Ep:314 HEART ATTACK!!!! - CAC SCORE EXPLAINED

[@meghanryan6707]

I greatly appreciate both you and Ivor. He's a truth teller. Thanks for your work!

[@godsdozer]

I have an amazing cardiologist. He said he would get me a cac test/score................... but there is nothing that can reverse a high score. I said, don't worry, I'm carnivore now so it is what it is. His response, keep doing what you are doing.

[@SET12DSP]

Yes, you can reverse a CAC score as I have reversed mine, and I'm not even a carnivore to speak of. I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. I have reversed mine from 660 to 458 so far....

[@condoguy710]

@@SET12DSP iv been taking lysine, proline vitamin C, tocotrienols etc for years I have no idea if it has helped until I get my cac score done I suppose

[@sixpackbinky]

@@SET12DSPwow that’s great!

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Bull.....dr brewer....I think his name is Ford???....he has videos of himself reducing his

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Look up this video its six years old dr Ford Brewer How i reversed 20 years of plaque.....he has many Premed short vi deos too

[@elidao2591]

I am smiling not just because you joked at the end of the video but also because after our consultation I got nothing but great news about my health. Now I will be doing my CAC or CTC I don't know anymore, and hopefully I will be smiling a lot more after that. Do your consults with Dr Cywes, its worth it. Thank you Dr Cywes 💛

[@dandydonslife9869]

Great info on heart disease and how to prevent, like your cac score info to, thanks.

[@beaubolinger1521]

Hello from Queensland Australia

[@glenntimberlake2413]

This is a great teaching with excellent explanations. Thank you.!!

[@swanee22]

It was because of that amazing individual and very great soul, Ivor Cummins, that I got a CAC 4 years ago...after having gone low carb in 2017 (no sugar, no grains, no seed oils), and I had a score of 6. What I really like about a low carb / keto approach to things is that you can see the results in your blood work. I consistently have HDL in the 70s, TGL in the 60s, Insulin down at about 2, HOMA-IR at 0.5 or less, and C-reactive protein (systemic inflammation marker) at a very low 0.47. My doctor still wants to put me on a statin because my total cholesterol is about 250 (Rob Lustig MD -author of Metabolical, says to throw that number in the garbage). No way in hell I'm going on a statin after seeing a family member go through dementia...no way, José. So many doctors seem to work for the drug companies -at least indirectly. At 72 I feel really good. I wish that I could have known this stuff 50 years ago...but nobody did.

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Yes theres documented literature of a Banting man who was corportulant....thats old word for fat....doing an all meat diet or meat and litte veg high fats he lost a lot of weight too

[@stealth48nurse]

Excellent information thank you so very much!!!

[@richardwilliamswilliams]

Good afternoon from Copperhill Tn.

[@lukeskywkr8976]

HI Dr. Cywes, I have found your videos very informative indeed being a T2 diabetic 20 yrs and have been fed meds/insulin!!! I tried keto 2 yrs ago. Happily Im off insulin and lost 15 kgs! I reside in Cape Town, South Africa. Please could you recommend any keto LCHF Docs that are like-minded? Thanks for the brilliant work you and similar Dr's in your space are doing to switch the lights on for us being treated by archaic Dr's stuck on solving health issues with meds only.

[@Maverick-l4g]

thank you

[@kathyridgeway5235]

thank you for all the info. I did contribute via PP

[@the_astro_garden]

Definitely smiled at the end.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

Calcified plaque is usually very stable and very different from the hot extremely dangerous liquid plaque!

[@SET12DSP]

That's true! But how about getting rid of both as I am. Reversing my CAC with the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

@@SET12DSP please elaborate!

[@SET12DSP]

@Hanover-ek4jy Linus Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner and was awarded 48 PhDs over his lifetime. He was a biochemist and considered to be one of the world's smartest men in the last 1000yrs. He worked with MDs and cardiologists, but because he wasn't an MD, cardiologists refused to believe that he knew anything. But Pauling had many interests, one of which was vitamin C and its use in the body, especially heart disease. As it was in the 1950s, it was discovered that heart attack victims were severely difficult in C in the arteries close to the heart, and the damage was quite evident. Lp-a, a sub-particle of LDL, was discovered to initiate the plaque process. Lp-a was found to be the bodies substitute for vitamin C. Every cell in the body needs C and, in large amounts, way more than the RDA. The blood holds very little in contrast to the cells. I never knew this, but you can have a thing called focal scurvy, meaning an area that is in short supply of C or completely deficient. I found out that the eyes require a huge amount of C. So Lysine and Proline, which are amino acids, are used to bind Lp-a in the blood and prevent it from starting the plaqueing process, allowing C to repair the damaged artery correctly. Repair the damaged Lysine and Proline exposed strands. Instead of plastering it all up and further calcifying the artery wall, which cardiologists call a healing process. Not in Paulings' eyes and surely not in a few cardiologists' eyes either. After seeing my CAC Score reversing, it was certainly not in my eyes. There has never been a study on this as there is no money in it! As you may know, statins are the most profitable drug in the pharma industry. The studies that were done were with hardly a gram. They would call 500mg a mega dose as 100mg is the RDA. As it turns out, the body uses C up rapidly, fighting any toxicity in the body, especially orally with bad root canals and implants. K2-MK7 fights bad oral bacteria, killing 95% of it, so I use high dose K2-MK7 with vitamin D3 as I have 3 root canals and an implant. I follow Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist author of the book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy And so far, he is right. One has to find their bowel tolerance of Vitamin C by taking it in divided doses per day till you get diarrhea and then back off till firmer. I find I can take much more at night. My dosage is 5 grams morning and 5 grams afternoon with 15 grams evening. Lysine is 6 grams a day, and Proline is 8 grams per day. All I know is there are no side effects, and it sure beats Statins and stents and many other medications.

[@SET12DSP]

So the real cause, as Levy points out, is sheer mechanical stress of the artery. It is quite well known that many endurance athletes often have high CAC's, and I have heard 40% of marathon runners have heart issues. I lost 100 lbs just from walking. I was also a former vegetarian on Dr. Cadwell Essyltyn diet. Now I'm basicly grain and sugar-free. Vitamin C has no toxicity, but too much water will kill you! I'm 68 yrs old. I walk 4-6,000 steps per day. I once heard that the Japanese are some of the longest lifespans in the world, I also heard they don't do marathons and they don't do gyms. I exercise for what I need no more, no less.

[@bscsmscs1578]

@@SET12DSP Japanese have long life span. This is probably due to that they eat tons of seaweed & fish giving them high omega3/omega6 ratio & this results in very low inflammation (hence low or less CALCIFICATION). Vita C is also good in reducing inflammation.

[@JohnMcGovern-s5c]

Great video, thank you...

[@returntodogen]

Say more about tobacco industry and statins

[@frankenz66]

1931 CAC in 2019. Had a 99% soft blockage in "widowmaker" artery. Turned out to have serious trouble with statins and couldn't walk for nine months taken off. TOFI body type. I started keto and a lot of fasting, found to have rapid response. Lipid panels changed around. I will never be medically ordered to take a CAC score agaon as it their policy not to because I am already establish cardio patient.

[@jac1161]

find some to order it, and get it done. Don't stay with abuse/neglect or where you feel stuck You are paying THEM!

[@frankenz66]

I would respond, but apparently youtube is blocking my statements that are anything more than just mundane ones.

[@MK-sc8md]

In case you wonder whether online efforts impact heath…Thanks to your info I got a CAC that resulted incidental finding:focal subpleural nodularity superior segment of left lower lobe (4:90). A separate 4 mm solid nodule in the same lobe. PET w/contrast: malignant adenoma. I’m too old to die young

[@debbywhitsitt7336]

How do you find a cardiologist like you described?

[@Roberto-cg2gr]

How about research on CIMT to predict soft plaque?

[@michaelrocole7174]

Fat for fuel Protien for repair ?

[@susanshaver912]

I won't even have milk in my house. Only heavy cream and butter..... discussion, then what to do - call to action, strategies you can do yourself: 25:00 get bloodwork done CAC score; therapy - low carb, high fat, increase salt, get A1c at 5.2 0r lower; some form of physical activity every day - frequency more important than intensity; No statins ; baby aspirin a day; antioxidants Omega 3 fatty acid, MCT or coconut oil, Vitamin D3 K2 and walks in the sunshine; Vitamin C; blood pressure control - monitor every day; stop nicotine products; correct insulin resistance; take care of your heart!

[@HappyLife-wv5ms]

Why not just live your life as if you were told you had a high CAC score. Make the lifestyle changes you would do anyway without the exposure to radiation and mental stress from being given a bad number.

[@PaulBengtsson]

Yes. Why wait for the shit to hit the fan.

[@jac1161]

I was concerned about the radiation to the breasts and thyroid which are right there!

[@HappyLife-wv5ms]

@@jac1161 Absolutely!

[@JScox]

I had a CaC years ago. They tell you not to have so much as a dental x-ray for at least 6 months because of the radiation.

[@lornahowerton1379]

I had a CAC score of 1333 after eating SAD for 50 yrs. I quickly went on keto for a year then continued to eat 50gm carbs and do OMAD and extended fasting of 36 hrs couple times a month for 5 yrs. Now my score is 2533. I am still low carb 50 gms no statins or BP medicine because 5 different medicines didn't work. Any suggestions? I've worked so hard.

[@junipersue]

Do you know any metabolic Doctors in Central Oregon per chance?

[@alansawesomeketoworld4612]

I have to ask my doctor to get a cac test

[@200Nora]

Mine is zero

[@FrankGreenway]

I’m eating mostly carnivore and just had a CAC scan and my score was 913. I’m being told I need to change my diet to Mediterranean and take a high dose statin for at least 6 months

[@SET12DSP]

I would have had a 900+ CAC score if I were not doing what I have been doing for the last 3 years. My CAC 3 years ago was 660. 1 year ago, it was 458. A CT scan tech suggested it has to be a mistake and suggested I take another scan. I asked my cardiologist if the scans' data could be verified. I got word today, "No calcium was missed." The score is correct. I will not take a Statin as it does nothing but increase the calcium score all in the name of plaque stabilization. It also increases Lp-a, a subparticle of LDL that diet nor exercise can lower it as it is genetic. I have been using the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol for the past 3 years, and apparently, successfully. It has 3 main ingredients. High dose vitamin C with Lysine and Proline amino acids to neutralize Lp-a. High dose vitamin C desolves calcium as well as repairs the damaged arteries correctly instead of plastering them up with calcium that just doesn't belong there. The artery is damaged because of focal vitamin C deficiency. Lp-a is the bodies substitute for vitamin C.

[@pillsber]

If you're already low carb with proper waist ( ≤ .5 of height men or ≤ .85 hip / waist ratio women ) why bother? You're already doing the best you can to improve your immune system and risk. I suppose it's good to know just for grinsies but the proper eating is still the same diagnosis to remedy.

[@johnl3680]

Dr C, can you speak to people that smoke and vape marijuana?

[@noradeclark9283]

You did not mention blood thinners. After my massive heart attack caused by one clogged artery I was prescribed asperin, a blood thinner drug and cholesterol pills. I have taken the blood thinners as I was told if I did not my artery would clog back up, same with the cholesterol pills I do take the asperin. Please advise or help...ty

[@warddbud]

What do you say to a 57 year old white male with a CHC score of 3238 Non-smoker, non-diabetic I am moderately athletic

[@raymaher7796]

I have a 3000 CAC score, 64 old, non smoker, non diabetic and cycle 60 to 100 miles a week. I recently lost 40 pounds with carnivore over the last 8 months and just got tested. I see you posted this 6 months ago, What did you find out about your high score?

[@warddbud]

@@raymaher7796 that I had two arteries blocked and got two stents placed. And I’m still cycling trying to get up 60 to 100 miles a week

[@saul_bloom]

CAC 26 age 50 and both cardiologist and primary want to prescribe statins. They say fish oils are 100% ineffective and want to prescribe $200/month Vascepa. Lol

[@timreynolds2264]

Can you do a test if you had a bypass?

[@terri4337]

Doesn’t a carnivore diet increase the uric acid? And how can we reduce the level?

[@jac1161]

yes it does. ... I go back to this: balance! Meat, fish, salads, eat colorfully, not too much, not too little, move/exercise, be joyful, move away from trauma-triggering people, music, dance, love, give, and move on. Too much of this is vanity and insanity

[@lynnwilliams5432]

Six years Carnivore recently fell on hard concrete picking up trash after 9 miles 9 minutes sprint broke femur in two places stem and lower . Restrictions on no weight bearing on left leg. Can you do something on Osteoporosis? It is a killer too.

[@edv9483]

Research Vitamins D3 & K2-MK7

[@jubestube99]

Is there any way someone can come off statins after a heart attack (stent fitted in 95% blockage in LAD)?

[@thomasbrennan1703]

67 years old I stop my statin and let my doctor know With in the last year my cac number was 53 I had my major arteries also examined and they had some plaque build up but is was evenly distributed and no intervention has been recommended My concern since I have been on the carnivore diet for about 3 months A1c down from5.9 to 5.5 Triglyceride 75 Hld. 73 Ldl up to 190 from 49 Total cholesterol 260 was 170 My bmi down from 37 to 27 Weight down from 260 to 226 My doctor said my insulin sensitivity was ok I still take 50 k d3 once a week With the ldl going up my doctor of course wants me back on a statin. So far I am resisting taking the statin With the increase in my fat consumption I wanted to take another cac scan. My doctor said that cac scans for me might not show a difference for up to 5 years. Does this make any sense to you?

[@SET12DSP]

Nice CAC Score, I can only wish, but I'm heading for it as I am reversing mine. If something is drastic enough, like my using the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol, which in 20 months reversed my CAC from 660 to 458, it obviously did show a major improvement. You're in real danger, though....never take D3 without K2-MK7 as D3 allows your body to absorb 20x more calcium, and it doesn't know where to go without K2-MK7. Instead that calcium builds up in your arteries and your setting yourself up for a heart attack..... The correct dosing is 100mcg of K2-MK7 per 1000i.u. of D3. Myself I take 2400mcg of K2-MK7 with 5000i.u of D3 per day. K2-MK7 is not toxic so taking extra is OK.

[@sf8290]

Type 1 or 2 diabetic is insulin resistant??

[@AndreaOrimoto]

Type 2 is the insulin resistant one, I think he misspoke

[@sf8290]

@@AndreaOrimoto thank you...🙂

[@susankeller5038]

But don’t exogenous ketones inhibit your own fat burning/ketone production?

[@WFPBFORLIFE]

Low carb high fat Diets- Atkins, south each, zone diet, paleo, ketogenic, carnivore, lion. All have the same effect and increase levels on insulin resistance. Diabetes and obesity is caused by insulin resistance which is the build up of animal fats in cells that are not meant to store it. This causes insulin levels to rise and glucose levels in the blood to rise because it cannot enter into the cells. Plenty of information available confirming this! Well for those who want to see it? We have plenty of denial. Now High LDL is normal too? Big Ag and Big Pharma love this narrative keeps them rolling in the trillions of dollars.

[@NomadicLiving]

My husband got a score of 14 at age 72, he is now 75. We kinda thought that was acceptable. We're both are low carb/Keto for about 7 years, work out with weights and RV travel across the country.

[@lmyers9999]

It's $99 - I'd so it again. the sitting can be a problem...

[@MrYorickJenkins]

So what? Why should that interest anyone else?

[@AK3lms]

@@MrYorickJenkinstroll

[@MrYorickJenkins]

​@@AK3lms "YorickJenkinstroll" is no answer. Is it the best your intelligence can reach to? I repeat the question, try to answer it please if you possibly can. Why should anyone be interested in the scores of complete strangers?

[@jenjabba6210]

IVOR CUMMINS is EXCELLENT. His research is SOLID. Everyone should be following him.

[@SET12DSP]

Yes, he's pretty good at stopping the progression of heart disease. But I have never seen him reverse it like the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol that has already reversed mine by 30% verified by CAC.

[@GVPARTS]

Im 64 just had CAC score of 800, pretty bad. Results of a life of stress and bad diet. I'm a Non smoker no diebetes, good blood pressure. Though I was previously overweight 40+ pounds and had a drink or 3 every day. So I changed my diet a year prior to getting the cac score and lost 40,lbs. Cut way back on alcohol to 1 or 2 drinks a month. Since I cant afford the battery of tests and specialist appointments my cardiologist recommended I decided to attack the problem with diet and excersize. Moderate keto with fish and omega 3s. I have already accepted the possibility of my own mortality so I dont live in fear of death, if it comes it comes, I've had a good life. I keep my stress low and enjoy every day. Life is way too short to be around bad people.

[@jeffj318]

Amen, brother. 👍

[@chavbudgie4299]

Good luck, you've made the change, well done😊

[@laurielatour2862]

I'm a 74 yr old woman, non-smoker, not diabetic, mostly low carb the past 10 years although I have "fallen off the wagon" with some sweets from time to time.Recent cholesterol was 412, HDL 104, triglycerides 76 (had been 46 a year or two ago but I knew I'd eaten more carbs). Previous cholesterol tests in 300's but HDL always around 100. Fasting insulin low (sorry I don't have test results handy), fasting blood sugar around 90, sometimes in the 80's. I refused statins for years & got doc to order CAC. Result = 0 Had a nuclear stress test a few years ago & that was normal. Get the CAC done! Gives you peace of mind, but also got my doc to stop harping about cholesterol and statins! My insurance covered it (I just paid a small copay) but I would've done it anyway. The imaging center told me the cost was $99 if I'd had to pay full price. Worth every penny if I'd had to pay that.

[@jerseyjim9092]

No one with a zero CAC needs a statin. If you're on Medicare, the 5 min test is covered. If not, it's probably less than $200.

[@frankenz66]

Triglycerides divided by HDL tells your realest risks. Your ratio value is well below 1. That value being above 1 raises your risks of heart events and strokes by 5 times. At one point years ago, in my inflammed fatty liver disease ( NASH) I had a total cholestrol level of just 211, but I only had traces of HDL or 0 and higher triglycerides..

[@frankenz66]

@@sixpackbinky Yeah, I like his Channel.

[@glendaking5576]

If it’s a 0 it gives you peace of mind. Just my opinion. Now I worry never even thought about it.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

Did I miss your LDL values?

[@robertguirguisdo9728]

As a physician myself in St. Pete Florida , I have recommended to my patients to follow your Chanel. You are the best on this topic for sure.

[@grunklebob9009]

Dr, another great topic I have ZERO fear commenting on! So my Cholesterol is 300 and my doctor is VERY concerned, and I am not. He didn't seem interested in the fact that my HDL and Tri are the same at 75. He also wasn't moved when my CaC was 1. He said "I need to see the stress test." Well yesterday I did that and guess what? The Dr wrote I had "Superior Exercise Capacity" and put my 5year life expectancy at 97%. The tech said I was top 1% for stress test. Not bad for a 51 yr old male who was afraid to run 2 years ago because my heart always hurt and my arms were numb! Now, 19 months Ketovore, 5'10" lost 55 pounds, High School/Army weight currently 165lbs, waist is smaller than leg length 30/32, BMI is 23. Feeling better everyday!!! Seriously, CaC check is 45$ at my hospital, find out what yours cost and get it done, AT LEAST to get a baseline! I knew the tech because I fix the machine and we went slice by slice, checked my lungs for tumors as well, and were both pretty damn happy with what we saw! So I just quit smoking as well, I really struggle with smoking/vaping, I have for 35 years. Happy to say I am smoke free again! Hopefully can stay here :)

[@buckmurdock2500]

My 5 yr cardio life expectancy is 98% based on Echo stress test-above average exercise capability. Cholesterol is about 100 (fluctuates up and down about 10 pts either, HbA1C is 4.7, fasting blood sugar was 82 all testing done about 3 mo ago. Looking at these test results in a vacuum are meaningless. I love how people wave their labs touting good health when they are not. CaC only shows calcified plaque. Nothing about other plaque. No way I'd continue with routine CaC testing, NFW I'd get a angiogram if I was asymptomatic. I am 67, eat a plant based diet, no meat, no dairy, no added oil. Every Dr. I have been to has praised my diet. They are not selling anything, they know what the data says and they don't have a YT channel.

[@rollingstone3017]

@@buckmurdock2500Indeed. Old calcified plaque means nothing. He lost me when he said he sent his patient for a stent.

[@HEARTANDSOULOFMINE]

Seriously, you have increased your life expectancy way past 5 years by ceasing smoking. Good for you!

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Yes sir but can you get the CAC scan wuthout a dr of some sirt to set it up for you cause uve had three cardiologist to refuse me they say why do you want that done youve alrrady gotten a stent and you know you have a problem so why do the test????

[@spitz2000]

​@@brendaandrandyking4126 my doc did order mine, but I didn't use insurance for it. I think it cost under $200. Not sure if insurance would pay, but I didn't want to wait for authorization and then didn't submit the bill. Sounds pretty closed minded for your doc not to get that for you. My placed suggested that and then what a ultrasound on carotid arteries and legs, which were free locally.

[@easypeasy1216]

I'm 64. A lean mass hyper responder, super high cholesterol,normal triglycerides, ZERO CAC score. Ketovore for life.

[@bscsmscs1578]

Ketovore for life comes with serious issues also. High Cancer & Alzimers rates at the population level. Vegetarians have 2/3 lower cancer rates & very low Alzimers rates

[@PaulBengtsson]

@@bscsmscs1578 Don't belive that for a second

[@MK-sc8md]

@@PaulBengtsson Just a matter of religion & pick your poison. I couldn't survive vegetarianism if my life depended on it.

[@PaulBengtsson]

@@MK-sc8md But you clever enoff to know that it was just BS what him or she claimed.

[@a3300000]

@@bscsmscs1578BS.

[@JoelP1961]

I had bloodwork done this past summer, triglycerides 77, HDL 62, LDL 190, fasted insulin 5.2. I’m 62 very fit, weight training for 50 years. Started keto/carnivore this summer after being off of it for a while. My PA sees the numbers on my bloodwork and calls in a statin to my pharmacy without even consulting me. I just said no, from the numbers I appear to be metabolically healthy. Should I go ahead and schedule a CAC? I really don’t want to go to this PA again and it’s frustrating trying to find a competent doctor.

[@jeffj318]

Shake the dust from your feet and don't look back. You don't need this doctor.

[@BostonRocks2012]

63 year old male, totally symptom free, no chest pain. Keto since 2019. Since I had a high LDL of 200 in a routine lipid profile, my doctor ordered CAC scan ($130). It came back in the 900's so my doctor ordered a CAC test with contrast. I reviewed the films with my cardiologist and he explained what he saw. He then ordered and performed an ECHO cardiogram. Everything normal. He then performed a coronary angiogram to get a good look inside my coronary arteries and check actual blood flow. and pressure. Bottom line: my blood flow was over 90%, so he did not stent (he told me ahead of the procedure that he was not going to stent if the blood flow was over 90%). One coronary artery (circumflex) was completely blocked but collateral arteries grew around the blockage. All plaque was hard and stable and posed little risk. He cleared me to play tennis or any activity I desire. My cardiologist understands statin propaganda and big pharma. We discussed the statin studies and the difference between relative risk reduction and absolute risk reduction of taking a statin. I opted out of the statins. The coronary angiogram gave us the data we needed.

[@DK-pr9ny]

Thanks for sharing. My numbers are similar to yours, and my doc highly recommends a statin as they apparently help to calcify soft plaque and reduce inflammation.

[@glendaking5576]

Did insurance pay for your additional testing? 5:03

[@MK-sc8md]

Desperate for a keto-friendly cardiologist. RU from Boston area???? Would greatly appreciate name of your cardiologist!

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

So then im wondering if vitamin k2 is effective against only soft plaques ???? And what do you think of nattokinase??

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

​@@DK-pr9nywait statins help to harden the soft plaques???? That diesnt sound good to me

[@dawnt5587]

My doctor put me on statins but they made me feel terrible. I told him I wasn’t taking them. I told him I wanted a CAC test. It was zero. No statins for me.

[@chicagomike]

Well you don’t need them.

[@Wings_nut]

61 yo lean mass hyper-responder. Over 2.5 yrs carnivore. LDL = 566; remnant cholesterol < 14; triclyceride:HDL ratio = 0.79; C Reactive Protein = 0.7; Total Calcium score = 0

[@bscsmscs1578]

there are lots of chain smokers who live >90 yrs. That doesn't mean smoking is OK for people in general.

[@MrProphet469]

50yo carnivore. Not a hyper-responder. Total cho, 190. Triglycerides, 66. HDL,46. Triglyceride/HDL ratio: 4.8. LDL, 137. C-RP, 6. Total CAC, 118. What gives? I want my CAC = 0.

[@Whineboy]

⁠@@MrProphet469// your TG/HDL is 1.4, not 4.8. That’s pretty good. 60 and my CAC is 1120 so I understand something of what you are going through. Got mine down to about 1.1 on low carb. Over 4 years, dropped my Lp(a) from 92 to 42 (they say it’s hereditary and doesn’t change, my N=1 says hogwash). Lost 55+ pounds as well. Point is, you can do this!

[@DaKeezl]

8 inches 🤭

[@SET12DSP]

@MrProphet469 Your score could double every 5 years as mine did. I used the Linus Paulings Heart Protocol to reverse my CAC from 660 to 458. Check out Dr. Thomas Levy's book "Stop America's #1Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner, and Dr. Levy expands on Pauling's work.

[@vadimesharak726]

No BS. Just brilliant info. Many thanks

[@captquest1]

So, just trying to gather info and learn what's best to do at this point. My calcium score is 5700! I have angiogram scheduled in few days.

[@chriss.6526]

Hi. What was the result of the test?

[@captquest1]

@@chriss.6526 I ended up getting open heart surgery, quadruple bypass and a valve replacement. A bit of a rough ride, but great results. Today I seem to be doing well, cycling and very active.

[@robinchopra139]

my CAC is 25 and my doctor is practically screaming "take these statins or you are going to DIE!!!"

[@pobrien864]

Mine was 3 and they told me the same thing. I told them under no circumstances was I going to start taking a statin again.

[@jennifervitt7045]

Mine was 47 and my doc got mad I wouldn't take a statin. I've switched doctors now.

[@robinchopra139]

@@jennifervitt7045 Ya... first visit i got the stern "If you dont trust me, maybe you should get a new dr" then second visit (sad face) "i hope you are still alive for the next visit" . I know its time for a new Dr. but i have been with him for YEARS!" And you never know if another Dr is any different

[@robertcywes2966]

Sad

[@robinchopra139]

@@robertcywes2966 truely

[@steelersman74]

I'm 48. I'm also one of the "rare" ones who smoked most of my life and used vaping to quit smoking 10 years ago and still vape now, and I have a score of 0. Been carnivore now for about a year. Lost 65 lbs, reversed insulin resistance etc and feel better than I did back in my 20's.

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

How can you tell that you reversed insulin resistance??? A blood level on the insulin??😊

[@steelersman74]

@@brendaandrandyking4126 fasting insulin being below 5 is a pretty good indication but for non blood markers, when you lose weight and start burning fat for fuel instead of carbs, you have reversed insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is nothing more than severe insulin resistance that has been allowed to persist for many years. I caught mine before it developed into pre diabetes and full blown diabetes, thanks to these youtube keto/carnivore doctors/influencers. I had never heard of insulin resistance until then. Your standard doctors don't even know this much lol. It is sad honestly.

[@dminarsch]

This was the best video I’ve watched on the subject, hands down.

[@russbrown6453]

When I got my CAC score I asked what population of people have positive scores. They said diabetics. Interestingly, they see people who have scores in the thousands that are over 70 years old. They told me the highest score they have seen was 6000 in man who was in his late 80s!

[@chaz6399]

There's a calculator online that lets you plugin in your CAC, age, race, and gender and then see where you fall relative to your cohort/peers, i.e. which percentile you're in. Search for "MESA CAC calculators"

[@kennethh4904]

That's me at almost 64. Last CAC score 4 years ago was 1143. I refused statin drugs. Currently Carnivore and exercising everyday. Saw a couple videos on Revera that a few people dropped, their CAC scores by hundreds of points on Carnivore. I also took up Sprinting after watching Dr Sean Omara videos. He says visceral fat is the number one cause of all diseases. My stomach size , has been plummeting after starting Sprinting, for the last two months. My cardiologist, said I killed the stress test. He says he thought my calcium was from the outside in. I have no blockages. Maybe all my long distance cardio caused the calcium built up.

[@MK-sc8md]

@@kennethh4904 Huh? Very curious to know more about the calcium build up. Bracing myself for a barrage of "conventional wisdom" from conventional MD's/cardiologist. Appreciate any tips you can offer as I dare to request a CAC. Ugh!

[@jgeph2.4]

I’m 52 , and have been on a carnivore diet since May of 2023 . I’m currently down 80lbs and my BP is now normal at 110/68 average , A1C down from 5.7 -5.2 . My cholesterol has always been high at about 280 total but now my ldl is high at about 232 with slightly rising HDL at about 39-40 and triglycerides in the low 90’s . I had echocardiogram done , ekg , holster monitor and exercise stress test in September with my cardiologist and go back in a couple of months . Here’s the thing , I just got a new CAC done last month and I’m now 312 up from 72 in 2018 and I’m concerned . I’m strict carnivore and exercise usually three days a week now fairly intensely with resistance interval training . My primary wanted me back on a statin in December so I did at a lower dose of 10mg crestor per day and get new blood work next month . I’m praying I’m on the road to recovery of heart disease . I don’t drink and never smoked . HELP 😢

[@jac1161]

but...(re: CAC increasing)...did you get a cvd shot? Spike proteins are highly toxic to the vascular system. You didn't mention male or female.. if female, every on birth control? Any childhood trauma? Stress in life? Type A? It's way more than just "drink or smoke" thing. Do you exercise, weight train, go to sleep at a good time? Wake up at a good time? Get sunlight? Etc

[@jgeph2.4]

@@jac1161 I’m male and no on the 💉. I weight train 3-4 days a week now

[@chriss.6526]

You story is very similar to mine. 79 cac in 2019, 327 last week. No smoke or drink but poor sleep and high stress. Have you seen your cardiologist? What did they say about the rapid increase in cac score?

[@MrProphet469]

How about IV choline or Plaquex (phosphatidylcholine) for clearing arteries? Effective?

[@robertcywes2966]

Not that I'm aware

[@danh8537]

49 top 20% fit for my age. Dont drink or smoke. Got a CAG of 76% percentile. It is on one spot above the LAD Rest of heart is clear. I beleive it scored higher because where it is sitting. Cardiologist prescribed 20mg statin. Said dont change training habits. Sent me on my way. Took statin for 6 months no real side effects, except my metabolim seems to be not working as well. I am nearly full carnivore for a month and given up statins. Also taking vit DK2 B3 daily.

[@Padraigp]

Lets talk about the third biggest killer in usa. Doctors.

[@bosman6456]

is it to simplistic to say if your blood pressure is high odds are you have narrowing arteries or plaque build up. If blood pressure is low or normal there would be little plaque or blockage ?

[@Sameolegal87]

Great question but I’m not sure if it works that way.

[@Quakes4R]

My wife is 80 yo and had a heart attack in 2018, widow maker 100% blocked. Stented at that time. Type 2 diabetic. On blood thinners, BP meds and a statin. What should she do? Had a CAC scan a week ago, waiting for the results.

[@kimcochran5262]

Hay... my wife of 40 years just had a terrible heart attack. She has had two CAC scores that were zero ! Had to have double bypass surgery. No symptoms or contributing factors. She had Covid late May early June. Her prior blood work was perfect !!! I think it was a hemorrhagic clot.... inflammation!!!!

[@MK-sc8md]

Isn't it all about inflammation? I don't think I've ever had a C Reactive Protein done. Thinking about getting a Dr. Cywes consult to get on the right track w/ my PCP & likely new cardiologist.

[@Cocobean4]

Just a question did your wife have the covid vaccine?

[@jac1161]

cvd shots by chance? ....

[@jac1161]

the injection is highly toxic, and IS the infection (spike protein is wicked for the brain, heart, lungs, etc...especially heart)

[@jft8994]

CAC does not show the soft plaque which creates heart attacks. Her Apo(B) might have been elevated, most blood works don't show it. Many with a CAC 0 will have heart attacks. People should get a CT-Angiogram at 40 and forget about CAC, stress test. Good luck with insurance companies. We get cancer markers and preventive tests but nothing is done with the heart.

[@heatherrj9980]

So, Dr. Agatston said that a statin can help stabilize the placque. Might a statin be worth taking for that? (husband's CAC score is 300 in the LAD with moderate blockage)

[@jft8994]

I am there as well. I started Crestor 5 mg. No side effects.

[@CAnative64]

Turning 60 in a month. - Just got my calcium score; 21. Thing is all of that number is in the LAD (aka "The Widow Maker.") A bit freaked out here. All of my other numbers are excellent save for my Lipoprotein-A which is 200 and my Apolipoprotein B which is 109. Triglycerides are 80 and my A1C is 4.9. - So the issue is the Widow Maker... not sure if this calls for a stent. I know my doc will want to put me on statins immediately. Grrrrr. --- Thanks for this info. Very, very informative.

[@newunderthesun7353]

There are too many lifestyle variables to assume any chart is going to be a good predictor of risk. I'm a former Marathon runner (30 Marathons between the ages of 17 and 43), current Triathlete, 65 years old, still competitive, low carb eater, and my CAC score has tripled in five years. I have yet to find a sympathetic cardiologist.

[@gator7082]

Seems like your training is putting a lot of stress on your pipes. Maybe it's time to hang up the shoes and find something else like weight training to fill the gap. Just a thought.

[@newunderthesun7353]

@gator7082 Been doing weights since I was 15. Still 4 or 5x per week.

[@gator7082]

@@newunderthesun7353 My point was chronic cardio is bad for you. Most professionals marathon or triathlon look like sh** and don't' age well. Weight lifting as we age has obvious benefits including getting yourself off the ground when you are 80.

[@welovedogs6835]

I have progressive MS. Does this have any bearing on anything to do with your heart or CAC score? I see a cardiologist for intermittent tachycardia and spikes in my blood pressure here and there they had me on a beta blocker called carvedilol 6.25 mg twice a day but now we have skilled it back to 3.25 twice a day due to symptoms with the beta blocker I can tolerate the lower dose My lipid panels are always optimal and perfect according to my doctors I’ve had multiple EKGs some merely showing LVH otherwise normal. Others were normal and my echocardiogram Ive had two of those the first one was good. The second one was better. They were done a year apart. I’ve had two heart monitors and they did show tachycardia, but nothing super concerning I have been to the ER a few times with chest pain and elevated pressure but I clear everything cardiac all testing and so forth and even labs and they blame it on MS saying it could be autonomic dysfunction I’ll be going to have one of these CAC test done next week because MS has created horrible anxiety in me since my diagnosis I am very afraid to have this test done. I almost think I would be better off not knowing the score because if it’s any kind of crazy score. I just feel like it’s going to add to the anxiety, already suffer from due to MS I was always extremely active and exercised daily for over an hour. Things changed several years into my MS diagnosis which made it more difficult for me to do it, but even though I cannot exercise at the level I did before I do keep moving as much as possible, regardless how painful it is Because I’m so afraid of not being able to walk I did see an EP cardiologist in addition to my regular cardiologist. My regular cardiologist is great. The EP cardiologist told me that I needed my thyroid out, and that was going to solve all tachycardia problems. However, my other doctors, including my endocrinologist did not agree, although I do have an enlarged thyroid, thyroid levels are normal. They did a biopsy and everything came back good I would appreciate anybody’s input on this thank you so much I’m 60. 5ft8in Wt: 160. Currently working very hard to lose 25 pounds that has accumulated due to MS all of the medicines they had me on which I no longer take and not being able to exercise at the level I was before I don’t gain weight from eating because I’ve always ate very healthy But I am the kind of person that has to exercise to stay in shape The beta blocker reviewing other medicines I’m on are medicines to treat the symptoms from MS and anxiety along with pain, but I ceased all MS medication 10 years ago and no steroids I did have an elevated A1c at one time, but it has since normalized and my blood sugars have been fine. I made some more adjustments in my diet and took care of that without diabetes medication. Because of the one time elevated A1c, my endocrinologist did have me try Ozempic, but I became deathly ill after a few weeks of injection and threw it out, but she’s happy that I was able to keep everything in order with changes to my diet I have a primary and cardiologist and endocrinologist that are willing to go above and beyond to help me so I’m fortunate in that area The only thing that drives me crazy is I’m deathly afraid of cardiac stuff and the tachycardia does freak me out and sometimes ER doctors and anyone else that knows I have MS tend to blame anything wrong with me on MS Thank you again for any input 🙏🏻♥️😎

[@peterbedford2610]

65, CAC of 147. Trying to keep glucose spikes in check.

[@MrYorickJenkins]

A few centuries ago this guy would be a pastor at the pulpit putting parishioners into a funk telling them "if you do not change your ways and turn away from sin, (sin is now defined as smoking alcohol and carbohydrates) your danger of damnation increases exponentially. Repent now." What he says is interesting and very probably true but I do feel that modern health advisers tend to play down the fact that nearly everyone dies before they are 100 years old anyway. I find it depressing reading comments where people are bragging smugly about how healthy they are and superior to 95% of sick humanity. Such people proliferate in the comments section of health videos on youtube!. Do the braggats ever explain why they are so interesting as people that it matters to everyone else how healthy they are?

[@SuccessfulKetoLifestyle]

Excellent video! I got my CAC test today after being inspired by your talk at the Hard to Kill Summit in Omaha! It was fantastic talking to you at the VIP reception and thank you for the shout out to “the rainbow people” 😂 Our support group has grown since last weekend! ❤❤❤ - Jennifer

[@robertcywes2966]

Great meeting you too

[@SuccessfulKetoLifestyle]

@@robertcywes2966 CAC score was 0! Been doing low carb for 20 years! The last 7 years keto, last 3 years strict keto!

[@janiceschwartz7943]

When I have used coconut oil in the past, my bad cholesterol went up. My CAC was 175 last year. I try to be low carb but lately eating rice because I need something binding for digestion. I don’t like using meds. Also can't increase salt because of edema and kidney stones so can't use this protocol.

[@n2daair23]

My CAC score was over 1k! I did go to see a cardiologist and the only thing he did was prescribe a statin, crestor at a high dose, which I didn’t agree with. Even my PC doc said that was too high a dose. Plus the cardiologist set up an echo stress test which I easily passed with results stating exercise levels for my age (62) were excellent results. I’ve since had more testing done like Apob, particle size and number, all with good results. I’m taking the aspirin daily, but no statin. I simply don’t know what to do next. I’m doing a low carb diet and exercising more, but I’ve always been very active and never been overweight or smoked. Cholesterol and trig/hdl ratio are also good. I don’t get it, how did I get my arteries in such bad condition? I almost think they read my CAC wrong. Will be getting another one in October and I sure hope it hasn’t gotten worse.🙏 BTW, I asked the cardiologist about maybe getting a ct angiogram but he said that it was useless because the calcium would cause reflections, and therefore not be accurate, which sounds like garbage to me, but I’m not a scientist and I just don’t know.

[@SET12DSP]

Your CAC will do nothing but typically go up while on a statin because that's it job calcifying plaque in the name of stabilization in the cardiologist's eyes. The real issue is that the artery walls are deficient in vitamin C caused by mechanical stress of the artery next to the beating heart. Heavy exercise just makes it worse. Most endurance athletes have high CAC's. I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol and have reversed my CAC score from 660 to 458 so far. And I am not on a statin, nor will I ever be. I'm 68. I would suggest Dr. Thomas Levy's book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. He has many utube videos, and I follow a lot of his advice.

[@myrnacohen3861]

I’m in the exact situation. My CAC score is 1995 too. My stress echo is normal. The cardiologist wants me on statins too. Ketogenic way of eating also.

[@n2daair23]

Well my friend, we’re going at this together. I ain’t going with statins, but I’m definitely cutting carbs and sugar. There’s really not much info about our specific situation and none of these doctors will help, we’re on our own here. There’s so much bs about getting into this condition, but very little info about dealing with it if you do have some calcium buildup. Still no clue from all of our brilliant doctors 😢

[@SET12DSP]

@n2daair23 There's more information than you think! I have several books and have watched many videos of the authors of the books I have on u-tube. Not only that, but I have the Coronary Artery Calcium score to prove that what I'm doing does indeed work. Going from 660 to 458 in 20 months. Now it's a year later I expect it to be about 375 as it's regressing as fast as it progressed from 299 that I had 8 years ago. And that seems pretty fast. I learned one thing from Dr. Thomas Levy and that is if you have oral toxicity your fight against heart disease goes nowhere.

[@myrnacohen3861]

@@n2daair23 I’m going for a echo stress test next week. Shall see how that goes then see the cardiologist. Once I get all the results I will get an appointment with Dr Cywes online. I do take vitamin D 10,000 IU and 240 mg of Vitamin K2. I am ketogenic working towards carnivore. I am active for a 66 yr old and a stage 4 cancer survivor!🙏👍

[@tarakennedy3041]

I am confused. I just had a CAC score of zero. However, it showed calcification in my thoracic aorta. 67 y/o female. My GP said to see a cardiologist. I have an appointment in a few weeks.

[@MK-sc8md]

Astonishing, enlightening "food" for thought! So much complicated controversy. Very challenging to find and engage a keto-friendly medical "expert". Trying to be my own lab rat. Can overdoing calcium supplements exacerbate plaques? Ready to learn, rock and roll!!!

[@honkytonk4465]

No calcium supplements!

[@MK-sc8md]

No? Grrr. Just realized how much sugar in milk & had to cut back. Say "cheese"~@@honkytonk4465

[@Ken-ol2kx]

My CAC score came back at 65, I switched to a keto diet, cut back on alcohol consumption. My PC wanted to put me on a statin. My A1C was 5.2 on the blood test, my triglycerides were optimal, and my HDL was optimal. My LDL was 193 and that was another reason for the statin. I decided not to take the statin, hope I made the right decision, I'm 64 yrs.

[@DK-pr9ny]

A low dose statin can help keep the inflammation down and help to calcify the dangerous soft plaque to stabilize it.

[@Ken-ol2kx]

I'd rather get another test and see what happens. Unless the score is over a thousand and I've had a heart attack I'd rather stay away from the statins even if it is low dose. Thanks for your input. @@DK-pr9ny

[@Total_Body_Fitness_USA]

Keto/Carnivore contributes to oxidation of cholesterol which in turn causes inflammation. Why? Because cooking meat oxidizes the fats - simple as that! Now, people who eat a ton of sugar and bad carbs, overweight, diabetes, etc., do well on keto because they get rid of the junk. However, long term they are hurting themselves in another way. Also, have your physician check your Lp(a) numbers. That is a nasty molecule that is hereditary and if elevated can definitely contribute to plaque and unstable plaque, especially when eating keto/carnivore. BTW, I've been in healthcare some 30 years trained in integrative functional medicine. Take care.

[@Ken-ol2kx]

Thanks for the advice. What type of diet do you recommend? Your obviously anti-meat.@@Total_Body_Fitness_USA

[@garyhanson4133]

I've been carnivore for about a year. On fathers day I had a rupture. My cardiologist put me on all the medication you talk about. I've backed off all of them except the blood thinner. Now that I have a Stent, should I still get a CAC? You mentioned not doing a CAC after a Stent. The surgeon that put stent in said all other arteries are clear, but cardiologist said they still saw some plaque, so now wants a nuclear stress test.

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

76yo male. 4 years ago CAC 20; 2 years ago CAC 22. Began keto 5 years ago. BMI 23. a1c 5.8. One week ago I had a heart attack, completely out of the blue with nothing to indicate it was coming. PAIN. Stent installed. Meds prescribed - statin, anti-clotting ($680/month for life), aspirin, BP med. Life looks different looking forward. I was a marathon runner back in the day but lately only walk a few times a week which is probably instrumental. I thought I was healthy. I even feel healthy now. What a wake-up call!!!

[@JScox]

But if your A1C is 5.8 -- that indicates borderline higher sugar intake still. Just curious. Lots of things keep sugar elevated -- poor sleep, high stress, Keto not as low as you think. But still, a heart attack -- that's scary! Did you or your doctor ever figure out what could've possibly caused it?

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

@@JScox → One of the really strange things is that my blood sugar goes up 30-40 points just from eating 3 eggs and slices of bacon. Nothing else. Incidentally, all my lipids are in the center of the normal range so it's hard to image where the arterial clot originated.

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

@@JScox → Here's some more data from today. I went to "cardiac rehab" today which includes three fifteen minute sessions on a treadmill, cycling and rowing. They measured my blood sugar before and after excercise: 131 before, 168 after. I had nothing to eat before and was sipping unsweetened iced tea. Any ideas? The cardiologist tech was baffled.

[@welovedogs6835]

I left two posts but they’re missing. How do you adjust KZbin messages where you see the newest one first? Thanks

[@irock4u222]

i had a cac test done almost 2 yrs ago and it was 95 all in one artery normal nuclear stress test normal echo but still 95 has me worried ,i am ex long time smoker have not smoked almost 7 yrs now. i take 10k iu vit d3 with 400 mg k2 mk7 ,magnesium, coq10 and fish oil and to top it off natto and horse chestnut i went scorched earth lol i also pretty much eat omad have heavy cream in my coffee.

[@johndanczak]

CAC score of 0 doesn’t mean you have “No Plaque “ 😂. It means you have no calcified plaque. You could have a lot of soft plaque which is far more dangerous, and not detectable by a CAC score. This notion that low or 0 CAC score means people are safer is incorrect and gives folks false security. C’mon, do better!

[@Rob-bq6ek]

Not to mention the equivalent of 10 x-rays of radiation.

[@gantte]

I requested and am getting my first CAC test next Monday

[@DrProfX]

MESA 10-year CHD risk calculator incorporates other variables to give a better risk estimates than just CAC score. For example, if you have moderately high CAC score, but otherwise normal cholesterol and TG levels and normal BP you’re at a lower risk than “20 %” (i.e., depending on your exact numbers, likely less than 10%) listed here that’s based only on CAC score …

[@marilynnsmith360]

I think I love this Doctor! However, I live in Phoenix, AZ

[@rachelm9350]

i swear I keep telling my relatives that diabetes is dangerous and they need to be on a diet, they dont wanna listen :(. Gotta cut out the carbs and junk foods..

[@NMETSGChan]

Dr. Cywes said ""You shouldn't have a CAC scan if you have already had a stent or coronary vessels it's a different test we do for that!" Anybody know what this test is exactly? Because I've never heard of this test before! And he never mentioned that in any of his previous videos that I watch!

[@guidogold1]

Fantastic presentation by Dr Cywes... Thank you

[@donnamcfarland162]

❤ how??? Do we find a doc who knows his hands in his pocket as you say Doc? Please! Tell us!!!

[@raybartell9807]

Dr, are you licensed in New York and what do you charge if I get bloodwork here you look at it

[@chicagomike]

Hey why do people boast here. I am doing wonderful and I need to let everyone know. Boring. Get lost.

[@Al-Storm]

Finding a good cardiologist is extremely difficult. Any recommendations near Boston?

[@Bee-of5xz]

Hi Dr. Cywes! I have been on keto since 2019. My last labs have not changed total cholesterol 403, TG 80, HDL 109(decreased from 124), VLDL 11, LDL 283, hgb A1C 5.3, Lp(a)

[@jac1161]

did you get cvd shots? Very inflammatory. as is the early infection

[@dickinson9200]

I am 68 years old man . CAC score is very high 2157. No chest pain. No family history of heart attacks . I lost 30 lbs I exercise 4 times a week threadmill and weight lifting BMI is 23.5 my aic is 6.5. My pressure is normal range cholesterol is normal 75. HDL and LDL are normal range i dont drink alcohol for a year never smoked. But worried about my cac score 2157 which is high. I use to have high blood pressure befire but now it is nornal last 6 months and diabetes 2 is under control. Cac score is high and bothers me. This was ordered by my primary dr. I have a cardiologist appointment after 2 months . Long wait.What can I expect for treatment?

[@rfolea2]

I wish someone would do a video telling folks that cant get a CAC due to stents how to evaluate plaque. The only thing i am aware of is the CIMT.

[@smadden911]

We are using Berberine instead of metformin. What is your opinion on Berberine?

[@trail.blazer]

I take Berberine. Whilst I don't have (pre)diabetes, I see very early signs of it. I've found that if you take Berberine with either capric acid or milk thistle; the effect is significantly better. My morning glucose is down to around 5.4 mmol/L whereas it used to be around 6.0, and HbA1c is down to 5.2 whereas it used to be 5.5 I haven't yet checked if it had any impact on my lipids, although that wasn't my concern because I already have higher HDL and low triglycerides because I've been low carb for a few years. I do have high LDL which I'm reasonably happy with, but if LDL lowers then great. Remember to stop taking Berberine for a couple of weeks maybe every 8 weeks, because it does impact the gut and liver. Just like metformin it can also reduce B12 absorption. Opinions vary on how often and for how long to cycle it. I'm typically taking 400-500mg Berberine twice a day, sometimes once a day, and none on Saturdays, when I do more exercise, skip lunch and my blood glucose stays lower the whole day. Edit to add that I've had zero side effects from Berberine. I get the impression that some people do get issues from it. Also, I'm not on any other drugs. It has a blood thinning effect, so be careful if you take any other supps/meds that also have that effect.

[@robertcywes2966]

Depends on disease severity

[@nellz8678]

I had terrible headaches when taking berberine also stomach upset. Many get headaches and other side affects from it from my research. I have been taking chromium picolinate (colloidal) and it’s brought my morning BS down to average of 5 and slowly reducing fasting insulin level. Carnivore for 2.5 years and no weight loss, hoping that happens with time. I had pre diabetic morning BS levels even on carnivore

[@dmmcmah1]

Berberine acts in similar ways to metformin in the body

[@tracy3812]

I’ve not had a CAC score specifically but have had several chest & abd CTs with contrast for liver mets. The CT last summer stated “no atherosclerotic calcifications of coronary arteries.” Does this have any meaning/value regarding a CAC score? Carnivore/Ketovore 5.5 yrs now. Thx.

[@robertcywes2966]

Likely

[@DK-pr9ny]

Stress tests are a waste of time..

[@danc3746]

Absolutely, NEVER!!!! do a stress test. I had a 209 score and passed a stress test with 90% blockage in the LAD. I needed double bypass after a full cath was done.

[@jac1161]

they do that to find any way possible to document an issue, so that they can prescribe a med or do a surgery. They are both at some points, necessary, but.....not in most cases.

[@AndiS-dz4pq]

Great video. Thanks Dr Cywes.

[@patrickdezenzio4988]

Great video. I've been on keto and IF for over 3.5 years and dropped almost 50 lbs and have been maintaining 150lbs at 5' 10" and I'm 58. I went on keto because I didn't like how I was creeping up on the scale and past dieting seemed to hit higher plateaus. For example, in my late 30s, I could diet a bit and get myself down to 170lbs, but by my late 40s, the new low was 175, then in my 50s, closer to 180. I also had been prediabetic for 10 years at the low-end of the scale at 101 fasting glucose but I never had my a1c checked. So many things I wished my doctor would have checked given my age but it wasn't until I was on keto that I took charge and had him order all my tests, including the CAC. Now before I started on keto my total cholesterol was 164, LDL 92, trig 72, hdl 40 and my bp fluctuated between 120/80 to 140/95. I was taking 100mg atenolol since my early 40s to address palpitations. Now my total cholesterol is 190, ldl 134, hdl 55, and trig 52 with bp at 120/80 most of the time. Keto didn't really change BP that much, if any. I take a calcium channel blocker now to address onset afib w/RVR back in late April. No new episodes since then. I did have an echo back in June to check the structure of the heart to determine if I had afib for a longer period and just didn't know it until I had the one in April. Everything looked good, had minimal calcification on the main valve, but nothing alarming for my age. So I went ahead and got the CAC just to know and it came back with a 3. 3.6% of a cardiovascular event over the next 10 years. My cardiologist said he doesn't recommend a statin yet, not until the risk hits 5%. He has also been pushing to get me off keto to at least a Mediterranean diet, but preferably plant-based. Unfortunately I didn't order up all these test before I went on keto so I could compare them 3.5 years later. There's no way to know what the CAC score was before I started keto, but I'll just use this as the baseline going forward and do it again in a year or 2. It's cheap enough and it's super easy - only took 2 minutes and even better, it's non-invasive.