I have a very high calcium score. What next?

Posted by dpframing @dpframing, Aug 24, 2018

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

tlclimo | @tlclimo | Jul 23 10:09am

In reply to @steelerfan1965 "@tlclimo, curious as to what your follow up visits have consisted of? Any additional tests? Trying..." + (show)

At the heart Center IU Health in Indiana. Cardiologist followed up with the stress test and then the dye monitoring. Same to think the calcium and plaque was spread out and not in any imminent danger. I have had subsequent visits, two of them, we're just the EKG was given and he just asked questions if I was having any problems. Then scheduled the next visit. So far exercising for about 20 minutes per day and mowing yards and not watching diet but limiting intake. So far so good. Nothing over the top or out of the ordinary here. I guess I just do not panic

mayoconnectuser1 | @mayoconnectuser1 | Jul 23 8:26am

In reply to @steelerfan1965 "Mayoconnectuser1, yes atorvastatin. I was only 3 months in on my follow up and the cardiologist..." + (show)

Stress test with echo?

My point re stress test, and any symptoms, could point to a quick trip to the cath lab for the gold standard - an interventional cardiologist looking at your arteries - and a stent to save your life. I have felt they "over avoid" this.

steelerfan1965 | @steelerfan1965 | Jul 22 9:03pm

In reply to @tlclimo "1250 here and cardiologist says pretty much same. Going on 3 years now since the tests...." + (show)

@tlclimo, curious as to what your follow up visits have consisted of? Any additional tests? Trying to understand how everything is monitored and what that looks like.

tlclimo | @tlclimo | Jul 22 1:43pm

In reply to @steelerfan1965 "I can relate to those here who have experienced stress when finding out they have a..." + (show)

1250 here and cardiologist says pretty much same. Going on 3 years now since the tests. BP med, nebivolol 5mg, Statin. Watching my weight but not exactly a diet.

steelerfan1965 | @steelerfan1965 | Jul 22 10:36am

Mayoconnectuser1, yes atorvastatin. I was only 3 months in on my follow up and the cardiologist wanted me to stay on 80mg at least for now. I've felt nothing different so haven't had any issues as some have indicated. She did say we'd never do another CAC test again as my score would likely increase as you mention.
While it wasn't great news, the alternative is not knowing and doing nothing to help slow any progression.

mayoconnectuser1 | @mayoconnectuser1 | Jul 22 8:44am

In reply to @steelerfan1965 "I can relate to those here who have experienced stress when finding out they have a..." + (show)

steeler,

Good on you! All the right stuff!

Which statin? 80 mg is at top end of dosage - guessing atorvastatin?

Your CAC score will increase as the statin beginning calcifying the plaque (mine doubled in five years) - if not symptomatic many have stress test with echo, check for peripheral artery disease. If any symptoms, insist on them taking a look with catheterization.

steelerfan1965 | @steelerfan1965 | Jul 21 1:08pm

I can relate to those here who have experienced stress when finding out they have a high calcium score. It's truly a double edged sword, but I am grateful to at least know and catch this while I still have an opportunity to make positive changes and impact.
I am 60 and recently had a calcium scan. My number came back at 1298. I understandably freaked out as I lived what I thought was a moderately healthy lifestyle. I visited a cardiologist and she ordered a PET scan to see if there was any blockage. My test came back with no blockage and that the calcium that was visible was on the walls of my arteries. I was put on 80mg or statin as well as a daily baby aspirin. I was already working on losing weight as my A1c number was 5.9 and I did not want to mess with Type 2 diabetes.
My follow up 3 months later was as follows:

Total Cholesterol - 158 to 100
LDL - 88 to 41
HDL - 50 - 41
Triglycerides - 94 to 71
Lp(a) less than 10
Weight loss 197 to 180lbs.

I exercise about 45 minutes a day (biking and/ or swimming) almost every day. I rarely miss. No adverse effects from the high dose statin. My bp averages about 105/ 73 give or take small increments. I have changed my diet significantly and work on avoiding saturated fat and limit carbs to a reasonable amount. My cardiologist said to not become obsessive with diet but just make good choices consistently and an occasional burger is fine. I have found my will to beat this, or at least have it not be the factor it could, outweighs my desire to eat ice cream and donuts.

I'm thankful to find this community and hear other stories and wanted to share mine. I hope that finding out about my calcium score and making positive changes can allow me to live a long and productive life!

welshgirl | @welshgirl | Jul 20 5:03pm

In reply to @cameronm "How are you doing these days? Mine was 1600 last week my age is 61 and..." + (show)

A friend had zero calcium. Got stents and recommended bi pass. But calcium zero??

markdeegan | @markdeegan | Jul 20 2:17pm

In reply to @njx58 "They are not worthless. They can reveal problems. That said, there are problems that won't show..." + (show)

You’re 100% Correct. I was overstating

njx58 | @njx58 | Jul 20 11:50am

In reply to @markdeegan "Stress tests seem worthless" + (show)

They are not worthless. They can reveal problems. That said, there are problems that won't show up on a stress test.

View More View Less

Please sign in or register to post a reply.