I have a very high calcium score. What next?

Good that you are getting a stress test. When I did my stress test there were no physical symptomes until I hit 136 bpm. I did not feel any symptoms but the ekg recognized issues that I did not feel. Took me up to 162 bpm and still no physical symptoms but the ekg results led me to a heart catheterization and diagnosis of significant blockage in 3 arteries with largest in LAD (widowmaker). Recommendation was bypass surgery due to location and number of blockages. Had surgery 10 weeks ago and it went well (as most of them do). Now well on the way to recovery. Stressfull but I got through it a day at a time. What kept me sane was focusing on making the best decisions each step of the way. Be your own advocate. Good Luck!

Almost identical here. 60, nonsmoker, former heavy drinker. Stopped 17 years ago. High intensity workouts 180 minutes per week. Sub 2 hour half marathons. Decent diet except for sweets, but curbing that. Just got 2540 score! Really frightened. Stress test Monday…hell, I’m already stressed!

@astaingegerdm Thanks for your response. I will test blood sugar tomorrow morning with home kit (I just ate and tested and it was 122 mg/dl but that was after eating). I have a stress echocardiogram scheduled. Your maintenance schedule of labs and Echocardiogram sounds good. Appreciate your feedback!

@glennmcc - You will do well with statins, once you find the best dose for you.
Diet is important- low-fat- and you are already exercising.
What is your blood sugar like? You don’t want to develop Type 2 diabetes- it increases your risk of coronary artery disease.
Have you had a stress test yet? Echocardiogram?
I see my internist twice a year for screening- lab work. Also stress test once a year or so. Echocardiogram annually.
The goal is to lower your cholesterol as much as possible, blood pressure control and a healthy diet.
I have genetic predisposition for coronary artery disease- my doctor is working hard to keep me healthy!

I am 61 yr old male and just had a CAC test with score of 2699. My Total Cholesteraol is 231 with HDL 90. Blood Pressure ranges from 120/60 to 140/80. I workout regularly including HIIT with peaking heart rate around 150 at the high end and no physical issues at that level. So I am asymptomatic but younger brother had stent to fix 100% blocked artery so have a family history. Currently discussing possible next tests with my cardiologist. Hopeful that the calcium is in the arteries not inside them. Have just started statins and aspirin per my cardiologist. Thoughts?

Have a CT-A to make sure you have no blockages. Keep exercising and eating well. Watch the Triglycerides and fats

My husband also had leg pain for a long time. He was then switched to another drug and started at lower dose.
He had quadruple bypass 9 years ago.

CT Angiogram
Creator and Zetia

I did try Atrorvastatin 20mg for a couple weeks and had side effects ( brain fog and leg pain ) I am also concerned about the effects statins have on the rest the body .I did start the rosuvastatin at 5mg 3 times a week . I am going to give it a couple weeks and see how I feel . I fell into the rabbit hole regarding statins online and that generated my concern.

@statcac - I understand your hesitance to start taking statins. You have changed to a healthy lifestyle with possibility to slow the progression of plaques.
Many of us have inherited genes for atherosclerosis. I have- I also stopped smoking years ago, healthy diet and exercise as well as taking statins for years now. I had a calcium score CT recently- my score was not terribly high, but I got angry!
I also take Zetia to control cholesterol from diet. My LDL is low enough and HDL high- in other words doing the best I can.
There is continuous research on statin’s effect on plaque already there. So far, there seems to be some regression as well as stabilizing the plaque- making it less likely to break off.
What are your reservations about starting statins on a daily basis?