-up tests (with the exception of something called CIMT which sounds promising but expensive) and there is no flow restrictions found. Some of the UTUBE doctors and other forums have recommended that I reduce my activities and be more cautious. My Cardiologist doesn't agree and has given me the green light to continue. The CAC score really freaked me out, and it still sits in the back of my mind, but not being active would be a tough route to take.

Hi @desertrat64, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m glad you found this discussion, though I’m sorry it’s because of a CAC score that has understandably raised a lot of questions.

It sounds like your primary care clinician acted quickly by starting a statin and referring you to a cardiologist, especially with your family history of heart disease. The waiting period before that first cardiology appointment can be stressful, but you’ve already found a community of people who understand what that uncertainty feels like.

You mentioned your calcium score was 1020, with most of it in the LAD, despite never having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoking. Many members here have shared that they were surprised by their CAC results too, and it’s a reminder that family history can play an important role.

While you’re waiting for your appointment, are there any specific questions or concerns at the top of your list? For example, are you wondering about exercise, diet, medications, or what additional testing the cardiologist might recommend?

I also wanted to tag a few members who have walked a similar path and may be willing to share their experiences: @pop77, who started this discussion after receiving a high CAC score, and @lcd and @mayoconnectuser1 who have commented earlier in this same discussion.

Long ago thread..... After being on pitavastatin for years, I developed so much muscle pain I could barely walk. Switched to Repatha and all that pain went away and my LD is now 57 = acceptable. Onward~~~>>>

Glad I found this group. 69yo M. Results from my CAC was 1020 (LAD is highest the highest of the 4 @ 745). Never had high cholesterol, blood pressure, never smoked. Test was ordered by my PCM as a precaution due to heart disease in both parents. Waiting to see a cardiologist, but immediately (today!) placed on statins. Very reassuring that I am not alone in this journey, and have already learned much.

@robertaholmes LDL 20,HDL 80, Trig 35, Tchol 105,spLDL number<300,IR<25, sLdlp <90

@nonna2four no Vit D, Mk7 400ug, magnesium glycinate 1 to 2 grams daily

@itasarah Vit D is a tricky subject concerning Arterial calcification. I only obtain it via sunlight. I keep my level at normal minimum. Vit D promotes digestion calcium going into the blood stream. If my body needs calcium just take it from my arteries.