Living with high calcium score

In mid- to long-term follow-up, statin therapy increases the CAC score as documented by serial non-contrast cardiac CT, suggesting that the plaque-stabilizing effect of statins may be reflected in a higher CAC score [8,9].

I agree with your cardiologist, no need for angiogram.
Don’t go for calcium score test again , statins increase calcium score .

I was thinking the same...those high scores scream parathyroid.

Cardiologist recommend Mediterranean diet and 150 min of cardio per week .

My CAC Score went from 378 to 798 in 4 years. I am 79 but no heart symptoms, am active and overall very healthy. Passed two stress tests with flying colors. Then had them test me for Lipoprotein (a) [Lp a] and it was over the roof high at 283 nmol/L. Luckily, my high sensitive CRP is very low which says low inflammation so that is helpful to lower my risks. I take a lot of supplements and have a strong immune system. You might want to get your Lp a tested. The two together is very high risks but there are diet and lifestyle changes that look attractive until an FDA approved medicine is available; probably not until 2026.

ative1207,

If you were passing out after exercise, even with a satisfactory stress test (you don’t say what the metrics) then a cath is probably appropriate.

Sure, a high CAC score is extra, but not nearly as meaningful as passing out repeatedly.

Was his pth tested?

I have been on statins since they first came out over 30 years ago (mevacor, zocor, lipitor, and now rosuvastin). Before that my cardiologist had me on niacin and questor. I have had no problems with statins, other than some losing their efficacy and requiring increased dosage until changing to a newer one. I have been on the same 20mg of rosuvastatin for several years now.

I have always passed my stress tests and have been mostly asymptomatic. My last two visits my cardiologist has offered to do a cath and I have refused. I have a FFR of only 0.71 in part of my LAD but my cardio said it is non stentable, so I am afraid that a cath will end up turning into a CABG. I have an irrational fear of invasive heart surgery after watching my father go through it twice and dying within weeks of his second at 55 yo.

For 6 yrs my cardiologist ordered a stress test every year that always showed everything was fine. They would not give me a catherization because the stress test always said everything is normal. Went back and saw another doctor in the group after yet another stress test. He looked at the results and said what are you doing here, everything is fine. Told him over the past 6 years I was dizzy and had passed out in shower in gym several times after a workout. That is the reason why so many stress tests, that always showed everything was fine. He ordered a calcium score test and when I went back for results he told me this test probably saved my life. My score was 960 and because it was high he was able to order a catherization for the next day.. results were that my left aortic was 87 % blocked and the inserted 2 stents. The doctor said it is called the “Widow Maker”. I was a walking time bomb for all the years the stress test said everything was fine !!

Thank you .
It has been very concerning.to us .
Are you on a statin ?

Yes! I found out I had a CAC of 1100 when I was 61, six years later it is 1300. As long as your husband is asymptomatic there is nothing more to do than what you are doing right now. It is stressful at first, but you learn to live with it. Enjoy life and work on that bucket list.