52 M here. I recently had a heart scan (calcium scan)
Posted by Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 290 comments
I have to admit. this has scared the hell out of me. Definitely was not expecting the results I received. score of like 560. Will be having follow ups with cardiologist. Cholesterol has been managed for years. Triglycerides have always been high but are being treated. I feel like this is a death sentence. anyone have any experience with this?
starksfergie@reddit
Whoa, you said two things that I have too, my high cholesterol and triglycerides (my T's were so VV high for months). Mine are both being managed for about 2 years for C and 6 months for T. I haven't had to have a heart scan at all and likely this is due to me (and the husband) walking a LOT (like 20-25 miles a week for the last 6 months). Every time I've had a GP appointment and I breath with the stethoscope on my chest, she is impressed. I am very curious to know what the results of the scan, if you care to share. oh and 55yo here!
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Total score was like 600. They scanned like 4 arteries. All of them had a little. 1 had like a 500. The LAD. The important one. I suppose they are all important. Just that one is of most concern. Next step is a stress test.
starksfergie@reddit
Thanks for letting us know. I hope the stress test goes okay and whatever meds you might need to normalize your heart as well!
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Thank you.
SignificanceDue1561@reddit
What prompts you to get this scan? Is this routine?
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
My cardiologist ordered it. Said he wanted to just have it checked for baseline. I didnt have any symptoms or anything.
thatotterone@reddit
I think it is becoming more clear that this is a genetic as well as environmental condition
You can do everything right and end up with a problem or do everything wrong and get off, somehow.
It is scary. I was held for observation after chest pains at about your age. The good news is that we've come a long way in heart health.
JustRenee2@reddit
Personally, I don’t think they even know what is “doing everything right”!
It’s like that egg. Is it bad for me and making my cholesterol high, or is it “the incredible edible egg”?
Thoth-long-bill@reddit
My score was zero thank god.
TheBarbarian88@reddit
Excuse my rube question, but is a heart scan a catscan on your heart?
Austin_Native_2@reddit
Precisely.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/about/pac-20384686
Glum-Obligation-7615@reddit
Its now for women until well after menopause FYI
VariableX-@reddit
Age 50 with poor family history and high cholesterol...scored near a 100 calcium score. Subsequent CCTA test (highly recommend) showed 50% blockage in the widowmaker.
TBH it took a little bit to come to terms with the results. But I used them to motivate me to take control of my diet and exercise. Here's what helped: give yourself some time, get therapy if needed, rely on your support people, sign up with coaches, and control what you can.
50501Sandpoint@reddit
Did you get that procedure to unblock that artery?
VariableX-@reddit
No, it's a non invasive scan. It was ordered because I had some occasional chest discomfort, and the calcium scan only shows hardened plaque. This scan also shows soft plaque and the approx degree of blockage.
50501Sandpoint@reddit
Right, I mean once you had the results of the calcium scan, did you have the procedure to unblock your artery? I think it would be an angioplasty.
VariableX-@reddit
Ahh, no - the 50% threshold is considered "moderate" but not quite enough for an angio or stint. My understanding is that it's considered once the blockage reaches 75+%. The main risk isn't necessarily the degree of the blockage, but soft plaque breaking away and causing a cardiac event. The treatment goal moving forward is to harden the existing soft plaque.
drkole@reddit
best time to start smoking drinking and drugs
mosura1@reddit
53, score is 1121. Take care of what you have as best you can.
mysterioso77@reddit
Mine’s 860. All that means is you’ve got a lot of stabilized plaque. Cut the carbs and exercise (get 7500 steps per day) to try to keep as much new soft plaque from forming as you can. Don’t let that number control your life.
notguiltybrewing@reddit
Hey, you didn't wait until you had a heart attack and you can do something about it now. Unfortunately, the biggest cause of death is being alive. You never know how long you got.
Brownie5993@reddit
Calcium scores are gold. I encourage everyone to get one as a baseline & repeat every so often. Some cardiac events can be caught before they happen & treated.
RoguePlanet2@reddit
Fucking hell I just went to the cardiologist a couple of months ago, don't even remember if I got this test. Feels like my life is just appointments, not that it's a bad thing....
Paperwife2@reddit
Do you remember a quick trip into the “donut of truth” (AKA a CT scan)?
Your dr doesn’t actually have to order this one since insurance doesn’t cover it anyways. You can call your imaging facility and ask what the cash price is for it. It should be about $100.
RoguePlanet2@reddit
Thanks, guess I didn't have it! Bah. I have to go for a mammogram anyway, maybe I can get a side order of heart calcification scans? 😋
Brownie5993@reddit
You’d know if you did, it’s a CT scan.
Paperwife2@reddit
From what I understand it doesn’t need to be repeated (unless you don’t do any lifestyle changes or take medication).
Brownie5993@reddit
I have to disagree with that, especially in individuals who have gone through menopause or have little A lipoprotein.
Prestigious-Door-311@reddit
55 M here, with a calcium score of 608, several severe & moderately severe arterial deposits. Stenting isn't possible, due to the positioning of the blockages. Have been seeing my cardiologist for about 3 years now, with levels being managed via medication.
Legitimate_Award6517@reddit
It's so interesting reading everyone's stories and how it's hard to predict. I'm 64, and had one this winter (out of pocket cost $150). I was a nervous wreck having it done and waiting for results. Why? well, for one thing, weight has been a life-long struggle despite continual work on diet and life-long exercise, and my cholesterol is up and down and usually not good. And I carry some health anxiety due to my husband dying young at 47 from a widow-maker, and a family history of heart issues. Well, my score was 0. Don't know how to explain that but it was good to learn.
yanknga@reddit
The 0 means that you’re not prone to develop coronary calcium which is fairly common (and good).
Legitimate_Award6517@reddit
Right, I was just surprised.
Justonewitch@reddit
My husband's was over 2000!!! But after more tests, they said it was surrounding arteries and not in them. Still makes us nervous but not a heart problem.
Bennab323@reddit
My story is a story I heard from a reliable source, a physician at a company I was working for years ago. He knew the cardiologist who was developing the calcium score test and trying to prove that it was a valuable test. No one was really buying into it at the time. Cardiac catheter was the gold standard. Still is I think, (but I’m not a doctor). Anyway he was trying to get more people to take the test and he got his neighbor, a long distance runner with no cardiac history, to take the test. His score was very high. That person and his physician didn’t believe the new test. He’s a runner, there is no way he has CAD. The guy who developed the test tried to get the runner to go for a work up, but he refused. You guessed it, he dropped dead during a run shortly after. So from what I’m told the test is not perfect but if abnormal, it’s worth looking into.
Burner-ID-562025@reddit
Cardiac Catheter is the gold standard because it can evaluate all blockages (calcified or not calcified). It can also check the pressure inside of the heart and can also be used as platform for treatment ( angioplasty or stents ).
Coronary Calcium Scoring can be helpful because it is a quick and non-invasive test that can be helpful to identify individuals with higher levels of risk.
BrewtalKittehh@reddit
Yes there are other modalities of CVD that won’t show up on a calcium artery test but a high score usually indicates something worthy of investigation. Not a doctor, but a biochem nerd.
Impossible_Policy_12@reddit
Interesting reading here! I had a score of 0 ten years ago. I’m about to turn 60. Can a score change significantly in that time?
you_are_spare_parts@reddit
YES!! Get another, the IM doc I worked with recommended every 5 years
Solid-Actuary-4844@reddit
I had a scan about 10 years ago and it was zero. I have had recent weight loss of 60 pounds and my PCP suggested I get another scan. This time it was 116. So yes, they can change over time.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Apparently.
Capital-Mark1897@reddit
Mine (57f) was 0 too. Dr. was surprised but happy as am i.
mushpanic@reddit
It can change. Probably not significantly
Ecjg2010@reddit
51 here. Had a heart scan and then had a heart catherization. That was fun. Working on stopping smoking AND caffeine. Twice the hit. My dad told me to work on the smoking first. Rhen the caffeine.
No stent was needed but we gotta keep a watch on the valve. And I have mild to moderate heart disease on the other side.
Pink Floyds song "Time" hits a lot different today.
NoeTellusom@reddit
Same, but different.
I'm at the "everytime I get hurt or very sick, I get an ECG" phase, with a bright shiny "fall risk" label.
Beautiful-Low9454@reddit
I am wondering if I have a heart issue, I’m 50 and my hands are blue all the time. Toenails too quite often it’s been this way for years. I have labs next month for a regular Check up. My heart seems to skip a beat multiple times a day. Starting to worry about it. Anyone else have similar symptoms??
Halfpint_425@reddit
50(f) here and I get blue hands/toes and I was also getting heart skipping/palpitations. I have genetic high cholesterol, so I was pretty freaked out. My doctor ordered a 3 day heart monitor and I also had the calcium CT scan. Everything was fine from the heart monitor and I got a 0 score on the calcium test. Turns out I have Raynauds (blue hands/toes) and the heart palpitations turned out to be related to menopause, which went away after starting HRT. Because my calcium score was zero (even though I have higher cholesterol), no meds at this time for that.
FreeSpiritMagnet@reddit
They are actually called pvc's (premature ventricular contractions). They feel like skipped beats but they are actually early beats and the one that follows is more forceful. Don't worry, almost everyone has them. Mine are very bad (like multiple every minute) and my Electrophysiologist is not too concerned. Beta blockers (Metoprolol) help with these. It's more worrisome if you get Afib. Both happen in different parts of the heart. Also, my fingernails get blue a lot but it's not concerning. Some of these issues come from adrenaline spikes and sudden elevated heart rate because of it.
Paperwife2@reddit
It could be Raynard’s or something. Just talk with your dr about it.
whineybubbles@reddit
Mine was fine but my husband is refusing his because he's afraid of what it will show. I'm working on him about this
travelingtraveling_@reddit
Oh, the guys who put their head in the sand? Especially about their bodies?
These guys are called widowmakers for a reason
whineybubbles@reddit
Agree. I'm scared for him and working on it
travelingtraveling_@reddit
Be frank with him.
Grand_Taste_8737@reddit
I've had a couple of these heart calcium scans and the scale has always been 0-5 with zero being good and 5 being bad. Receiving 0's on rhe scans is the main thing keeping me off cholesterol meds. Is OP talking about the same procedure?
Paperwife2@reddit
Yes I think you’re both talking about the same thing. Its name is a Coronary Artery Calcium Scan (CAC scan).
You want to get a 0 score.
100-300 shows moderate calcium plaque.
This test only shows drs the amount of plaque that has calcified. You may have some (or non) soft plaque.
I’m very thankful my new cardiologist ordered this test. I (f50) have a healthy lifestyle that eats mostly plant based, exercises regularly, ect. BUT, my younger sibling has had 5 heart attacks. My cholesterol level was within the guidelines at the time.
My CAC came back in the low 20s. (I don’t recall the exact number.) He started me on a low-dose statin and my cholesterol and other labs are fabulous and now fall in the current more stringent guidelines. I’m so thankful he went further than my other cardiologists who thought my risk was super low and didn’t justify testing. Statins have been amazing for me and I haven’t had any negative side effects.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
It was just called a CT scan. On the paperwork it was also referred to as a heart ct calcium scan. I dunno. Scale goes from 0 to infinity. Anything over 300 is considered serious and gets a follow up.
peachesandsir@reddit
Be glad that you have been made aware of your risk BEFORE something bad happens. Now that you know and are taking it appropriately seriously, you’ll be able to get it treated and be followed by a cardiologist.
Thirsty-Barbarian@reddit
I had this happen to me in 2024, and it definitely was scary, but it turned out ok.
I got a high calcium score and was referred to cardiology. The cardiologist ordered other scans where they take images of your beating heart and other things. There was also a stress test where they hook you up to a bunch of sensors, put you on a treadmill at a certain speed and then increase the ramp angle every minute or so to see how long you can go. Then once they have you at your limit, they image your beating heart again while it’s going at top speed. Based on those tests, they decided not to do any other procedures on me, but the next step would have been to send a tube up a vein to the narrow spot, take some imaging, and if necessary, they could do an angioplasty to open up the blockage and even install a stent at the same time. So, yeah, it was scary, but it was ok.
I know you have a lot on your mind right now, but after this is past, be sure you get on your colonoscopy if you haven’t already. In 2024, I had another scare when my Colaguard poop-in-a-box test had an abnormality, and I was referred for a full colonoscopy. Just skip pooping in the box and go straight in for your colonoscopy. For one thing, the box can miss some things, and that’s not good. But just as bad are the false abnormalities that scare the shit out of you! It’s like the same thing you are going through right now. That was my year of medical scares that turned out to be not so bad in the end, but wow, having two scares that close together was not great.
Anyway, try not to panic until you get more information. It’s probably going to be fine. Good luck and take care!
Key_Comfortable1764@reddit
Put of curiosity how do they know when you're as high as you can go on the treadmill?
sqkywheel@reddit
They measure your heart rate and see if it's stopping going up, and they measure your blood pressure and see if it's getting to an unhealthy level. At least that's what they did with me.
Thirsty-Barbarian@reddit
That’s right. They monitor your heart rate, BP, and a few other things in real time, and you are also allowed to say you want to stop.
Key_Comfortable1764@reddit
Thank you!
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
I get regular colonoscopys. That runs in the family too. Just took my wife to get hers after much encouragement. Next one for me is in 2 years.
Infamous-Yak2864@reddit
After having genetically high cholesterol and triglycerides for years, I took a stress test...had great results. Followed up with calcium scan, came back at 98. Immediately started Crestor and Zetia, now numbers look great. Everyone should read up on LPA and APOB. Both are important markers that should be checked but rarely are because most people aren't aware of them. Not something that most GPs pay much attention to because they aren't very aware of them either.
llapman@reddit
I just had mine done Tuesday, waiting on the results. My brother had a quad bypass, and heart issues run in the family. Fingers crossed.
labretirementhome@reddit
Recently scanned, poor result.
Cardiologist follow up led to a stress test.
My GP asked, "What were the results?"
Told her I didn't know
"Well, did you complete the test?"
Yes
"Okay then you're fine. If they didn't stop the test, you did great."
I later got the results. She was right.
Follow up with cardiologist in six months. Otherwise steady as she goes.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Fingers crossed. Stress test is the next step. Just waiting on a call from the Dr for the date. Ive had a treadmill stress test and a chemical stress test in the past. Either is fine with me. Im just eager to on with it.
edwoodjrjr@reddit
Just had one of these last week. Scored a zero now I'm going to celebrate by eating an entire bucket of KFC.
obxtalldude@reddit
Yeah my doctor said I was the only other zero he had seen.
Apparently we live in an unhealthy area.
But I was stoked I don't have to care about cholesterol anymore!
edwoodjrjr@reddit
I eat fried crap and red meat regularly, tbh I was shocked. Had the lipoprotein A check recently too and that was < 8. This is with a father and 4/5 half siblings with serious heart disease. Guess I got my heart from my mom...
Infamous-Yak2864@reddit
Great thinking on the LPA check. Very few people are even aware of it...
Appropriate_Buy_7340@reddit
I got a zero too. I eat deserts all the time. My sister had a high score, but after a thorough check up, they determined no significant issues...go figure.
lucid_intent@reddit
How does one get this? So many things aren’t offered unless you have symptoms. I have heart disease in my family, but they all smoked. I don’t, so I don’t know what my risk is.
Nicetonotmeetyou@reddit
Ask your doc. It’s $120 at my hospital since insurance doesn’t cover it, but it’s easy to do and well worth the $.
Educational_Fox6899@reddit
Just ask you PCP. Instance won’t cover it most likely. Mine was $100.
Creamandsugar@reddit
I am getting one done in a couple of weeks. My insurance wouldn't cover it so I am paying for it myself. I am turning 56 this year never smoked and rarely drank, but I have other factors that worry me. It's going to cost $175 and totally worth it to me.
Talk to your doctor and see if you can get it covered, if not search Google for self pay heart calcium score near me.
egcthree@reddit
Where I am it’s 75 dollars self pay, just ask your doctor for an order
Nicetonotmeetyou@reddit
Got my second CT scan scheduled for a few weeks. My cholesterol is high, but with three huge factors (genetics, hypothyroidism and perimenopause) the doc wants to make sure I still have a low calcium score (it was zero two years ago) before putting me on statins. Take all heart stuff seriously people and be proactive for yourself! Especially if it’s in your genetics.
Gmodelinsane@reddit
I’ve watched multiple older relatives having awful end of lives in nursing homes, living into their 80s and 90s.
I’m not getting a calcium score.
Alily_all_alil_NY@reddit
A thought, if you have a stroke you may very well end up there.
Tasty_Context5263@reddit
This is not a death sentence. It is great that you got the scan done. Definitely follow up with the cardiologist. They will most likely do an EKG, echocardiagram and stress testing, if they have not already. Should those results indicate, a cardiac catheterization is the gold standard. Should this show a blockage or narrowing, they can address it immediately. You are absolutely on the right path to addressing any potential problems!
You are taking proactive steps to determine if further testing and treatment is necessary. Just take it a day at a time and stay the course. Again, this is not a death sentence. It is a piece of information that helps doctors determine the best course of treatment. Hang in there.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Thank your for the encouragement. Im down with all of that. As soon as the follow up procedures are scheduled, there will be no hesitation on my part.
Reading all of these responses to my post has really helped. Thank you all for your replies and input.
BrewtalKittehh@reddit
Man…I tried a thing a couple years ago.
Total cholesterol almost 300, LDL 195, trigs 225. After 14 days of whole food plant based with no added oils the change was profound, and I don’t use that term lightly: LDL 90, trigs 109. I’ve mostly kept that up and my bloodwork is like a healthy young man.
BillRepresentative41@reddit
Greens & Beans with no processed food and you will see amazing lab scores. Dr Joel Fuhrman has a variety of nutrition books on the subject.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
I do love me some greens and beans! Two of my all time favorites.
damned-if-i-do-67@reddit
I've had one and have gotten everyone I care about to also get one. An ex-boyfriend who is an ironman triathlete had it done and, even though ALL his other cardiac tests were perfect, his score of 1000 on the CT calcium scan made him see ANOTHER cardiologist who ran even more tests. He ended up getting a triple bypass a week later. Saved his life. His father had serious cardiac problems, so he was easy enough to convince to keep following through with more tests. Always ask for the 'special pricing' when you get the first price. Most people end up paying around $100 (insurance isn't covering it....yet).
OneRedSent@reddit
My score is 1300. One of the vessels was totally blocked. Cardiologist did a couple tests then said nothing needs to be done unless I start having symptoms. It's scary af.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Goddamn!! Best of wishes to you. Might want to seek out another cardiologist.
Brownie5993@reddit
Get a second opinion!
you_are_spare_parts@reddit
I might get a second opinion
CinnyToastie@reddit
Hi, OP. It's not a death sentence. You will likely have a stress test to see where you're at functionally/exercise capacity wise. Depending on those results, you may move into a cath lab for a bit of fixing-worst case. Best case, your stress test is excellent, they start you on a statin or two, you modify your diet and start taking your health/exercise seriously. It's in no way what you think it is, and it's better to know, right? I see these often in my work-the worst I've seen was >2K. And they still lived. You're gonna be fine! Good luck.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Tha ks for the pep talk. I really appreciate it. I have been on entry level losartin and Atorvostatin for quite a while. Diet has been good. Other than drink, I had no vices. Definitely not a gym rat but in good shape weight wise. Triglycerides have been bad. That was always my one outlier. CT and stress test 4 years ago was fine as far as I could tell. Then BOOM, news this week. Looking at everything to make changes. Waiting on next steps from the cardiologist as we speak. More to come.
sultj@reddit
My wife is a cardiologist. We’ve had this discussion about these scores. I had a score several years back, which was a zero but I have high cholesterol and was put on a statin several years ago. My primary wants me to go back for another calcium score and my wife says it’s pointless to do that once you’re on a statin and she also said that once you’re on a statin your score will go up naturally. Because if I remember correctly from her once your on a statin, there’s nothing else to treat you for so the score itself is kind of irrelevant chances are they’ll send you for a stress test which again according to my wife is pointless so all is a diet modification and exercise I wouldn’t panic about it again I have spoken to my spouse a couple times about the exact topic and call me bias, but she’s a very good cardiologist. On a different topic not sure if it applies to you or not so don’t take it the wrong way but she said the real killer is alcohol use she says they have discovered more and more how bad it is for you and your heart and just for your general health and how that will shorten your life even moderate to low amounts of alcohol is really bad for you.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Drinking os off the menu for me now.
CinnyToastie@reddit
How is your family history? I've seen many people who are fanatical about their health/exercise, diet. And they have had MIs or heart disease only because it's in their genes. You can't out exercise or out diet that, unfortunately. Trigs are bastards, I'll tell ya. You sound like you're way ahead of the game already, and that's great. LMK how this shakes out!
MovingTarget-@reddit
Not OP but as someone who was adopted with no family history this question always concerns me a bit. I'm always wondering what type of fun I have lingering in my genetics.
CinnyToastie@reddit
You can always resort to genetic testing, like invitae or galleri, natriva.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Oh I got "the history" on both sides. I guess I shouldnt be surprised right. Im on it. Knowing is worth it. Can do what I can to address it.
slylabninja@reddit
51M here and got a 1000 score a few months ago. I was scared, pissed, in denial and probably should have seen a therapist, so I totally get what you're going through. I was immediately put on the highest dose of Crestor. My LDL was always in the 110 range, so normal. Triglycerides have always been right on the border. After the statins, my LDL is now 42 and my cardiologist was VERY happy with that #. During my follow up I asked about a stress test and she said I already had a natural one as my heart rate went up to 148 during a recent skiing trip based on my watch. I don't have any symptoms and she said I can have a stress test if/when I get symptoms. I don't love this answer but haven't pushed it yet. I eat a little better, exercise a little more but could cut back on the beer and do better in general. I guess I'm saying, the stress of the situation has decreased significantly for me since the original results and the meeting with my cardiologist and I hope it does for you as well.
This thread is a little kick in the butt though to do more. Good luck to you fellow gen-x'er. We're a strong bunch and it sucks getting these results.
happy_traveller2700@reddit
I just scheduled one. This popped up out of no where and now I’m nervous!
Zep2025@reddit
Please please please follow up! I just lost a very good friend at 59 because she didn’t take her chest pain seriously. It was discovered she had a total calcified occlusion of her left descending artery.
Such_Mortgage_1916@reddit
I don't have a Dr, who can afford that's shit? I expect to just randomly die one day
50501Sandpoint@reddit
Where I live, it was about $120 out of pocket. Insurance doesn't cover it.
Such_Mortgage_1916@reddit
Costs me $60 just to walk into a Dr office,after they can fit me in as a new patient in 6 months.
2WheelFotog@reddit
Mine was exactly $49.95. Insurance didn't cover it but the Dr. that recommended it wisely said I've probably spent more than that on something dumb.
Gold-Enthusiasm7604@reddit
Keep am eye out, the imaging place near me had a sale for calcium scans $65. No insurance necessary
SomethingClever70@reddit
Yep. Just checked and the Quest lab near me offers it for $52, no doctor’s order required.
Acceptable_Cap_71@reddit
My score was over 1100. Did all the tests and it was determined that the calcium was on the outside of the arteries. Had a couple annual follow-ups and then was told not to worry about it unless I get any symptoms. That was about 5 years ago. The calcium score is only a tool and not a diagnosis.
2100Ed@reddit
Mine was 1400+. I was 70 when I had it. I’m pretty sure it was from when I was in my 20’s and was consuming mass quantities of all the wrong stuff. I have no heart issues and have been super active since my 20’s. I had proton imaging of the heart and flow was just fine. So each year I get an ECG and that’s about it. Should note that having a low to zero calcium score is not a guarantee of clear arterires as it doesn’t show plague buildup. CAC test only shows plaque that has calcified.
ElleJefe@reddit
I'm not a DR. I'm not a medical professional. For years I suffered with extremely high BP (170-200 range). After loss of research and several BP med allergies flared up, I started taking d3 and k2. It took a few months of supplementation my BP slowly but surely went down. Something to consider. I never had a calcium scan but my arteries would not relax except by rx drugs, walking or a hot bath. K2 helps to decalcify your arteries.
taueret@reddit
Yerp this was going to be my comment. We need calcium, but without the K2 and D3 it can just end up in our arteries instead of bones.
Odd_Consequence_6044@reddit
What are D3 and K2?
SomethingClever70@reddit
Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. K2 helps prevent calcium deposits from building up in your arteries.
Renetia@reddit
My (53 F) blood work last year was abysmal! I went on Simvastin, Lisinopril - HGZT, and Metformin. Then started weight training 5 days a week.
Bloodwork is now normal. I just did this scan a few weeks ago, My score was zero. I am not a doctor, but if you know where you are high(Tri's, Glucose, LDL, HDL, etc.) start working on getting those numbers in the normal range.
You got this!
OutlandishnessFew773@reddit
Just went through it a few months ago (October, I think). Got a score similar to yours and considered it a real wake up call. I was terrified.
Smartened up with food by cutting out fast food entirely, red meat is now very infrequent and started eating more fruits and vegetables. Was also put on a low dose pill for cholesterol by my family doctor. I Increased my exercise, particularly cardio, by doing aqua fitness and walking.
Saw the Cardiologist this week. Had an EKG and bloodwork done. Cholesterol has dropped to non-dangerous levels and the cardio graph showed no issues. My CT scan showed a slight blockage but the cardiologist said that if I keep it up, it will dissolve on its own.
dagonator@reddit
If you were ever planning on purchasing any kind of life insurance policy, do it before you get a scan. Results of scan can make you uninsurable.
Dost_is_a_word@reddit
Hah, my rheumatologist gets me to do a blood test every 4 months and last year she says to me your vitamin D is 8, I forget what is normal, I’ve been taking D3 for a year now along with magnesium and K2.
Happywithmylife72@reddit
Are you taking those vitamins at night?
Dost_is_a_word@reddit
I take them in the morning with my rheumatoid pills.
Vitamin C in my evening rheumatoid pill
Happywithmylife72@reddit
My provider told me to take all vitamins at night for better results!
beenalways@reddit
Normal is 20. A level below 10 is considered a 'severe deficiency'. Best of luck on your journey.
Ok-Imagination4091@reddit
Since you know there are many treatments for heart issues, I thought I was fine. Then I started experiencing shortness of breath and went to my primary doctor. I was referred to a cardiologist, who found no structural problems or clogged arteries. They did tell me I had bradycardia, but my heart rate was always slow, which I thought was due to being very active and working out every day. I was then sent to an EP (a rheumatologist) and had a sleep study, etc. By the end, I now have a pacemaker due to my bradycardia and to keep my heart pacing. Prior to the pacemaker, I had to get an ablation due to atrial flutter. I feel much, much better. Good luck!
Greeneyedbandit28@reddit
Did you have a stress test when you went to cardiologist? I am wondering if I should check calcium if stress test i had was normal.
Ok-Preparation-9974@reddit
Recommend. Coworker talked me into it. "Insurance will not pay for it but it's worth knowing" is the argument she used. This led to a result that garnered a stress test which led to a cathetization process. That found a blockage of 90 percent on critical artery that fed the heart. Stent placed that day. Doctor said I would have been dead within a month or 2 had they not found it. I had zero symptoms prior to the initial test. Coworker saved my life.
Chicagoj1563@reddit
I'm 57 and get heart scans every year with my physical. They have always been good, except one year. The cause was excessive water intake. I was trying to self treat another condition and I was drinking boat loads of water. It created all sorts of health issues. Sodium counts were off and the heart scan was also bad. I stopped the excessive water and everything returned to normal. I found out that drinking too much water can cause seizures and death. Had no idea.
Just saying, some diet and lifestyle choices did affect my results.
GenX-1973-Anhedonia@reddit
Define too much water? I also drink a lot and this has me thinking. The only time I've ever heard of serious issues were when people chugged multiple gallons after exercise or something. Curious how much you were drinking.
Powerful_Tip_7260@reddit
Avoid filtered water if you drink a lot of it We have hard water and it keeps my heart healthy. Filtered water almost sent me into Afib.
Chicagoj1563@reddit
It was an insane amount. It was like those 24 packs of bottles you can get from the grocery store, I was putting down 18 a day.
I was eating a large amount of plant foods at the time and had constipation from too much fiber. So, I was trying to solve the problem with water a week or so before my Doctor's appointment. So, in my case I was drinking excessive amounts.
writtenbyrabbits_@reddit
Are you saying a calcium scan changed from one year to the next?
Chicagoj1563@reddit
Well, I looked this up a bit and I don't think it was a calcium scan. I get the EKG for the heart and another blood test for sodium amounts. So, those were the tests affected. I usually have perfect EKG tests, but when I was drinking all the water it was off. And my sodium counts were way off too.
Automatic_Sleep_4723@reddit
Thank you for posting! My husband and I just had Lifeline screenings done bc it was taking forever to get through using our PCP, referral, waiting MONTHS for intake visits, etc.
50501Sandpoint@reddit
What did you think of the screening?Was it worth it?
Fun_Swim6642@reddit
Eat a whole food plant based diet. Stop drinking and smoking if you do those things. Exercise. Get sufficient sleep. but EAT A WHOLE FOOD PLANT BASED DIET. It has been proven for DECADES that you can reverse heart disease with diet and lifestyle changes. Stop eating meat, dairy, eggs. Eat beans, veggies, intact whole grains, and fruit. It is NOT that hard to do. I reversed all of my husband's bloodwork issues and now his bloodwork is perfect because of how we eat. He is perfectly satisfied and does not feel deprived. It is worth it. Your quality of life will improve in ways you can't imagine. He's 60 and says his friends all complain of aches and pains and are on meds. But not him. Please don't waste time bickering over this and just do it. It will save your life.
Solo_is_dead@reddit
If I give up eating all of that, my quality of life will NOT improve.
Fun_Swim6642@reddit
You taste changes in as little as 2-3 weeks. You are constantly shedding the cells of your taste buds. My husband used to LOVE cheeseburgers. He was a smoker and a heavy drinker. He now LOVES the food I make. He never wants to go out to eat. He likes my food better and says he feels way better after he eats it. Please don't be scared of change. It is way easier than you think. I promise. Seriously. You deserve a healthy life.
greyhoundbuddy@reddit
Second this. On your phone, download the app "Daily Dozen" from Dr. Greger/nutritionfacts.org. No ads, and It keeps it simple, 24 checkboxes to keep track of the different foods you eat. Touch the (i) button for any category and get information on that category and some example foods. And skip meat, eggs, and dairy (including cheese), completely if possible but at least start aggressively cutting those out. You probably cannot get all the boxes checked each day initially, and if you don't that is fine. (In fact, if you are eating mostly non-plants, the fiber intake jump if you try to get all the boxes every day will be, ah, uncomfortable in the gastrointestinal sense, so take it slow). I've used this app every single day for over 6 years now (along with being vegan) and dropped 90 pounds, got completely off a twice/day blood pressure pill regimen, and now have good BP and heart rate and lipids panel. It really does work.
OilIntrepid997@reddit
yep. cholesterol went from 205 to 167 over two years plant based. 48-50.
Pillar67@reddit
The trick here mentally for those folks for whom a plant based diet sounds like hell, is to not think about what you’re giving up (your taste buds and body adjust and it’s shocking how quickly you stop missing things like chips, streak, alcohol, processed foods, etc.) but rather find those things in a plant based diet that you love. Experiment with recipes. Soon enough you’ll wonder how you ever ate all the junk making you unhealthy. Focus on good foods you like, not on what you’re giving up. I find that’s the key to success with this.
Sierra-Powderhound@reddit
Well said. Congratulations to you and your husband on living a healthy lifestyle. I hope others listen to this message.
ComicDoughnut@reddit
57 M here. Had several years of very mildly elevated LDL so got the scan and had a score of 594. Absolutely floored me as I've never smoked, never abused alcohol or any other drug and maintained decent fitness and diet. It did feel like a death sentence as I never would have thought I would have any issues. I have had a high stress job for 30 years, though. I'm taking a statin and baby aspirin and exercising more. So far, so good.
traaavos@reddit
45M here, my doctor ordered the test for me after my Dad passed away from a heart attack last year at age 72. My uncle, Dad's brother, had a massive heart attack in his mid 40s.
My score was 275. Cardiologist said it wasn't all the horrible food I ate as a teenager, a score this high this young is genetic. I was already on a statin. They started me on Repatha, a biweekly injection. My LDL is now 17.
I eat moderately healthy. Lots of vegetables, beans, fish. I also excercise routinely. Stil drink. I hope I'm around for a few more decades, but who knows.
sqkywheel@reddit
How do you afford the Repatha?
traaavos@reddit
I do not understand exactly how, but it is free for me. I'm a state government employee in North Carolina, and my rx gets filled thru the specialty pharmacy at our hospital. It was never fully explained to me how or why I receive it for no charge. I am of the impression that the state health plan does not cover it.
Whatnowgoddammit@reddit
I'm 60 and I'm beginning to think my PCP doesn't give a shit about what's going on with me or my heart. He's never brought up any diagnostics for heart issues, and I've never even heard of this calcium score. Maybe I need a new doc...
Mir_c@reddit
I have to proactively ask for them because of my family heart history. I've had two so far, I'm 50. My dad passed a stress test 2 weeks before he died from a heart attack, so I don't trust those at all. The calcium score test shows any amount of blockage. Tell your doctor you want one.
Failure2_Communicate@reddit
The calcium score test doesn’t show soft plaque. It only shows calcified plaque so it definitely doesn’t show all plaque.
Mir_c@reddit
Well, it's a lot better than a stress test, which only shows blockage if at least 70% of the vessel is blocked.
SlyFrog@reddit
Part of the difficulty of modern medicine, where even your supposed "primary doc" is overbooked and really only sees you for the eight minute billing block.
Mine is a little similar - just some basic tests, but the days of doctors actually getting to know a patient and thinking critically about what tests should be done are long gone.
It's honestly a little embarrassing that these days you have to actually learn some medicine to advocate for yourself and what you might need, because you can't really rely on doctors to do that anymore. The healthcare system is too patchwork for that at this point.
ehok3@reddit
Ask for one. I discussed the fact that as I approached 59 I was increasingly feeling concerned because my father had a heart attack then. Ordered one up on the spot. Despite never having cholesterol issues I am well on the way with a high score. Now getting regular stress tests and more to make sure it doesn’t sneak up on me. No lipoprotein A either. So, if you’re concerned, ask for a test. Should be a mandatory check if you ask me.
travelingtraveling_@reddit
Yep
cmmnwlthbjj@reddit
Mine didn't say anything either until I read an article and asked her. She then said oh yes no problem. Was $100 for the scan. In and out. So guys, ask your Dr and if they then say no, definitely find a new one
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
New doctor bruh. Probably a good idea.
Ruenin@reddit
I feel healthy. I'm not going to the doctor to be given some diagnosis that's just going to cost me money over time. Sorry, not sorry. If nature takes me, so be it. At least my wife will get the life insurance. I'm vegetarian, so I'll take my chances. Honestly, I don't believe humans are supposed to live as long as many of us do. It's only because of medical technology that we are still kicking around long after we should have passed on. I'm a happy person, but I don't feel the need to hang on forever.
obxtalldude@reddit
Calcium score is a super cheap test to see if you even need to worry about statins.
There's no reason not to get it. If "Nature" decides to take you it's not necessarily going to be a clean process. It's not about hanging around forever it's about living well until you die.
tinypill@reddit
Why have I never heard of this before?
Does it involve any kind of IV needles?
Shadowratenator@reddit
no. I just had it done yesterday. you just lay down while a machine orbits around your midsection. it's not scary or claustrophobic like an mri. I didn't have anything injected ( i guess if they want to do one with contrast, it might involve some kind of iv, but the first one would be without contrast unless you are in some super high risk category)
it takes 5 minutes
Powerful_Tip_7260@reddit
I had a lung scan (former smoker) and they said I had moderate heart calcification. No idea what that meant.
obxtalldude@reddit
Nope. $100 bucks and 15 minutes to know if you need to worry is the best money I've spent.
My doctor was so enthusiastic about the service he apologized for sounding like a salesman.
tinypill@reddit
Phew, thank you! That makes me feel a lot better.
I have a really odd, severe phobia of IV needles. I avoid pretty much anything if it involves placement of an IV or a blood draw. Having to explain this to health professionals and finding workarounds is always an uphill battle.
Fringelunaticman@reddit
I did a calcium test because my Ldl was 110 for 3 years and I didn't want to get on a statin. Then the score came back 360. So then I had to take a statin and a nuclear CT scan. The scan came back mild atherosclerosis.
My doctors concluded the high score was from the remains of lipids that had attached and then detached.
Bringmesunshine33@reddit
You taking magnesium or vit D ?
R5Jockey@reddit
I take both. What do they have to do with a calcium score?
Bringmesunshine33@reddit
Well, if you take vitamin D without K2 and magnesium then calcium is leeched out of the bones and into the bloodstream
R5Jockey@reddit
Yeah, that’s not how that works.
Bringmesunshine33@reddit
R5Jockey@reddit
lol. Ok Dr Google.
Bringmesunshine33@reddit
I’m actually a cardiac specialist nurse but just wanted to show you your closed mind! Even dr Google can’t tell you anything it seems. Met many a patient before and after PPCI and I know what I’m talking about.
TylerDurdenEsq@reddit
What do you recommend
Bringmesunshine33@reddit
Stop vit d and check underlying causes - ask dr. Hydrate.
taym33@reddit
I (50m) got results of LDL 166 but I have been doing carnivore. PCP wanted to put me on a statin but I asked if there was a scan we could do first. I was curious and also wanted the peace of mind of knowing the current state of blockage if any. Got the calcium score back of 2. So he said no statin needed for now but that I should eat better.
It put my mind more at ease knowing the score. Would be better if 0.
I think just hearing that my cholesterol was high just gave me anxiety thinking that maybe my arteries are clogged and I could face serious issues. The scan helped ease my mind and worse case would serve as a serious wake up call.
gaelsinuo@reddit
What kind of scan? CT? Was it nuclear? Thx
taym33@reddit
CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring WO IV Contrast
LolaWasNotAShowgirl@reddit
Don’t get ahead of yourself and start imagining the worst case scenario. Yes the number is scary and concerning. Get a good cardiologist. They will likely order an echocardiogram and/or stress testing or maybe jump right to a heart cath depending on symptoms. Sometimes the calcium is on the outside of the vessels and not obstructing any flow. Sometimes it does. But without more testing you don’t know. Take care of yourself and good on you for doing the scan in the first place! * work in a cath lab and live this stuff every day.
yanknga@reddit
Thanks for commenting. I had a heart cath a year ago. No blockages and normal for my age (60M). The doctor mentioned something about anterior which I now take to mean outside.
LolaWasNotAShowgirl@reddit
Anterior in cardiology usually refers to the front left ventricle of the heart. The main artery that feeds that muscle is called “Left Anterior Descending Artery” which is likely what they talked about.
writtenbyrabbits_@reddit
Do you ever see people with an extremely high calcium score but a perfect stress test and echicardiogram? If so, what happens then in your experience?
LolaWasNotAShowgirl@reddit
It’s not uncommon to see false positives and false negatives in most of the testing modalities. Doctors try and use risk predictors to see who warrants more intervention. A cath is the only gold standard to rule out blockages for certain. I have personally seen young 20 something’s need stents and open heart surgery, I have seen marathon vegans have widow maker heart attacks and on flip side some of the most chronically unhealthy non compliant people have squeaky clean arteries. The one thing I have learned is you do the best you can with what you can control and live your life fully because no one knows what is in store for us.
writtenbyrabbits_@reddit
Thanks.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Cardiologist is scheduling a stress test. Chemical, treadmill, either way I'll get it done. I dont have any symptoms. No pains. No shortness of breath. Just had not been on my radar. I am super glad I got the test. Just ready to get on with the next steps. Has seriously scared me.
Morastus@reddit
Had my big scare at 39yo 2010. All is well as it can be. Had open heart last year. Just make sure you keep the appointments and they can make sure you don’t have any problems. I was told everything, every step of the way. The surgery was not as terrifying as it sounded and have since made a good recovery so far. Hope all goes well for you.
LolaWasNotAShowgirl@reddit
Wishing you well friend. One step at a time.
Turbulent-Today830@reddit
Every carnivore needs to be on a statin by age 35 (period!)
kidNurse@reddit
Also know that statins can cause muscle myopathy so if you are a runner or cyclist pay attention and ask your doc to switch up the med if this happens to you. Also CoQ10 is a big help.
Turbulent-Today830@reddit
Yup in 5% of the population and if you are a part of the 5% then take ZEDIA!
There is no scientific evidence that CoQ10 does anything…
kidNurse@reddit
and as I said there is no conclusive evisdence that statins cause muscle myopathy, go figure. Again, who is paying for these studies??? CoQ10 is working for me so I'll stick with that. The potential side effects from Zetia are definitely not a selling point for me.
valerino539@reddit
Nope. Not true. I have high cholesterol numbers but zero other risk factors for heart issues. I said I would consider going on a statin if my CAC test showed I needed it. I scored zero. My doctor and I both feel I don’t need any meds at this point. I’m very selective and careful about what pharmaceuticals I take. Everything has side effects.
Turbulent-Today830@reddit
Absolutely ignorant! That’s like telling someone to stop smoking after they’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer
valerino539@reddit
You make no sense.
obxtalldude@reddit
Those of us with zero calcium scores do not.
Turbulent-Today830@reddit
You mean HAVE not, because if you had you wouldn’t have a CAC score
Same-Heron9489@reddit
My older brother passed away without any warning at 55. No known chronic conditions or signs or symptoms. I just got the autopsy report and two of his coronary arteries were blocked and the third was at 95% blocked. I would be very grateful to get a calcium scan and be working with a cardiologist then to live my life like his and not even realizing something was wrong.
Brother_Professor@reddit
Literally got the test on Tuesday, got the results yesterday.
904
Scheduled an appointment with a Cardioligist this morning for next week.
VioletFeralCat888@reddit
Regarding your specific score: this is from AI Google::
hypoxiate@reddit
Never trust AI with anything health related.
Andovars_Ghost@reddit
Just so you know, while this can be beneficial data to change habits and medication, it is not a death sentence or an all clear if you get a low score. My FIL ran every day, was in great shape, got a ZERO on his calcium score, and had a widow-maker heart attack two years later. My wife, who is a doc, has seen people with fucking Crisco running through their veins live until their 90s.
Shit is whack, yo.
DancesWithPigs@reddit
Shit is very whack. Yo
Thirsty-Barbarian@reddit
But just exactly how whack is shit, yo? On a scale of one to ten, yo.
Andovars_Ghost@reddit
13
obxtalldude@reddit
I don't understand how he could have blocked arteries with no calcium?
MovingTarget-@reddit
Well so much for my smug pride after getting a zero. :(
Chicagoj1563@reddit
Widow makers are the scary ones. You can be in perfect health and get this. The biggest loser show had one of the fitness coaches had this happen. This guy is in perfect shape and eats healthy.
twodogstwocats@reddit
Had one in September with no symptoms (I've had angina for 20+ years) and ended up with a 675 score, subsequent heart cath found a 100% blockage of the widowmaker that had rerouted new veins, and finally a quintuple bypass 6 weeks ago. I start cardiac rehab in two weeks.
The only reason the scan was done is because my primary doc prescribed some anti inflammatory that my wife said could cause heart problems. When I asked him, he said my heart was in great shape, but we could have it scanned.
Get scanned, folks.
Musicman1972@reddit
I'm confused that angina for 20 years suggested a heart in fear shape?
I always thought angina suggested at least something going on with the heart even if it's manageable.
twodogstwocats@reddit
It's not due to a heart muscle/function problem; it's a nerve that misfires and causes a heartburn type pain but doesn't affect the heart function. I don't remember the exact name for it, but most of the doctors just call it angina.
Apologies. I have trouble explaining things.
whineybubbles@reddit
Same
squirtwv69@reddit
Sorry for your high score but it makes me feel better about mine going up from 0 to 6.
Standard_Hold_238@reddit
My doc wanted to put me on a statin at a 6. I was like, uh, no. Let’s check again in a couple years and we can discuss.
Elphaba_West@reddit
Statins are amazing meds. Long used and studied. Even my doc is on one prophylactically because heart disease runs in her family. She is tiny, in amazing shape.
Gunthr8@reddit
My dad had to have a heart valve replaced due to calcium build up. He went in at 7:00 a.m and was eating lunch in his living room the next day. The heart valve was inserted through his wrist(radial artery) and a camera inserted through his groin(femoral artery). Modern medicine makes it damn near an outpatient procedure.
MotherAthlete2998@reddit
I asked my doctor for this scan. He told me insurance would not pay for it. Never mind that heart disease runs in my family.
bitchkrieg_@reddit
they are not expensive to do out of pocket (believe they run 160$ or so). Request it anyway and reach out to your insurance. Unfortunately getting care often requires self advocacy
MotherAthlete2998@reddit
Thank you so much for this! I will get on it!!
MusicalMerlin1973@reddit
This. I need to schedule mine. About the same price. Short money to see what’s going on. And
chiaratara@reddit
You can do self pay. Most of the time insurance won’t cover it. My partner got his done a few years ago in Indiana and paid about $100 (without insurance.) I got mine done this Tuesday in Hawaii and had to pay $189 which was the self pay amount.
nablub@reddit
For me, insurance was $600, and self-pay was $100. I used self-pay.
TravelerMSY@reddit
It doesn’t, but it’s dirt cheap as far us medical procedures go. For cash at an outpatient imaging center. Not at a hospital or anywhere convenient.
Busy_Quiet4435@reddit
Insurance didn’t cover mine. Just had one to see if I’m a good candidate for HRT. (53F). It was $98 out of pocket and worth it.
favoriteniece@reddit
I paid 425 out of pocket for the calcium scoring and a 3-d heart scan bc of my family history. Worth every penny to know for sure what's going on.
Purple_Ad_5590@reddit
Most radiology groups price these lower because they are out of pocket for most people. Call around and price compare.
SnoSlider@reddit
Thank you for posting! Will schedule this soon.
ice_cool_jello@reddit
I had a higher score, but it wasn't anything to worry about. Doctor had me get a nuclear stress test which turned out fine. The calcium score is just for screening. If you're low, no more tests. If you're high, more tests. By itself it doesn't say anything definitively.
Xanaxdo@reddit
If you haven't already, get your lipoprotein(a) tested. It determines if you have a genetic risk. They are working on meds for it (psk9 inhibitors) but mostly they are currently used post cardiac event. I have high Lipo(a) but had my CAC done at 56 and it was 0.
Caveat_Reader@reddit
Calcium scan score doesn’t show extent of blockage, more like risk of future blockage. That’s why some people with high scores have no issues, so long as they take care of themselves. A low score is better, but a high score is not a death sentence.
Dry-Character-6331@reddit
Don't be scared. I had a calcium score over 600. One heart catheterization later, the doc said "not sure why you scored that high, it looks fine inside."
yanknga@reddit
My (60M) score was over 1000 so I had a follow up cath a year ago. No blockages and “things looked normal normal for a 60M”. No other explanation so I don’t really get it. I think he said there was build up on the anterior something.
TelevisionKnown8463@reddit
This is reassuring to hear. I had read there weren’t really false positives, just false negatives.
NocturnalEight@reddit
My paternal grandfather had a widow maker at 45 and dropped dead at the dinner table but my dad lived into his 70s.
I got checked at age 48 and got a score of 10 but they still just put me on a statin since the benefits outweigh the risks and the treatment is so effective. I always have eaten and drank whatever I felt like and still do.
I go regularly for physicals, bloodwork, urologist, colonoscopy, etc and thus far everything turns out fine or I catch things early. I caught two stage 1 and 0 cancers in my 30's and was treated and cleared of those. It just goes to show, none of us are getting out of here alive so do what makes you feel comfortable and live your life.
Nienista@reddit
Mom passed at 48 from heart disease. It's taking people young. We all should be getting checked.
DantesGame@reddit
You can follow all of the "healthy lifestyle change" advice you want but genetics are a bitch. Sometimes no matter how hard you work to stay healthy, your body is its own worst enemy.
JadzaDax@reddit
Hubs (59) had one the other day. His score was 3100! No symptoms, will have stress test next week. He grows a lot of extra bone (jaw, ankles) so doc thinks it's on the outside of the vessels. He freaked out though.
yanknga@reddit
Mine was over 1000 a couple of years ago. My cardiologist gave me statins even though my ldl was in the mid 50s. The statin reduced my ldl to 35ish. Last year, I had a CT scan that suggested a blockage a heart cath as my cardio really wanted to know what was up. No blockages and things looked normal for a 60M. I have no idea why my calcium score was so high and why the CT scan indicated a blockage.
Agreeable_Peak_6100@reddit
Just had one at 55 and there was no detectable calcium. Woohoo! 🎉 I have been on a statin since college due to a bad family history of high cholesterol. So there’s that.
Jynxsee@reddit
Good on you gorgeous getting it done. My fiancé and I both did a Calcium Scan, mine was 0 and her's was about 1000. They did a map of the plaque in her heart and they are just monitoring the plaques are 'stable'.
The whole reason we eve had it done is because my cholesterol was a tad high and as it ends up, I can't tolerate statins. She asked for one out of paranoia...which we're both glad for.
MelodicBlueberry7884@reddit
I'm in the medical field. I will just say that men love to die of heart-related issues in their 50s and 60s. Please get checked regularly (for everything)!
newwriter365@reddit
Lost my SO at 54 to a heart attack. His dad died at 52 from one, so he gave up beef when he was in his forties and thought he’d be fine.
He was not.
DrMaximusTerrible@reddit
My father had his first at 32 and his final at 46...I turn 46 this August and have had regular cardiologist appointments but I wonder if there are additional tests i should be doing.
bibdrums@reddit
My father died at 54 from heart disease. He was a heavy drinker and smoker with barely controlled hypertension. I started seeing a cardiologist at 45 to be safe even though I have none of those things going on. I would have gone sooner but I was terrified they were going to find something but no heart disease so far. They did find the very beginnings of an aneurism that we need to keep an eye on. I’m really lucky to have my wife encouraging me to take care of this stuff because I probably wouldn’t otherwise.
-EvilLittleGoat-@reddit
My husband had his widow-maker 2 weeks into his 3 week wait for this test and ended up being taken by air for emergency surgery. Luckily, he had close to a full recovery (only lost about 5 points compared to his pre-EF) and I was able to get mine approved thanks to family history. I scored a 0 and it was the best $185 I ever spent for peace of mind.
Fit-Hornet-9300@reddit
You mentioned your lipids are controlled. Meaning you’ve been on statins and you still scored high? I’ve been on Lipitor since my early 20s due to family history and I often wonder if I can still be in bad shape 30 years later.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Yep. Losartin and Atorvostatin. I have read that statins abate free floating blood fat by attaching it to the arteries where it turns to calcium. Makes sense. Maybe thats all it is in my case. Just wasnt aware of that. Test score freaked me. Hopefully the stress test will reveal no blockage. If so, sign me up for angioplasty, cath, whatever.
Icdayiichyt@reddit
Have one scheduled for next Wednesday.
flgirl-353@reddit
My husband recently sent me a text thread from X that linked statins with Alzheimer’s and lowered cholesterol.
I tried researching to see if this was common medical knowledge but couldn’t find studies that confirmed it but ones that contradicted it.
But since the Pharma industry has so much to lose if this is true I am not surprised they are not funding this type of research. Curious if anyone here knows if there is any validity to it.
EnjoyingTheRide-0606@reddit
I learned some things about cholesterol that have helped me. Dr Jason Fung has great information about lowering it. Basically, processed carbs, especially sugar, cause high cholesterol. As well, fasting helps the body rid itself of excessive glucose so it isn’t stored as fat. Low fat high carb is the leading cause of heart disease. Eat high fat, no sugar, no carbs, and fast minimum 18 hours daily. You’ll see rapid changes!
TheFonzDeLeon@reddit
Was reading an article in a science magazine (not some health blogger Oprah BS) where they did a study on people with high cholesterol, blood pressure and other risks for heart attacks and they found that eating nothing but oats (oatmeal, fruit optional, but no added sugar or milk) would lower all risks for up to six weeks. I'm trying this myself, just oats with fruit for two days once a month. And the fasting does help as well.
EnjoyingTheRide-0606@reddit
It depends on who funded the research study and who published the findings. Most research is funded by pharmaceutical companies so they can sell drugs. Most healthcare in the US is prone to being slaves to Big Pharma. Doctors who believe plant based diet is healthy are uninformed of more recent (the last 20 years) nutrition findings. Processed oats are not healthy.
Legitimate_Award6517@reddit
I mix in uncooked oats with my non-fat yogurt. Just a suggestion if you are a yogurt eater. It softens after a minute or so from the liquid in yogurt. Add in some blueberries and you're good to go with healthy stuff. Its my daily lunch.
tango421@reddit
Had my first bad calcium score at around 45. Just changed some habits. More exercise mostly. It’s been a few years.
I’m waiting for my numbers (had my blood work etc last week) and I’m gonna visit my cardio and get a stress test. During my preliminary PE, doctor said I look and seem healthy.
unhappyparty73@reddit
52M with a much greater focus on my health starting just before COVID. I have done almost every test I can and one thing every nurse and doctor has said to me is that I care enough to even get tested is a major factor in my future health.
Dutsnfl@reddit
Calcium score with contrast saved my life. Father and grandfather died at 57. Had triple bypass and am very healthy. So important to do!
temerairevm@reddit
Everyone should do this test! My cholesterol sucks but my triglycerides are great. I have family history. Scored a zero. Was relieved. A friend of mine scored 1000. Athletic guy. They were shocked he had no symptoms. Got a bypass operation and some stents. That test straight up saved his life. It’s the opposite of a death sentence. You are so lucky to have gotten this information before it’s too late.
Legitimate_Award6517@reddit
You are very similar to me in terms of cholesterol, triglycerides. I also had a zero.
Mountain_Crab0813@reddit
Same for my friend! Marathon runner who was in the process of attempting to complete all major marathons. Got this scan - and ended up having heart surgery and bypass. Also shocked no symptoms either - but thankful for the test. Get the test!
Wolfy2915@reddit
Do you need a cardiologist for this test. My PCP has never mentioned it but I have a family history although both were smokers.
Thirsty-Barbarian@reddit
It kind of depends on your type of insurance. If you are in an HMO, ask your PCP to order it. If they do, then great. If not, then you can always just go out of your network and pay for it yourself.
If you are in a preferred provider plan, you can go to an in-network provider and just have it done, but I would probably still have your doctor order the test so they will get the results and walk you through them.
Legitimate_Award6517@reddit
I asked my PCP about diagnostics and she suggested if, but said you'll have to pay out of pocket. The radiology group where I always go for mammograms offered them and I booked there. They also offer those full body scans.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
I think ypu can juat schedule one. Fairly common as I understand. In my case, the Dr ordered it. Years ago, I juat had it done on my own. Some 20 years ago. Was fine at the time.
AlarmedWillow4515@reddit
In my area, several hospitals offer it without a doctor's referral. It is paid for out of pocket not covered by insurance yet
amosc33@reddit
My husband had one, his score was over 1000. After two episodes of chest pain last year, his cardiologist ordered a catheterization to be safe. He now has a stent due to a 90% blockage. Don’t ignore it - be consistent and take care of yourself, please!
zymurginian@reddit
I did too. Seems like a good age for baseline scans.
Insurance wouldn't cover it because I'm not high risk.
Huh? I have family history of heart disease and hypertension. I also have high 1 hypertension and high triglycerides but cholesterol numbers have been fine. Nevertheless I'm on a low-dose statin.
$200 out of pocket. I can float that. Scan was easy peasy.
Score ranges
0: Normal (no disease) 1-100: mild coronary artery disease 101-300 (or 400): moderate 301+/401+: here's a list of cardiologists. call one now.
My score: 9 😆
All of that was in the Left Anterior Descending artery (aka the scene of Widowmaker heart attacks). The rest were clear. Lightning is a bigger risk than a Widowmaker for the foreseeable future.
My PCP's response: Pssht!
I'll do it again in a few years, maybe at 60.
Rudajuda@reddit
Yeah. My score was 12 or 15. I can’t remember. I’ve been a healthy eater since about 21. I was crushed at my number, but my cardiologist says he has more calcium than I do. I just had to chill, but I’m glad I got checked. I had an uncle die at 54 due to an unchecked heart condition. That was enough for me to start looking into things more.
Bartlaus@reddit
I'm watching my stuff closely. See, we have a little genetic defect in my family line that basically makes high cholesterol extra dangerous (insufficient production of a relevant enzyme) but does not do anything by itself to cause high cholesterol. Almost killed my dad fifteen or so years ago (he's still alive), which was when they figured out what it was. Probably the same thing killed my uncle 30 years ago, probably also all those grand-uncles and distant cousins over the last several generations who seemed decently healthy but suddenly died in middle age.
I do not have high cholesterol levels and last time they looked I had no visible plaque whatsoever. So, probably I'll last long enough to die of something else.
Ok-Street7504@reddit
Had a cardiac episode at the end of 24 needless to say I was the oldest of a long line of family members to have suffered the same fate only with not so great results. My cardiologist told me you need to start taking care of your heart while you're a teenager by the time you reach your fifties majority of individuals have some kind of build up or blockage .
PissedCaucasian@reddit
I’m your exact same age and have a slowly dilating aorta due to a genetic condition. Trust me it could be worse. I just put it out of my mind. I was made like this so it’s just how it is.
Dense-Coat-4280@reddit
Just found out I have a fat aorta too... zero calcium but now this....
Hedonistic_Yinzer@reddit
I don't have experience with this exact test but...
After I quit smoking I started getting a lung CT cancer screening every year. In February I was at my doctor's and asked if The office schedule my screening for this year. She pulled up my results from last year and the year before. While I was sitting there, she said " your aneurysm looks stable."
Excuse me? Aneurysm? Apparently it has been on the reports, but I somehow missed that tidbit of information. Yes an aortic aneurysm. I got a little freaked out and she sent me for an echocardiogram.
My aortic aneurysm measures 4.6 cm. They do not operate until it is 5.5 cm. Now from what I know of these things they are stable until they aren't, and then you have minutes to go to a hospital and under the knife for surgery.
Needless to say, I am much more worried than anybody else about this. So yeah, I feel you and your anxiety over cardiac issues.
mtcrick@reddit
That's terrifying.
Hedonistic_Yinzer@reddit
Yes, very much so.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Damn! Best wishes to you. Hang in there. That is alarming. Its crazy getting older.
Hedonistic_Yinzer@reddit
Thank you. I appreciate that.
TravelerMSY@reddit
Incidental findings are a bitch. You’re in exactly the same physical position you were the day before the scan, but now you have a new thing to worry about.
Hedonistic_Yinzer@reddit
Yeah exactly this. I was freaked out when she said aneurysm.
chiaratara@reddit
Oh crap. Had mine on Tuesday and don’t have the results yet. I have no idea what to expect. I’m glad you are bringing this up.
CryptographerOk3814@reddit
53 M. Just got the ok from my doc to schedule this exact same scan. My Lipoprotein came back high. And my cholesterol wasn’t good either.
Here we go….
Old-Kaleidoscope1874@reddit
I just had one a few months ago, due to my NP's concern about both my grandfathers having had cardiac events in the past. Since I don't exactly eat healthy, I was shocked to discover that mine was completely clear. I only mentioned it, because I was so worried about a bad result that I almost put it off. I want to encourage people to not avoid the test due to dread of hearing their situation. It may not be bad and you can have peace of mind. If not, at least you can do something about it. Thanks for calling attention to the test and I hope you can manage your condition with as little discomfort as possible.
retired_hippy_chick@reddit
I (60f) had one at 57 and my cardiologist told me I had the heart of a 75 year old woman.
I was fit, non-smoker, non-drinker, not overweight etc, was already on a plant based diet. I didn’t, and still dont, fit the stereotype. For me, it’s all genetic and menopause made things worse.
I’m on a daily statin and HRT and I get my blood work done every 6 months. Exercise/life daily and I’m fitter than ever. Not much more I can do at this point but I try not to think about it.
HotIntroduction8049@reddit
Had a STEMI at 48. No warning. Imagine the surprise. Almost a decade later and all is good....until the big one comes.
nablub@reddit
57 M. I've had the calcium scan and your experience a few months ago. It scared the hell out of me, too. I have a score of 491. Since then, I've had a stress test and echocardiograms, and although calcium levels are elevated, all other tests have come back normal, saying the heart is getting enough blood. It did scare me enough to cut out sodium and fast food, and I make sure I exercise daily now. Good luck!
jptoz@reddit
I found out the same thing at the same age. Look at it as saving your life , not a death sentence. You're aware of a situation and you can take care of it. Not knowing and just dropping dead is way worse.
Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit (OP)
Good point. Has just thrown me for a loop. Just got results on Tuesday. Heads still spinning a bit.
jonnydemonic420@reddit
104 at 49, started on statins and changed my diet to Whole Foods, clean diet. We will see how it goes!
No_Elephant541@reddit
i had a heart attack at 53 without any drugs or pre testing. got lucky and the stent went in right away to my clogged lad, and now i'm loaded up with statins and blood thinners. all good close to two yrs later and down to yearly monitoring and twice a yr blood work. it was a rough 6 months but pretty close to where i was with exercise and activity.
you're way ahead of the game, take the meds and don't look back it's all part of getting old with a body predisposed to clogged arteries. i would get a stress test done sooner than later to see if there are any signs of blockages. if all good then keep the yearly stress test. if not, they probably get some sonar and radar tests (cat scans and echo cardiogram) and if those show something, then you probably go to a angiogram to check what the blockage really is, then place a stent or two if it's bad enough. everything is guesswork leading up to angioplasty, but they won't do that without significant evidence. my angiogram took less than 30 minutes and my blockage went from 80% to open highway with the stent. the medical technology is really unbelievable. better to do the tests ahead of time and then it's really outpatient stuff. don't wait like me, i was 30-60 minutes away from death, then spent 4 days in icu.
also, change your diet. eliminate all processed foods as much as possible, the complex sugars and fats in processed foods are 100% the reasons. whole foods, fruits and veggies are the way.
you'll be alright, but this isn't the 80's anymore.
Whynot151@reddit
Be glad you didn't receive this information after a heart attack, that is scary.
johnbr@reddit
I just took this test Tuesday.
Good luck sir!
LonesomeBulldog@reddit
53 here. I had to get stents at 44. I had 90% blockage on the widowmaker and the circumflex. I get a nuclear stress test every 3 years to see if there's been any additional buildup and I've been clear so far. Exercise, eat well, and live your life.
Barbarossa7070@reddit
The real key is the stress test to see if the calcium is actually blocking anything.
iamltr@reddit
i have had it, my number was high enough to get on meds immediately
will probably have to take them for the rest of my life
TeenYearsKillingMe@reddit
My boss just got denied for life insurance for the same reason- the calcium in his heart was too high. The same company quickly offered coverage to his co-owner who is a morbidly obese smoker and heavy drinker who is currently battling cancer.
Anyway, yeah, I need to go have this done.
Dismal-Mastodon-8359@reddit
It’s so good you did this test, as now you know and can plan with your doctor . I put mine off for a year as I mentally didn’t want any more stress, so I get it. Glad I did and wish more people knew about this test as another tool in their cardiac health plan.
skeeterbmark@reddit
560 is HIGH, brother. Pretty sure mine was below 40. Definitely get with a cardiologist ASAP. Good luck, man.
No-Hospital559@reddit
560 is pretty high, you will definitely be going on a statin and most likely will have some stents. I did mine last year and I had a score of 25 and was placed on a low dosage statin. My friend is super active and his was 1000+, it was a big shock.
ToddBradley@reddit
Wow, yeah get help soon. I did one of those at the suggestion of my PCP, and then my wife did the same. I scored a 0.6 and she scored a 0. Anything over 200 is serious. Good luck to you.