Need advice after receiving results of my CAC score

Posted by bobinseattle @bobinseattle, Jan 16 5:31pm

I'm a 73 year old retired male living in the Pacific Northwest. My wife (of 47 years) and I are retired and living comfortably and have, up until now, considered ourselves relatively healthy. Most recent BP was 118/68, my lipid panel shows:
Total Cholesterol = 166;
HDL = 58;
Triglycerides = 46;
LDL = 94

On my own initiative I decided to get a Coronary Artery Calcium scan and was shocked to get a result of 4975, putting me in the 98th percentile of high risk. I don't appear to be symptomatic in any way and have (recently) been on an aggressive lifestyle regimen that has included active exercise (cardio/resistance), nutritious diet, and working on my sleep. Nothing prompted this behavior other than general interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My other markers have been excellent so this comes as quite a shock, but reflects a lifetime of poor eating and weight habits. At my heaviest I was at 320 lbs, and as of 2022 made it down to 200. I'm currently at 220 and working my way back down to a decent weight. We don't smoke or drink.

My primary has referred me to a cardiologist who I will see later this month. Until then, I'm just trying to deal with this news and wondering how to formulate meaningful questions for that visit, while gathering up as much additional research and advice as possible.

My primary is recommending I start 20mg Rosuvastatin and I await my pharmacy. I assume a cardiologist will endorse this and update as needed.

Meanwhile, I'm eager to learn more about what I should expect, what can be done, and how others are coping with this, or suggestions from the health community.

Thank you,
Bob in Seattle

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Profile picture for kswartz @kswartz

@alana924
My and my husband’s cardiologist ordered LPa for us. I was surprised mine wasn’t positive because my father and paternal grandfather died of heart disease. My dad was only 61. My husband’s was also negative. He doesn’t have family history of heart disease.

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@kswartz …that is great news!

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I am 70 yr old male with similar scores except CAC was 1687 but still very high. I am on 40mg atorvastatin and tolerate it fine. I continue to be active and have a good weight, etc. I was stressed out when Igot that score but after a CT Angiogram, showing I do have calcium but not near the % for stents, I have been living my life and trying to enjoy everything. No symptoms so until I do, doc says keep doing what you're doing and live life.

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