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I have a very high calcium score. What next?
Just joined the site and I'm looking to share with others who have had a high calcium score. I found out today that mine is 2996 and I am scared by this. I am 61 and I am totally asymptomatic. Now I feel like a walking time bomb. I am thinking of requesting an angiogram to see if there's any narrowing anywhere and if it can be corrected with a stent. After a second heart doctor told me that the plaque buildup might be uniform over the course of years with no big problem areas, I am encouraged. But the score still freaks me out, specifically my LAD at 1333. I don't smoke or drink but I have to lose 40 lbs.
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There is article recently written and the author has taken three calcium scans in 20 years and he is reporting the results of the third scan soon and what ramifications there are based on his diet/statin use/exercise etc, I'm can't post the URL but it's the Courier Journal in Louisville KY and the author is Bryant Stamford.
My doctor told me not to bother with future calcium scans, the initial scan is just to verify the plaque and then make lifestyle changes accordingly, also statins will certainly cause that score to go way up, which is a good thing as the plaque is becoming stabilized as mentioned by other users.
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3 ReactionsI think the point, writer418, is that a LOT of patients, a LOT of medical scientists, a LOT of medical doctors and surgeons are trying to find a way to make calcium go away.
If there is any light in the cloud it is that calcified plaque may be better than uncalcified plaque ...
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2 Reactionswow thanks. that's a real world test and upsetting to know it doesn't go down.
I've had two - over three years. 15% increase per year ... not uncommon, especially given the known calcification effect statins have on plaque.
I have never heard of a calcium score decreasing.
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1 ReactionBut my question remains. Forget studies for a moment. Has anyone here had real life experience in taking a second or third CT Calcium scan and did the results go up, down or not move at all? Surely someone has done this. I'm curious. Not interested....for the moment...in studies and Youtube docs. thanks.
Hmmm ... I don't think the jury is out - there is, thus far, zero evidence that calcium buildup is reversible.
If you find otherwise, please let us all know.
I feel from what I read that the jury is out on whether it can be reversed. I can't find a good study that shows that.
My understanding is the plaque that has been there for a long time gets calcified. Its the soft plaque that you have to worry about that can rupture. Havent seen studies where calcium score goes down.
They arent tv doctors- there are studies. Are you even reading what i posted? Ornish has scientifically proven to reverse heart disease in randomized controlled trials published in the leading peer-reviewed journals.