Calcium Score Basics: What the Calcium Score is, and how you can use it to understand your risks.

[@rogerbaldwin2762]

I went this morning ... My score was a 19. Non smoker / 48 year old male. Your videos are fantastic

[@2010100473]

Did you use to work out ? Or you are sedentary ?

[@sheddkkhan6758]

How much ldl you had

[@raymond8058]

Thank you so very much!!!! I just had the scan and was really surprised by the score. The tech did not even make eye contact with me when he handed me the paper. The measurement and evaluation tool was very useful to put some meaning the the numbers, and the commentary from your video was spot on. I really appreciate it! Thank you

[@CardioGauge]

You’re welcome Raymond, thanks for watching!

[@patriciavanzoeren2575]

This was helpful information. I'm having this test later today. Thank you.

[@petercyr3508]

It is important to know your score. My wife, never considered at risk, had a very high score on her first test in 2018. We knew we needed to take action. I am the sick one and had a 73 at age 60. Great for an old diabetic.

[@georgekeller4667]

0

[@martinfromseacity2010]

Thanks for being open minded, You need to listen to Ivor Cummings, and Dr William Davis author of Wheatbelly. My calcium score is 1072. thanks to their advice and knowledge I have a plan to slow or reverse my progression. Thanks for your time

[@CardioGauge]

Thanks Martin, I have seen some of their stuff, and plan to watch more, Best wishes!

[@teddybgame1973]

1000% agree with Martin here. Ivor has posted all the science on this. The Widowmaker documentary is worth watching as well; gives you the context and history on CAC. Everyone age 40+ should get a CAC test. I just shifted to low-carb high fat diet in Feb 2020 (8 months ago), 70+% healthy saturated fats...and my CAC was zero across all 4 arteries (a $100 test in the Boston area; it took :15 minutes). I’ll do another CAC test 3-5 years. Science and facts are stubborn things. Know...YOUR...score! :)

[@gregbell4505]

Hey can u let know ur progress i start keto in august coz of triglycerides and did cac scan.1200 im only 59 feel great til i saw results.Dont know what else to do

[@martinfromseacity2010]

@@gregbell4505 Watch the widowmaker on utube, it will give you a good start of understanding. I am going to get my second scan soon. I'm anxious but hopeful my progress has improved

[@2010100473]

@@martinfromseacity2010 o

[@bartrobinson2103]

Hi Doc.. thank you so much for honoring my request! Much appreciated and give some more presentations when you have the time please...

[@CardioGauge]

You're welcome Bart, this one's for you!

[@bartrobinson2103]

@@CardioGauge Excellent!

[@MrDeathd]

How does a person end up with this that doesn't smoke drink do drugs ,I always hear about smokers what those that don't also a person who doesn't eat Beef main diet consists. Of pork and chicken and fish

[@LynnFishmanNurse]

Knowledge is power as far as I am concerned

[@bostonjackson9384]

Thank you for this info, Doc.

[@mohamadhayatleh4488]

Thanks for the valuable information

[@CardioGauge]

Thanks for watching, Mohamad!

[@jnewmark41]

Love your videos!! You have a soothing demeanor and I wish you were my Dr. You seem warm, caring and knowledgeable. Where are you located?

[@CardioGauge]

Thanks for the compliment! I practice in Rochester NY

[@jnewmark41]

@@CardioGauge I mean it.....

[@jettagliturbo]

Awesome job DR! I am 33 years old, Vegan for 13 years and my score was 0.

[@meteora8888]

I'm 43. Eat junk food and don't exercise. My score is 0 also. My total cholesterol is 7.8. I'm in Australia BTW so units of measurement for cholesterol might differ.

[@jettagliturbo]

@@meteora8888 😁😌

[@meteora8888]

Actually I was told despite a low calcium score, soft plaques are likely to be present and are the ones which break off and cause heart attacks and strokes. So I we shouldn't be complacent.

[@jettagliturbo]

@@meteora8888 Hold On, let me see if I understand this correctly. You are attempting to tell me, someone informed you, that with a score of "0" you are still at risk of disease and all cause death? Ha, I want to hear more about this and who told you that, very curious to hear mate.....

[@meteora8888]

@@jettagliturbo well yes. that someone who told me that is actually my wife who is a GP lol... i'm no medico but heart disease and a heart attack are different things i think. so eventhough we have 0 calcification in our ateries, a blockage may result when soft plaques break off and cause an obstruction thus a heart attack. check out the below. i think it's still one of those areas that is still being hashed out by medicine. i think given that, i would be at a high risk still whereas given your diet, you probably wouldnt be. i need to try turn vegan i think, www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/coronary-artery-disease/#:~:text=But%20doctors%20have%20now%20found,can%20lead%20to%20heart%20attack.

[@JCT442]

Not being a cardiologist, the biggest drawback to a CT scan for calcium is it doesn't show soft plaque...

[@vlew5312]

Thank you Dr Gauge for the information, the calculator is very helpful, it solves my puzzles about my calcium score.

[@stephengerard54]

I'd love a video on brain calcification and what to do about it. And its relation to things like alzheimers etc.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Stephen, I don't know anything about that topic, so I don't think I can help you there!

[@stephengerard54]

@@CardioGauge No Worries. Thanks for your reply.

[@rayhicks8155]

Hi Doc Im in Sydney Aust Thank you for the opportunity to ask you a question. I take a tablet that contains k2 at 180 mcg and 1000 iu of D Combined i have a calcium score of 534 and one stent should i up the k2 i have worried that the d would increase in the arteries Thank you very much Ray

[@JohnJFong]

Thanks Dr

[@jkdeb3822]

Thanks

[@mikeabbott9748]

Had a calcium score test of 1740.After angioplasty wound up having quintuple bypass surgery. Probably saved my life getting the test, Local hospital only charged 54 dollars for the test.

[@tnkygirl1774]

Having it done next week 🙌

[@napnap609]

I used the MESA calculator you provided in the link, but I think something is wrong with it. After entering all my info it said I had a 7.1% 10-year risk for an event, and that was with the "Lipid Lowering Medication set to "Yes", because I'm on a statin. But, when I change the Yes to a No, my 10-year risk decreases from 7.1% to 6.3%. That makes no sense. My chances of an event go DOWN if I DON'T take a statin? Clearly that can't be correct. I think you guys need to check that calculator. Great info though! Thanks.

[@conprez]

I think it's correct. From all the research I've done, there is evidence that statins do indeed increase your calcium score. I know the pharmaceutical company's claim that they increase the plaque but stabilize it. I don't buy it anymore than Dr Dave Diamond, Dr Ken Berry, and many other doctors do. It's highly likely that the drug companies went into panic mode when they realized that statins increase plaque, so they came up with a solution. They suddenly claimed that the numbers get higher, but it's a stable plaque. That solved their dilemma and saved their statin sales. My opinion, of course.

[@king0vdarkness]

What life improvements do you suggest?

[@keylimepie8426]

Just had this test today. Test score was ZERO..I was so nervous🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@sheddkkhan6758]

How much ldl you had

[@aa-xn5hc]

Are there tests that can be done before calcium accumulates?

[@CardioGauge]

Super important question! The best way in my opinion to look for early problems (for example someone in the 30-50 year old range), would be a carotid intimal medial thickness test, or a carotid ultrasound. It is strange to me that this test is not more prevalent. Also, there is a CRP blood test, if elevated, it implies inflammation, and risk.

[@stevehowell601]

Life long workout/ runner guy. Had the test in 2012 and my score was 29. Should i be worried ? Still running/working out. never smoked or drank.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Steve, the meaning of your score depends on your age. A score of 29 for someone 40 years old suggests early atherosclerosis, and implies the person should either adopt a very healthy diet (I recommend Whole Food Plant Based), take statin, or do both. However a score of 29 for someone 65 is below average and suggests lower risk. You can use the calculator on this website to calculate your 10 year risk for cardiovascular event (stroke, heart attack, stent, etc). This percent risk is the main indicator of whether or not you should be worried, as you mention. www.mesa-nhlbi.org/MESACHDRisk/MesaRiskScore/RiskScore.aspx Also, I should mention that if someone has a family history of early cardiovascular disease in a brother, sister, or parent, I more apt to treat them with statin and aspirin if they have an elevated calcium score. It’s great that you exercise routinely, this is extremely important and decreases the chance of dying from heart disease. It does not prevent that chance entirely, but it does decrease it. Best wishes Hope this helps!

[@stevehowell601]

@@CardioGauge I was 52 years old at the time

[@2010100473]

@@stevehowell601 do you have family history ? Did you use anabons ou termogenic lipo 6 black in the past ?

[@2010100473]

@@stevehowell601 have you made the test again to check who is the calcium score today ?

[@stevehowell601]

@@2010100473 I only take supplements like CoQ10, Niacin, K2, D3, 81 MG Aspirin, Fish oil and magnesium. Never smoked dont drink. some heart issues i n parents both longevity on both sides. some have lived to 100, most passed away in late 80,s and mid 90's.

[@Gabriellabonanno]

Dr, is it ok to take a COQ10 pill daily ?? Thank you

[@Radnally]

Ive seen reports that calcified is not the real danger. Its the stuff thats still elastic that will cause a cardiac event

[@jerseytony1]

CAC is useless because it does NOT measure the soft deadly plaque like CIMT does. This Dr is WRONG!

[@robertthompson5501]

How does waist to Height ratio correlate to Coronary Calcium Score, and cardiovascular risk?. I am 5 foot 10 inches, waist 44 inches. Weight 227 BMI greater than 30. Age 66. I recently lost 20 lbs with Low Carb diet and eliminating all fast/restaurant food. Thanks

[@mudavaththirumalnaik8309]

Sir what is the medicine to be used for these calcium plaque.

[@billbob9304]

statin

[@jerrymorrison7501]

Hello Dr. Ritter, Thanks for the excellent videos. What is your take on substantial right sided only calcification (zero calcification noted in left arteries). The individual is an elite older endurance athlete (60yo. male). Non symptomatic. Passed stress test with no issues with an aerobic threshold of 160bpm. I seem to have heard about this phenomenon in older athletes but can't seem to find the study anywhere. Thank you for your thoughts.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Jerry, yes, routine vigorous exercise is associated with higher calcium scores. However, in this study: www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/journal-scans/2019/01/31/16/17/association-of-all-cause-and-cardiovascular-mortality researchers found that men with high activity and high calcium scores (>100 Agatston Units) had lower mortality than men with lower activity and lower calcium scores. So while it probably would be best not to have high coronary calcium, a person is is still generally better off being very active with high calcium score, as opposed to less active with a lower calcium score. For my very fit patients with high calcium scores, I still recommend statin and aspirin. Hope this helps.

[@harryemblen1293]

CardioGauge t

[@peterzoitas814]

Hi Dr. i have 2 questions does k2 and d3 vitamins reduce calcium and i was told there is medication other than statins , calcim channel blockers do those work

[@douglasmlyn201]

Hi Doc. I had a calcium score of 1700, 63 years old, ldl is 140, hdl 35, total 209 cholesterol. I have been exercising regularly for the last 10 years. I do 30 minutes on the stairmaster, and my heart rate gets up to 140, with no issues. My last stress test was normal. I'm starting a statin (10 mg of Lipitor). Would you recommend any treatment or tests if don't have any symptoms?

[@MegaJS2009]

Hello. You should have a CTA, along with blood markers for inflammation. NMR lipid profile is excellent, homocysteine, CRP etc. A normal stress test result does not rule out the possibility of a future heart attack. Stress tests can detect when arteries have 70% or more blockage. Even a 30% or 40% blockage can cause a heart attack. Take care.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

@@MegaJS2009 Interesting about that 30-40% comment!...I am now 76...when I hit 70, despite several years of walking 10 miles a day for heart health, I had a calcium score registering over 1600. A couple of years later, I developed AFIB...my coronary arteries were evaluated at 20-% blocked, although the main artery was deemed OK. Last year, I had an Ablation for the AFIB, which was successful...three months after that, my Aortic valve was deemed "severe category", so about 3 months ago I had that amazing TAVR procedure!..I am feeling better than I have over the previous several years...but those coronary arteries are likely going further clog up!...I am thankful for my modern medical procedures, but realize that my lifespan is in prodcess of winding down, and if I do not qualify for an eventual bypass--like my dad's side of the family all went through--I could drop anytime. No matter my efforts--the warranty will expire soon..so be it!

[@rowan5intheknow891]

Patient: asymptomatic male age 64 surgeon works out high intensity 1-1.5 hrs daily. CAC 877 CT scan showed severe CAD ,cadrads 4 possible stenosis in mid LAD. This person has bouts with calcium based kidney stone formation. Does this affect the CAC score? RN asking!

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Gina R, yes there are studies that show that people who have recurrent kidney stones have higher chance for coronary artery disease, and Greater chance of having a high calcium score. Since both processes involve abnormal Calcification, it is common sense that addressing The kidney stone formation with lifestyle changes might also help with the coronary calcification. Presuming he is having calcium oxalate stones (as opposed to calcium Phosphate), Lifestyle interventions which can decrease calcium oxalate kidney stones are: increased fluid intake (non-sugary beverages), Avoiding non-dairy animal proteins, increased fruit and vegetable intake, Limiting dietary oxalate intake (you could google it to see high oxalate foods), low sodium diet, avoiding a high calcium diet (but not having a low calcium diet). For my patients with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, I encourage a whole food plant-based diet and atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, and a daily 81 mg aspirin. Hope this helps.

[@drgadham]

Scores and risks?

[@judyfasola3737]

Dr. I have mild aortic regurgitation valve ...bad colesteral a little high ... good cholesterol is good ....@72 years young lady very active .... osteoarthritis in hips mild to moderate ....kinda not doing as many pushups etc.... since learning about regurgitation deal.... watch my diet ... would having a calcium CT scan without contrast be nesseary...for the mild aortic regurgitation valve problem... hate radiation ....had so many dental CBCT scans ....for failed bone grath surgeries.....thanks...❤️

[@007dskidp]

Dr. Ritter, would you care to share your opinion on the efficacy of Ellagic Acid (polyphenol compound found in certain fruits) and its clinical impact on arterial plaque (stabilization or shrinkage)? I've seen several NIH articles on the subject, but no real blind studies with control groups to gauge the credibility of the polyphenol's value. Dave

[@kodialkishorrao5892]

Educative vdo.

[@spineguy444]

Can you explain why a lot of athletes have calcium scores and no symptoms? I have cyclist friends 60-70yrs old that exercise to the tune of 3000 miles per year and are in great shape yet have scores in the 150's. One cardiologist said not to worry it's in the wall. Any info you can give would be appreciated. All have high HDL, total cholesterol under 200 and TG's in the 50-70 range. One had an apo b at 88. Also is slight ST depression normal on a treadmill?

[@shashimoghe3920]

Dr sir very vital Information on arterial calcium score I would seem your advice on my own heart health problem shortly kindly help by your valued advice thanks good wishes 21/05/2020 from INDIA

[@paulgee3411]

The radiation risk is overblown. The most modern scanners use around 0.5 millisievert of radiation. the tiny amount you get anyway from walking around the street for a year is about 2.5. so it's really not worth worrying about, if it tells you something very valuable about the state of health. The radiation risk is a smokescreen from old style cardiologists and other vested interests, like cath labs, afraid that this new technology will eat into their gravy train revenue system carrying out questionable value, but very profitable, angiograms and stents.

[@CardioGauge]

Thanks for your comment Paul, I agree that radiation risk is probably very small, and insignificant compared to the knowledge obtained. I have family members for who I have recommended the scan.

[@Bhatmann]

Paul Gee - Yep, you are extremely correct. Moreover, 0.5 is equal to approximately 14 hours of air travel. Where are all the highly obtuse educated idiots protesting and picketing against air travel because it’s killing people with cancer. I guess there’s no money in it. And protecting their business model is more important because gold is more valuable than life even though you can’t take it with you. This is America? www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/air_travel.html

[@SanctuaryLife]

I Agree, a lot of GPs and cardiologists are still pushing stress tests when they are not effective at early or even moderate term warning. This test should be the go to for all people including those in their 30s or 40s wishing to gain insight into their lifestyle and cardiovascular system.

[@davidlagarde8470]

In 2020 my CAC score was four (4). I am on the Keto diet so LDL is 340 why would Dr order a new test but with contrast ? Also I am not having any chest pain, had an echo and stress test no issues with either. Seems her only concern is cholesterol.

[@51kmax]

Just a question about how the scoring is done. Initial CAC score was 106 w/ the Lt main score at 10; 18 mos later a score of 50. The LAD was 50, now 10. I understand the LM has worsened which I get, but how does a vessel go from 50 to 10 in 18 mos. Do you think the scores were turned around or does this happen?

[@Avinash-mr6dx]

Great video!! Thank you. I got my test done last week and got a score of 3 ..age 38 Indian. Been doing Yoga and intermittent fasting for over 2 yrs now. Any risk in the next 10-15yrs, please??thank you in advance!!

[@nm2281]

Great!

[@rajaneekota6561]

Is it available in india ? 🙏

[@lindagarcia868]

My numbers:C:242;Tri:100;HDL:86:LDL:136;A1C:5.7;Glucose:117;Lp(a):87;ApoB:134;Cardiac CT-Scan Total:373 Left main coronary artery 0 LAD:271; Lcx:70;RCA:32.Do I need to take statins? Can one improve their Calcium Score by plant-based, no sat fat & more fiber? If so, how often can I ask my cardiologist to do a CT-Scan?

[@Karma1062]

I am taking D3 n K2 + cod liver oil + magnesium to cut my high calcium score. Hop it works.

[@Dubb1000]

Thanks for sharing, can you please give us an update whenever you get rested again please...?

[@lekshaavanii1822]

Mr. Nonayabizniz yes please.Thanks.Good luck👍👍

[@gregbell4505]

Ye its what you done since teenager.i smoker 45 years n score 1200..

[@tommygunn7745]

(you stated : K2 was in the form of MK7.... What does MK7 signify?

[@cccalifornia7206]

Doctor: if I have had stents placed in my heart... Will a calcium score test still be helpful to my health evaluation? I have been told that I'm not eligible to have a calcium score taken now that I have stents. Is this true? Thank you in advance for your reply. I'm 63 years old. I take 180mg of K2 now by Weider. I do notice a difference in how my health feels... I do believe the K2 I certainly helping my heart health.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi CC Calfornia, yes that is basically true. The calcium score is more useful for people who have not already had a stent. The stent messes up the score calculation, the stent shows up as big blobs of calcium. While it is possible to do a manual score to track how you are doing, it is not something commonly done. Further, tracking the score even in someone who has never had a stent is not very useful. Calcification progresses at varying rates, and you couldn't conclude anything based on year to year scan comparisons. Even 5 years later, with a great diet and exercise the whole time, the score could increase 100-200 points. While people have reported calcium score decreasing with Vitamin K2, the studies (I reference them in the video) do not show decrease in calcium score, but rather a possible slowing of calcium score progression. Some people believe in the carotid ultrasound as a measure for how you are doing with vascular disease (Dr Brewer), but in my experience this test is not accurately repeatable, and therefore not effective. So basically we don't have good tests for seeing how someone is doing with their coronary artery disease. The most accurate tests (coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography) are all invasive, and not worth the risk of doing for someone who does not have symptoms. While I occasionally do follow up stress tests on patients, these are really quite inaccurate as well, in terms of predicting how someone is doing (is the blockage getting worse or getting better? Staying the same?). A PET (positron emission tomography) stress test might be more accurate, but this is expensive and not widely available. Bottom line is, we don't have a very good means of tracking the coronary artery disease burden of people over time, and we are left with a mish mash of semi useful stuff, like blood sugar, blood pressure, exercise capacity, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, and stress test results, and, probably the most important parameter, symptoms. Best wishes and thanks for your important question.

[@AliMuhammadUsmani]

Good to understand... my mother age 75 having Calcium score 1500... whereas Cholestrol 210 and HDL 48... She is active in lifestyle... apart from conventional medicines I added CoQ10 100mg ... may I add Multivitamin available with Vitamin K2 as MK7 90mcg with calcium 500mg and D3 800 I.U combination? along with Centrum Silver

[@christopherneck]

Wondering what an LP(a) of 120 means given I have a normal APOB?

[@only1martha]

Is this test a trigger for anyone with claustrophobia ?

[@CardioGauge]

No, because you go through a donut shaped scanner quickly, so you are never really enclosed, like happens with an MRI

[@rafilover7788]

Hi dr..just saw this video today..Thank you for the info. I am fairly a new subsciber..love all your videos,so far...Thank you..♥️.I am always,concerned about my husband,who has 3 stents put in one of his,coronary artery.. he is 61 yrs old..question..should he,stop the vitamin D combined with calcium supplements? Does this calcium deposit in your ,artery? And if yes, how risky is that,can you have,a heart attack? Pls reply would appreciate it very much..😊♥️

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Rafilover, why does he take the calcium and Vitamin D? Is it for osteoporosis, or is it to decrease his chance of heart attack? What calcium preparation does he take, is it calcium citrate or calcium carbonate? What Vitamin D does he take, is it vitamin d3 (cholecalciferol)? In general, Calcium up to 1000 mg per day + Vitamin D3 600 units, is a standard dosing. I don't generally recommend calcium + Vitamin D3 to my patients for the purpose of preventing heart disease. If a person had osteoporosis, many docs would treat them with calcium + D3.

[@rafilover7788]

Thank you so very much for replying dr..I sincerely appreciate you taking time for someone you don't know and yet so concerned. THANK YOU...May God bless you..♥️ He is taking the normal over the counter vitamin Nature brand of vitamin D,it's unit is 1000. No,.not recommended by his dr ,but had read an article saying diabetics,should take vitamin D,so he just started it 2 weeks ago..I was concerned about the 600 unit calcium in it, it's combined all in one bottle.....so if I am understanding right after reading your text should he stop ? .. wish we could see you and you were my husband s dr..😊 but we live in Miami fl.

[@CardioGauge]

Those are standard doses of Vitamin D and Calcium. They are unlikely to be bad for him. Ivitamin D supplementation has been shown to be a little helpful in people who have low vitamin d level of less than 20 ng/ml. Sorry I can’t tell you what to do exactly because I am not allowed to do that type of thing on KZbin. Best treatment for low vitamin d level is probably exercising out side as much as possible.

[@rafilover7788]

Ok. Np...Thank you, I do sincerely appreciate you replying me back whenever I have asked .

[@nana820able]

@@rafilover7788 Anyone taking vit.D3 should take vit K (mk7). Vit K directs the D away from arteries to the bones where it needs to go.

[@josephh5085]

4:04 - unfortunately knowing my score made me more anxious and worried. Had a score of 500 over a year ago (in my early 40's). I'm now on Atorvastatin 40 mg, and my numbers are good. I lift and do cardio regularly, but wondering if I have a blockage or not. I was hoping for reassurance, but got the opposite.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Joseph H, you are ahead of the game because there are millions of people walking around who are unaware that they have coronary artery disease. You are aware that you are at higher risk, and you are acting to decrease that. When you walk down the street you walk past many people who have blockage and don’t know about it. I have patients who have had heart attacks and stents and now run marathons and scuba dive. Having coronary calcium is unsettling, but it is not a major limitation on life expectancy, if you do the right stuff, which it sounds like you are doing! Eat healthy, as well. I prefer whole food plant based diet and have recommended that to my patients and family members who are in your shoes. However, a Mediterranean Diet is a good option, and low carb diet is probably better than our standard American diet. The most important dietary intervention is avoiding processed simple carbs (sugar, fructose, etc etc). I usually use aspirin 81 mg per day in my patients with high calcium scores. Thanks for your comment and best wishes.

[@josephh5085]

@@CardioGauge I was not expecting a detailed reply like that, thank you! I really like your videos (thank you to KZbin for the suggestion) and I hope your channel continues to grow.

[@nomorenews]

@@josephh5085 do you have any symptoms? And did you get cac score rechrcked to see if it was error?

[@josephh5085]

@@nomorenews I haven't had it rechecked but may in the future to see if the number is stabilized. All of my inflammation markers are low and I don't have any symptoms, but I still wonder if there is enough calcium in there that is blocking some bloodflow. Even if I did, without symptoms there is no reason to get a stent from what I've read.

[@nomorenews]

@@josephh5085 yes stents and statins not of much use,beside calcification doesnt mean blockage,it is a stable plaque. CT coronarny angiograms really show if there are blockages

[@MollydogRadar]

I just had a calcium score done, mainly because I'm 70. I am active. I hike and am always active doing something. I don't take any meds. Maybe an Advil from time to time. I'm 509 at 193, so I'm not exactly fat. My score was 1897. And you guys say 200 is high. Guess I have to see a heart doctor now.

[@drumsonfire1]

Hi Doctor, I have been following you for several months and hoping to get your feedback today. After a high Calcium CT score (685) in February 2020, I am seeking out ways to better identify & reverse and shrink arterial plague, including but not limited to supplements such as the Endur-Acin, K2 MenaQ7, Unbiquinol (CoQ10), Magnesium, and fish oil. I am following mostly a plant based diet, healthy fats, eliminating wheat and grains, improved lifestyle, exercise, and most recent blood tests show LP (a) down from 112 to 97 and all cholesterol #s have improved greatly. Stress test, EKG, Echocardiogram, and Carodid artery test, were satisfactory to the 'conventional' cardio docs'. I have not had a CIMT yet but plan to get one. I am very interested in knowing how bad the plague really is. My Cardio doc says the Calcium CT score is not much of a revealing test for actual arterial plague thickness in the arteries. It just shows overall plague. He suggests doing 3 more tests but I am not so sure I want to spend the high expense $$$$ unless really necessary. The tests are a (1) CT Cardiac Scan - CCTA--CT (75574): for heart, coronary arteries, (2) Abdominal Aorta/Iliac Artery Duplex, and (3) Renal Artery Duplex. Any thoughts on how much these tests are needed? Thanks for your feedback and any questions you have.

[@donnamaddox7023]

Interested to hear the Drs. response.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Ronnie. For my patients, I consider the calcium score of 685 as high enough to warrant treatment with statin, ie rosuvastatin 20 mg per day. Supplement-wise, unfortunately there isn’t anything that is clearly proven to work to specifically decrease a calcium score. Statins do not reduce calcium score, but rather can lead to increase in calcium score. While this sounds bad, statins decrease chance for stroke and heart attack, by something on the order of 33 - 50%. EPA-only fish oil might decrease the chance for stroke or heart attack for people in your shoes, but this has not been definitely proven. It sounds like you are eating super healthy, which is probably the single most important thing you can do for yourself. For my patients in your shoes, I generally don’t do much more testing, and really it all depends on the specifics of your situation. 1) The CIMT doesn’t have any utility for someone who had a high calcium score, and did not have blockage on a regular carotid ultrasound. If it is normal, person still needs to do everything they needed to do for the calcium score. If it is abnormal, doesn’t lead to any new recommendations. 2) Cardiac CTA is for looking for a severe coronary artery blockage, which could be treated with a stent or bypass surgery. While it is a reasonable thought, for my patients with high calcium scores who do not have symptoms of exertional chest pain / jaw pain / etc, or excessive out of breath with exertion, I do not do Cardiac CTA or Coronary angiography (the gold standard test for coronary arteries). The purpose would be to have a definite assessment of the arteries. By knowing that you have some blockage, you might be motivated to take statin and adopt healthy lifestyle. But it sounds like you are already motivated to do that. Also, if the Cardiac CTA showed a severe blockage, stenting or bypass surgery could be recommended. But that is typically not something I advise in people without symptoms. Anyway, blah blah blah, I usually don’t do Cardiac CTA for people in your shoes, but it is a reasonable thing for your doc to recommend. And obviously I have to defer to him or her in your case because they know all your specifics. 3) Renal artery ultrasound. I order this test in people who have difficult to control hypertension. I typically do not pursue it in people with high calcium score. 4) abdominal aortic ultrasound. I do this test in people with one of the following: a history of smoking, a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, an enlarged aorta seen in another location (ie in the chest), or in people with coronary blockage. Basically, because you have a high calcium score, the abdominal aortic ultrasound can be justified by this. Often times, people have had a CT scan of abdomen in the past, if this is the case, those images could be checked for enlargement of the aorta, if none is present, the ultrasound is not required. Bottom line It’s a reasonable but not a mandatory test for people in your shoes. Best wishes!!

[@drumsonfire1]

@@CardioGauge Thanks much for your response and attention to detail. This was very helpful information. Based on what you have said and other research I have been doing, I am leaning toward just staying diligent with a healthy lifestyle and taking statins. One last question. Do you know if rosuvastatin 20 mg would have any advantages over 80mg atorvastatin, specifically for reducing inflammation? (I tolerate atorvastatin fine) My research is all pointing toward inflammation as being the primary culprit for causing arterial plague. I have also learned that its the soft/hot plague that results in blot clots, not so much the hard calcified plague. My goal is to minimize any further inflammation, hot plague, and stop or harden the plague that exists. Thanks much.

[@bartrobinson2103]

@@drumsonfire1 sounds like you're following the work of Ford Brewer also! However I do miss hearing from Dr. Ritter. Please come back Doc!

[@lpg12338]

@@bartrobinson2103 I really like Dr. Ford Brewer, I had a one on one with him for about 1.5 hours, he is awesome to talk to. He also has live videos every Wed. This channel and Dr. seems knowledgeable as well.

[@okadock]

I have a score of 1500 and under treatment , was taken off statins and receiving injections 6 monthly now, BP 130/65 72 years young , cavadex , heard of it does it reverse calcium scores

[@mj9949]

This was very helpful to me I'm 72 so I guess I will be getting tested soon

[@shirke01]

Let us know your results

[@guysmiley6152]

45 year old carnivore. Long FH heart dz and heart attacks. Score of 50 b4 starting carnivore. Score of 20 now. Improved score with meat and heavy cream and barely any carbs.

[@morselligianniluigi8375]

Just did the Mesra calculation. My CS is not nil. The interesting part is I tried a couple of scenario, one with the statins medication (as my doctor told me I am too high with cholesterol) and the other one without the drug. Guess what, the risks are higher WITH the medication.

[@bazzy917]

I had a Calcium score of 0 3 years ago and I took it again and now it's a 1..yet my cholesterol total is 166 compared to 190 3 years ago.. My blood glucose is 80 and 3 years ago was 96..i feel better now and I run and workout everyday and don't smoke and eat healthy.. Why would my score go up.. I even reduced my meat intake drastically.. Im confused.. Any thoughts?

[@geraldbrienza4474]

I’m 71, just had my score done, it was zero, I had an angiogram 20 years ago, also zero. Very happy,

[@geraldbrienza4474]

@@sheddkkhan6758 not sure, but total was under 200.

[@geraldbrienza4474]

@@sheddkkhan6758 I think it depends on your ratio with HDL, as well as your triglyceride level. My HDL has always been high so my ratio is good. Triglycerides are the fat that travel in your blood, so that should be below 150. Your Dr. should look at all 3 to make a determination about any treatment.

[@geraldbrienza4474]

@@sheddkkhan6758 I did the angio because I was getting unexplained heart palpitations, still get the them. All the tests I’ve had, they can’t diagnose it. I did stop drinking alcohol and that has helped a lot.

[@geraldbrienza4474]

@@sheddkkhan6758 angio is an invasive but easy and painless test. It’s the “gold standard” for accurate heart condition.

[@eddieflori4336]

What can a guy do to chop down his calcium??? Please answer! thanks...

[@normaarenas4217]

Hi Dr. I’m 55 I had the scan last year and my score was 84 how bad is it? I exercise a lot eat relatively healthy, my cholesterol # are high too. I have a family history of coronary disease. Please let me # how I can improve my calcium score. Thanks.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Norma, a score of 84 for a 55 year old woman is higher than about 95% of women your age. It is not a super high score. i have seen many people with scores much higher than yours, 400, 500, even up to 1000. For my patients in your shoes, I generally treat with rosuvastatin 20 mg and aspirin 81 mg per day. These decrease chance of heart attack by about half. There is no known treatment that decreases calcium. Statins and aspirin will not decrease calcium score. Some people hope that vitamin k2 could decrease calcium, but the research has not shown this yet. Bottom line is no one knows how to decrease calcium. For my patients with scores like yours, I recommend the meds as I mentioned, and eating a plant based or mediterranean diet, and routine exercise (basically every day of the week for at least 30 minutes, doing something the person enjoys, and makes them tired). i encourage my patients to look at the calcium score as an opportunity to motivate healthy lifestyle choices. Best wishes!

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

The goal is to stabilize the existing plaque you now have!

[@2010100473]

Hey doctor, I’m from Brazil, do you think exist a medication which can reverse ou melt plaques but it’s not disclosed due to money that they earn are much higher than if they sold this medication ? Medicine is so advanced is not possible there’s no cure

[@nusratabbas5106]

In my angiography repot " left Anterior Descending artery :- Calcified in its proximal part with mild irregularities. Is it dangerous for me ? Please answer me Thanks !

[@nusratabbas5106]

Hi

[@khrishagupta693]

Hello after it what you did

[@sheddkkhan6758]

@@nusratabbas5106 how much ldl you had

[@bobcocampo]

How about CIMT?

[@CardioGauge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGXIpWyuj9-LrKc Hi Bobby, here is a link to my Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness video.

[@bobcocampo]

@@CardioGauge CIMT can detect soft plaque that is more predictable for heart attack than Calcium Score Dr Ford Brewer Check Cardiorisk

[@jp7357]

I read that up to 35% or heart attack and strokes happen with a calcium score of zero, and 15% with a cac of zero and no 10yr risk factors ?

[@gklein4054]

Calcium Score was over 2000, Sonogram showed no signs plaque nor blockage, BP was elevated at 135/80, taking Losortan was taking statin (Stopped that due to side effects). Ps. Started and maintaining Keto diet

[@gregbell4505]

Dont smoke or eat sugar and live happy life.Im 59 and score of 1200 and on keto feel great also t2 diabetic.Dont become me eat healthy dont smoke you live long n happy

[@benfranklinlady]

Hi Doctor: Is a calcium score of 90.5 moderate or what ? My doctor put me on 20 mg atoristatin because of this score and family history. Thank you. Just discovered your videos and enjoy them. They are excellent for non-clinical peeps.

[@gregbell4505]

I over 1200 i refuse statin..eat keto u not need it.Statin not helpful.See his talk with Dr Nadir the cardiologist for advice on ur situation

[@Letitflow1-1-1-1]

I'm 50 and in decent shape but have high cholesterol and high bp. my PCP wouldn't order the test and sent me to a cardiologist who also wouldn't order the test for me but kept pushing me to go on a statin again. I don't understand the problem especially if I'm paying out of pocket. now I had to dish out $300 for the cardiologist bc of my deductible and no test order

[@MrRKO-lu1ho]

My grandma is 72, her calcium score was 57.67 and also another calcium acore is 0..we dis ct coronary scans for her ,please explain me this.

[@justsue8730]

Cardiogauge hi doc. Can you please tell me. My calcium score is 24.8 at 75% centile for age and gender. It says Minor calcification in a mediastinal node. No dilation of the ascending aorta or main pulmonary artery. No educational effusion. I'm on Metformin 500 mg, atorvastatin 10 mg, Olmerton 20 mg. I'm 56 years old and 102 kgs. I changed my diet and have lost 8 kgs or 16 lbs. My local GP says to stop walking as a exercise as I could have a heart attack. What's your take please. I'm in Australia. Txs

[@sheddkkhan6758]

How much ldl you had in your first ldl test in life

[@teresadejournette4362]

Score of 500, should I take statins?

[@philthayer4087]

1.5 years ago I got a calcium score test of Zero. Last week I had a heart attack with 2 blockages 100% and 70%. What went wrong?

[@ArcoZakus]

Soft plaque, probably. If it is not calcified, it does not show up in the CAC score. Search in youtube for "CAC test" to find videos that explain that. A bad CAC score is definitely bad, but a good score does not mean that no other problems exist -- as you learned the hard way. I hope you are recovering OK.

[@claudinegomez650]

My scan was zero but I’m hearing this doesn’t mean there isn’t plaque build up. Another readers husband had zero calcium but had a heart attack due to plaque blockage

[@jasonjackson4527]

Just had a scan done results came back as. Mild coronary calclafation.not really sure what that means. 51 year old male.

[@marvinfalikovic4177]

Can you lower your calcium score if you take 200 mcg of vitamin K-2 daily and eat a reasonably healthy diet along with exercise.?

[@davidboyd374]

just had a test last week my score IS 2887 YOUR READING THAT CORRECTLY 2887 im 76 had a quadruple bypass 9 years ago and ! my doctor isnt too concerned about the high test score Since my bypass i have only been on 100mg ASPRIN A DAY and i dont take statins Im normally on a very low carb diet what else should i do ??thanks I hope you can reply

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

Get a CIMT test

[@bartrobinson2103]

Find out if you have pre-diabetes or insulin resistance

[@ssnoc]

Hi Doctor, I live on Long Island and had the scan yesterday I am 61 male 200 Lbs, my score was 1438 with 800 of that score in the LAD - Also had a Echo which showed a 15% occlusion in my corroded artery, also had aNuclear Stress test done did not get results yet, my blood work showed a total Cholesterol of 238 - - I was able to get my heart rate up to 138-40 but tired very quickly, I can sustain 120-126 for 15-20 minutes. Do you think a Angiogram would be a good idea considering this data?

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Rob, i have to put the disclaimer here that only your doctor can tell you what to do with testing / medication recommendations... if your stress test is abnormal, an angiogram makes sense. If you have a family history of heart attack or sudden death (mother, father, sister, brother), then angiogram makes sense. If you have symptoms of excessive out of breath (this is always hard to gauge because we all get out of breath at times), or exertional chest pain, jaw pain, arm pain, back pain, shoulder pain, etc, angiogram makes sense. I have patients in your shoes. I would have a low threshold for angiography. On the other hand, angiography is not absolutely required. You could be treated with Atorvastatin 80 or rosuvastatin 40 mg, and aspirin. Also, more importantly, you should eat a healthy diet, such as a whole food plant based diet (my dietary recommendation of choice), or Mediterranean diet. I did a video “Plants vs Statins as a treatment for coronary artery disease.” You might find that if interest. The purpose of doing an angiogram would be to understand exactly what you are dealing with in terms of degree of coronary artery narrowing. You already have enough information to know that you should take a statin, aspirin, and get your diet in the super healthy zone. Many cardiologists would not recommend angiogram in the absence of the features I mentioned above, because medical and lifestyle management of stable coronary artery disease is, in general, equivalent to or better than managing with stents (COURAGE Trial and ISCHEMIA Trial). Occasionally, someone in your shoes has severe diffuse blockage and bypass surgery is considered. That is a tough recommendation to make I. Someone without symptoms. As you can tell, it is not clear cut whether to have an angiogram or not. I favor doing it in a case like yours, but if your doc does not recommend it, that is very reasonable. But the most important outcome from your testing will likely be that it will motivate you to take the medications and live healthy. Best wishes!

[@ssnoc]

CardioGauge - Doctor, thank you so very much for taking the time to answer me in such detail - I understand and probably would feel better if they did the angiography. When I viewed the CAC scan ( got the disc from Zwanger ) it was immediately apparent that the entire LDA was calcified and smaller amounts in other areas. I will post my doctors recommendation and nuclear stress results when I go on Wed 3/11. I am very grateful to get such valuable feedback from someone with your credentials and think you provide a tremendous service, much appreciated - Thank You 🙏

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

Get a CIMT TEST!

[@ssnoc]

@@Hanover-ek4jy - Well .. it’s a year later and I had to have bypass surgery. They attempted to do angiogram and place a stent, however they couldn’t get the stent into the blockage, so they went straight to a bypass the next morning. It was more than I expected, but probably saved my life. I had no heart attack or damage, the bypass was precautionary and necessary. It really wasn’t that bad - of course it took about 1-2 months to heal, but I’m fine today. I suggest anyone with a high calcium score like I had to definitely go get a Angiogram because there is no other way to know for sure how bad your blockage is - the calcium scan saved my life - I had almost no symptoms and all my other tests were normal too - They thought they could stent me, but unfortunately my blockage made it impossible to get a stent into place - which is rare I think. Anyway, I’m fine today all healed up and now take a statin because I obviously have atherosclerosis. Get a calcium scan because it could save your life - it saved mine.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

@@ssnoc 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 take care!

[@YouTuber-ep5xx]

Mayo gave me 2 numbers: A 'calcium score' and an Agatston score. For me, the former was bad, the latter lower and not as bad. Can anyone explain the distinction between the two scores?

[@1aliveandwell]

Am guessing this is 1 of many types of helpful tests. 1 side of family had stents or quadruple by and wanted to check. Dr said Calcium score CT but hospital thinks he meant CT heart angiogram. Looked up and found info can be false positives and false negatives. Am wondering causes. It listed if soft plaque which can also be dangerous , is not seen. Will ask relatives if knew was soft or calcified plaque.

[@manemaren]

I had a Calcium Score done and it was zero but I had a Heart Attack a month later. Does that mean it was not done properly?

[@wellnessdr5572]

Where did you do the calcium score scan Mani Maran Was it in India or USA

[@fsufan]

What about being put on a statin after a heart attack despite having good cholesterol numbers.

[@JD-gm1wq]

Statins are dangerous...cholesterols is essential in the body. Terrible side effects like Alzheimer’s, blasting of muscle cells and much more.There is no reason for you to be on statins and if your numbers weren’t perfect there are many other non medical alternatives to statins. Also there are no studies to support that statin use is beneficial.

[@2010100473]

They reduce inflammation and help hard the plaques becoming it more stable, because once you have one you might have more

[@orbs1062]

Calcium score was 30 in 2008. Triple bypass in 2020 Yay me!!!

[@sheddkkhan6758]

How much ldl you was in 2008

[@winnert8238]

Hi Doctor , i am male chinese age 46 with a calcium score of 8 , is my risk high down the road of 5-10yrs ? Thks

[@winnert8238]

Chaz thk u so much

[@2010100473]

Your risk accord with table is 3% for an 10 years-event

[@winnert8238]

edson montibeller thank you so much for your great infor and reply : 🙏🏻

[@sheddkkhan6758]

@@winnert8238 how much ldl you had when you score was 8

[@chefdoodsmanalo367]

Hi DR. I am 42 y/o and I had an angiogram last year OCT 2019 and I found out that I have a 90% 80% 70% 50% 40 % arteries blockage I was supposed to undergo CABG bypass operation March 2020 but I refused coz i am scared with the procedure . I did an alternative solution Keto diet, supplementation, exercise , sleep , medication, therapy iv plaque X , ECP therapy. Today I decided to do a calcium score test and my score is 171. I know this number is still high but I think I reversed my plaque.

[@davidboyd374]

Your blocked arteries are different to you calcium scores. I had a quadruple bypass 10 years ago . Very painful for about 1 month after that easy . In AUSTRALIA they won't do bypass surgery unless your 65% blocked . So if you have been offered bypass surgery .then why won't you take it My blockages were 85% I was a walking dead man .

[@chefdoodsmanalo367]

@@davidboyd374thanks for your reply I read the ischemia trial report and study says a bypass operation will not lessen your risk of having a cardiac events thats why I decided to turn it down.

[@bartrobinson2103]

@@chefdoodsmanalo367 I agree if you're not having any physical symptoms. I'm aware of that recent trial report

[@peepsandmax]

Hi Doctor, I’m glad that I stumbled on your channel. Good info. I’m 47 (female) and got my CAC test a week ago. My score is zero. I also got a body scan at the same time and it indicated that I have minimal calcific atherosclerosis in the abdomen. How much K2 would you recommend to reverse it? Is it an indication of heart attack risk even thought my CAC is zero? Thanks.

[@sheddkkhan6758]

Which artery ?

[@trishw2934]

What scan did you have to check for body plague? Do they have this kind of test

[@bobwilliams3502]

Hi Doc. Should someone with Aortic Stenosis stop drinking milk? What other things should they avoid?

[@curbozerboomer1773]

I am a recent recipient of an artificial Aortic valve...Just follow the guidelines for eating a heart-healthy diet...and have your cardiologist monitor you closely...the real cure, is what I experienced...the TAVR procedure, which replaces the valve...a one-day, minimally invasive procedure!...I feel so much better now!...the valve is good for around 15 years...I do not expect to be here to witness that, as I am now 76!..lol. Modern medicine is awesome...I should be dead by now.

[@shashimoghe3920]

Sorry cardio has prescribed me ECOSPRIN AV 75/20 DAILY for 4 months review after 4 months with LIPID PROFILE AND BLOOD SUGAR TEST REPORT

[@king0vdarkness]

Your MESA link doesn't include indian/pakistani/asian only caucasian, chinese, hispanic and african american...

[@CardioGauge]

Yes unfortunately they did not have enough subjects of this ethnicity to put the numbers into the calculator. Thank you for pointing that out! Still, an elevated calcium score for someone of Pakistani or Indian descent has important implication for risk. Lipoprotein (a) assessment also helpful as this is present in many people from India / Pakistan. If lipoprotein (a) is negative, it implies lower risk. Anyway, thank you for your comment

[@king0vdarkness]

@@CardioGauge thank you for your reply! I guess the life changes are just exercise and a clean diet?

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

It does not distinguish between hard calcium and soft plaque!

[@bartrobinson2103]

Exactly and calcium scores are not good for follow-up and monitoring

[@9javaldez]

Morning Doc…quick question: would you recommend taking some iodine, cesium and strontium to counteract the years worth of radiation from the scan? Great video by the way, I have my calcium score test in a couple of weeks.

[@erniedavies159]

hi i have a calcium score of 1.7 i,m 77 years old non smoker bp average 140/78 thanks if you can reply

[@shellymatlock5962]

What if you score is 670 is that bad?

[@mj9949]

ask your doctor

[@nomorenews]

It is high risk but that doesn't mean to live in fear.Take care of your healthy diet and regular exercise and recheck after few years.

[@PaulCoboPhoto]

I too would like to know if this test is good to monitor progress in terms of for better or for worst. I'm a 52 year old hispanic male, and I had my first stent at 39 years old and then another one 3 years after. I finally am taking as much control of my health as possible and I started last year on Intermittent fasting and the Keto Diet, and exercising. My triglyceride levels are now lower than ever, and my HDL is higher than ever, but my doctor is concerned that my LDL has gone up a bit. What do you recommend? Thanks!

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Paul, I can't give you direct advice because this is KZbin. However, I can say that for my patients who have had any stent work, I recommend dietary change. You have made that by doing the intermittent fasting and keto diet. While I prefer a whole food plant-based diet to the keto diet (Typically results in a lower LDL), I think the keto diet is still a much much better choice than a standard diet. Intermittent fasting is a great way to control food intake, control weight, And keep you on the right track with lifestyle change. For my patients with Coronary stents, I do recommend Statin medication, for example rosuvastatin 20 or 40 mg per day. I presume you are on this or atorvastatin. For my coronary artery disease patients with LDL more than 100, who are not already on maximum dose of Statin, I generally increase the dose, although this is not mandatory. The calcium score is more useful for people who have not already had a stent. The stent messes up the score calculation, the stent shows up as big blobs of calcium. While it is possible to do a manual score to track how you are doing, it is not something commonly done. Further, tracking the score even in someone who has never had a stent is not very useful. Calcification progresses at varying rates, and you couldn't conclude anything based on year to year scan comparisons. Even 5 years later, with a great diet and exercise the whole time, the score could increase 100-200 points. While people have reported calcium score decreasing with Vitamin K2, the studies (I reference them in the video) do not show decrease in calcium score, but rather a possible slowing of calcium score progression. Some people believe in the carotid ultrasound as a measure for how you are doing (Dr Brewer), but in my experience this test is not accurately repeatable, and therefore not effective. So basically we don't have good tests for seeing how someone is doing with their coronary artery disease. The most accurate tests (coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography) are all invasive, and not worth the risk of doing for someone who does not have symptoms. While I occasionally do follow up stress tests on patients, these are really quite inaccurate as well, in terms of predicting how someone is doing (is the blockage getting worse or getting better? Staying the same?). A PET (positron emission tomography) stress test might be more accurate, but this is expensive and not widely available. Bottom line is, we don't have a very good means of tracking the coronary artery disease burden of people over time, and we are left with a mish mash of semi useful stuff, like blood sugar, blood pressure, exercise capacity, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, and stress test results. Best wishes and thanks for your important questions.

[@PaulCoboPhoto]

@@CardioGauge Thank you Dr.Ritter, for your complete explanation and reply. I am currently on 40mg of Atorvastatin. thanks again.

[@millbankbagsusa2037]

Hi, I had the scan done and my score was 616. The heart dr. Had me get the treadmill test and all the other heart test which all came back negative. He put me on Lipatore 80mg and asprin and said come back if you have any problems. I read the average score will go up 20 % a year. What good is this test if they can't really do something about it? I was wondering why the dr. did not have me get a angeograhm also. Thank you for your informative video.

[@CardioGauge]

Hi Millbank, this is a pretty common scenario. When I get a patient like you , I treat with atorvastatin and aspirin. For a patient under 75, I would generally use the 80 mg dose. I do not send the patient for angiogram unless he or she has symptoms like exertional chest pain, jaw pain or arm pain, or worse than expected out of breath. While it is true that statins don't seem to help much with preventing increased calcium score, statins do decrease the chance of stroke or heart attack. It is more important to decrease stroke and heart attack than it is to decrease a number like a calcium score. The calcium isn't the problem. It is a signal that there is a problem. Calcium in the coronary arteries indicates there are atherosclerotic plaques. The most calcified plaques are often the least dangerous. The softer, non calcified plaques have little spots of calcium in them, they do not have a calcified cap on top of them, and these softer plaques are prone to breaking open and causing a blood clot in the artery. Here is a link to a study about how people with high calcium scores appear to (on average) benefit from statins: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30409567 Also, your age is a factor. The older you are, the less bad a calcium score of 616. For example if you are 80, a score of 616 is worse than 60% of other people 80 yrs old. If you are 60, a score of 616 is worse than 90% of people your age. You can plug your numbers into this calculator to see your percentile rank for coronary calcium: www.mesa-nhlbi.org/Calcium/input.aspx Bottom line is, if i had a 50-70 yr old person with a calcium score like yours, I would recommend very healthy diet, I think the whole food plant based diet is the healthiest one (although this is not a proven fact), routine exercise basically every day (whatever it is the person enjoys, using variety to prevent injury), aspirin 81 mg per day, and atorvastatin 40 or 80 mg per day. I would consider a stress test every one to two years, with the purpose of looking out for signs of trouble before symptoms start, although doing routine stress testing is not mandatory, and is less important than the lifestyle treatment and medications. Hope this helps, and best wishes!

[@millbankbagsusa2037]

Thank you Dr. for sending your reply so quickly. I am 67 yrs old and I have no symptoms of heart problems. My dr. put me on 80mg. of Avorastatin and asprin. I have been reading some of your stuff and also Dr. William Davis a cardiologist. He too says to change your diet to no wheat or grain products and to take Vit. D3 , Vit K2, and Fish oil. When he put patients on the D3,K2 he saw remarkable decrease in Calcium scores from patients who had higher scores like mine. Thank you for putting your information on the internet . I have changed my diet and am on Vit. D3, K2, fish oil and pumkin seed oil. I will probably get another scan in a year or so to see if this is working. Thanks, Ray

[@CardioGauge]

It sounds like you are doing everything you can to decrease your risk, and that is the point of getting a calcium scan. It can motivate you to do things you might otherwise not be able to do! Please post a comment about how you are doing when you get your next scan!

[@millbankbagsusa2037]

@@CardioGauge I will and thanks again...

[@jnewmark41]

CardioGauge you are terrific! What a wonderful Dr.

[@fishingpinky3165]

My ignorant doctor tried to put me on statins due to a LDL or 150 mg/dl. I said NO! I got the scan and my score was ZERO! No meds for me!

[@gaylecheung3087]

If I drink over 4 gallons of milk a months, so does that mean I’m gonna have calcium in my blood, I heart attack survivor RCA a year and four months ago this year I am 58 next year Canadian female Chinese heritage

[@gregbell4505]

Milk is full of sugar.avoid it use cream better for coffee etc

[@shashimoghe3920]

Sir excellent feedback on calcium score thanks. I have calcium score of 1384 age 77 no other symptoms except HBP for which take tablet TELKONOL AM daily Kindly advice I am following diet and life style advice by cardio thanks 22/12/2019

[@CardioGauge]

You can check out the Mount Abu Open Heart Study which addresses diet and lifestyle advice, for preventing and treating heart disease. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23550427

[@shashimoghe3920]

Good morning dr sir definitely I will read the report and in case of any doubt seek your valuable guidance and advice thanks a lot good wishes your are such a nice guy 23/12/2019

[@divyanjalisharma319]

Hello Shashi sir. Did you find anything valuable? My father is 75, and we found out recently that his calcium score is 1950. He's also got hbp. Since there were so many similarities, I thought I'll ask you if there's anything substantial that you've found in your research till now. Thanks. Hope you're doing well.

[@nomorenews]

@@divyanjalisharma319 hows your father doing now

[@nomorenews]

@@shashimoghe3920 how is your cac score now and how you doing?