The heart stopping sensation may be related to the extra ventricular beats (bigeminy). I would have this reassessed if you are concerned. Depending on how many “extra beats” you are having, you may be a candidate to various therapies. Regarding the echocardiographic findings: while what you mention does not sound high-risk, it would be best to discuss the details with the ordering physician. - Dr. Alexander Postalian

Some patients tend to deposit plaque in the arteries at lower levels of circulating cholesterol. Prior insults (like smoking) can play a role. Moreover, there can be other types of "bad cholesterol" that are not being measured. If an individual has that calcium deposition in the coronaries, they should be aggressive with prevention even if blood cholesterol levels are not "horrible". - Dr. Alexander Postalian

@TexasHeartInstitute does that just mean go on a statin? Like I said I eat extremely healthy and get lots of exercise. Non smoker too.

@@LoriOlson-yr2wr Perhaps. The decision to start meds depends on multiple variables. The overall decision should be made between you and your cardiologist. - Dr. Alexander Postalian

@@TexasHeartInstitute thank ypu

We are so happy that the information we share is helpful!

Even though the majority of occasional palpitations have a benign reason behind them, the only way to ensure there is no high-risk condition is by being evaluated. - Dr. Alexander Postalian

Thank you for the great feedback, Tenecia. We will add them to our list for future programs.

"The risk factors for plaque deposition are related to both lifestyle and genetics, not just one. A CT angiography will help determine if there is significant vessel obstruction - However, since we know that fixing blockages is most helpful when the patient has symptoms (such as chest pain or shortness of breath) or is having a heart attack (with objective evidence of heart muscle injury), these studies are mostly pursued only in patients with concerning symptoms. Having said that, it is true that knowing the total plaque burden and plaque composition may be helpful in estimating the level of future risk, but most insurance companies will not pay for testing without a strong compelling reason, and most professional medical guidelines do not strongly recommend it either (yet). Statins may cause soft plaque to calcify, increasing the calcium score but reducing the overall level of risk. Remember that most patients with high calcium scores, before starting statin therapy, have a substantial burden of soft plaque - which is believed to be more dangerous." - Dr. Alexander Postalian

Perhaps a rhythm monitor for 2-4 weeks to assess the new problem is a good idea. Make sure you report this new event to your cardiologist. - Dr. Alexander Postalian

"Valvular regurgitation, by itself, is not a typical contraindication for nuclear stress testing." - Alexander Postalian, MD, FSCAI

Stents are mostly to treat symptoms (chest pain, dyspnea on exertion) caused by a significant blockage (which cannot be assessed with a calcium score), or to treat heart attacks as they are occurring. In some situations, they can be used for prevention - however, this is not very common, and a calcium score is not enough to make these decisions. A calcium score is used to decide how aggressive we need to be with lifestyle intervention and the use of preventative medication. Regarding diagnostic angiography: since it is invasive, it is usually reserved for high-risk patients with symptoms, or if we already have a non-invasive study suggesting that a blockage is causing significant problems (again, with symptoms). - Dr. Alexander Postalian The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care (713) 790-9401

"In most cases, antiplatelet therapy can be de-escalated a few months after the TAVR procedure. However, each case is different, and there are potential reasons why it would be preferrable to continue stronger antiplatelet therapy. This is a decision that is best taken in consultation with a cardiologist that is aware of the details of your case." - Dr. Alexander Postalian

Thank you for replying to my comment. I call my doctor and he approved my stopping 😅 I was having lots of stomach pain. It improved in three days .

So scary

Yes, there is a threshold of intensity for the calcium to be counted. There is also a manual component, which means a bit can be missed. Moreover, depending on the resolution (slice thickness) of the scan - some small areas may not be pictured at all. Nonetheless, the reports are reasonably accurate the vast majority of the time. If you have doubts, ask the imager to have a second look.

@@alexanderpostalian6000 so the radiologist did an addendum….”1mm hyper density is unable to be detected and computed by the software, even when entered manually. Therefore not likely to be of clinical significance “. Does that make sense ?

Thank you for your question. Routine stress testing is not necessary in most individuals - as such, there is no specific age cutoff. If a patient is showing signs or symptoms of potential heart issues, particularly if those symptoms are worse with physical activity, then stress testing comes into consideration. -Dr. Alex Postalian

People have a need to hate fat people.

"There is no limit to how long a patient can take Plavix (clopidogrel). The ideal length of therapy (limited or lifelong) depends on the specific situation.” - Dr. Alex Postalian

Why would they sell the stuff if it's bad? Money money money, it's all about the money. Sugar don't kill you in 1 day, 1 year, or several years, it will get you in the end in decades with all sorts of chronic diseases. They sell you tobacco and alcolhol for decades now without problems didn't they, so why can't they sell you bad food then? And now many states makes weed legal too, so eat healthy or pick your poison.