Ep:344 YOUR HEART: VITAL KNOWLEDGE

[@johnow7]

I had to press my NP at the VA to authorize a CAC scan. She didn't know what it was when I first mentioned it. When I got the result back, it was 9.3. She was anxious for me to see the cardiologist thinking that it was a bad score. I had to call up the CAC charting on my phone to show her that it wasn't that bad.

[@tanzanable]

It's sad that she made it through school and was oblivious.

[@truthseekerForever]

How can I get a consultation with you?

[@robertcywes2966]

But you shd be on a statin....

[@johnow7]

@@tanzanable It is sad that it wasn't taught.

[@arwenhardy1995]

@@truthseekerForever You can't if you have Medicaid.

[@mikelemoine4267]

I'd love to consult with Dr. Cyves, but I can't wait six months. I'm going to see a cardiologist as soon as they can get me in and hoping for the best. All of my numbers look really good except LDL, which so many YT docs say doesn't matter. Got a CAC test a 5 or 6 years ago and it was 0 so I thought I was good. I just got a carotid artery ultrasound that states my arteries are 23 years older than I am, and I am not young. My primary Doc just wants me on statins or Repatha. I don't want statins and insurance said no to Repatha (I guess they'll pay for the heart attack or stroke when it comes) so I'm upping my K2, D3, MG regiment and hoping for the best until I see the Cardio, but expect to have more statins pushed on me. I've been on keto, IF and the works and look better than I did 20 years ago, but inside I'm in bad shape. None of the docs who think outside the box on YT are really accessible and without any real guidance, people like me are doomed. I'm so tired of dealing with medical crap, think I'll going back to watching squirrels water skiing so I'll have a smile on my face when the big one comes.

[@nataliajimenez1870]

I think that carotid ultrasound is not very sensitive. Better to do another CAC and then the stress test like Dr Cywes suggests

[@mikelemoine4267]

@@nataliajimenez1870 Thanks for your reply. I am waiting for a call back from the local hospital to get a new CAC scheduled. The carotid ultrasound is said to be 96% accurate for predicting risk from soft buttery plaque while the CAC only sees calcified plaque, so they have different purposes. Supposedly the buttery plaque is more likely to cause a CV event as it is unstable and can break loose, while the calcium doesn't. I'm hoping to get the CAC done before the cardio appointment as I already have the carotid scan and a comprehensive blood panel through MDVIP Cleveland Clinic. My HDL and triglycerides are right in the middle of good, my A1C was 5.4 and that was on a 6 month keto break (was once 6.9) and my EKG looked good. I'm sure the cardio will have me do a stress test, but I don't foresee any issues as I did outdoor projects all Summer pouring concrete and digging trenches by hand in the Florida sun. My heart rate was up there and no issues at all. I supposedly have "sticky" LDL and thickened arterial walls so they want me on pharmaceuticals stat. Sucks to get old....

[@stepheneverhardt4731]

Ease into a carnivor diet.

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Nattokonase 8,000 iu forst thingnin morning on empty stomach.....vitamin c from paleovalley.....

[@mark11145]

Get another caca and see where your at after being keto and upping the K2. I am in a similar boat. Went Carnivore. I am a Lean Mass Hyper responder (LDL > 210 HDL 94 Triglycerides 72) It freaked my doc out and he sent me for a CAC which scored a 400. 😬 I know it’s from earlier so I am sticking to my carnivore keto diet. Your vitimam set is good (I am in the Koncentrated K formula) In addition to that I take EPA every other day and 400mg niacin daily and most importantly 1gram of GlyNAC per day. I have considered the Natokynese in high dose as was already suggested but will add that if my followup CAC is still rising. On the above plus exercise for a year I am feeling great. Next CAC will be later this month.

[@cute_pet_videos]

Happy New year. I like what you're doing Dr Cywes. Thanks for the awareness you're delivering.

[@LexCoulstring]

Thank you Thank you. I had a heart attack at 38 8 years ago as a Type 2 Diabetic, last year I had a second stent. And put me on Vascepa and Lipitor, in which daily and nighly, I was have severe backpains, shoulder pains and chest pains. But I was told to eat moderate. Then last weekend I stopped the statins, and stopped eating carbs (except lettuce, broccoli etc) such as wheat, rice and other trash. My pains have gone away almost 100%. and I believe that low carb (healthy carb) is what I need to live by. Thank you!!!!!

[@ruthbiafora5443]

Dr Cywes is a rockstar ❤ Fortunately, I have a doctor here in California who not only loves to order CAC scores, but ultrasound of the veins in your neck. I’m a carnivore in house with flying colors every single time. :-) I hope this video reaches many people, because it’s very important no matter what you look like in the mirror.

[@fenz4rt]

Where are you in California? I would like to know who is your doctor. 😊

[@ruthbiafora5443]

@@fenz4rt Los Angeles

[@alimccoy9132]

FYI: I was going along with no idea of heart calcium. I went to doctor#1 and he laughed and scoffed at Dr Cywes' orders for a CAC ( I was non-symptomatic). I went to a lab (TriCore, I appreciate) and had the labs run, and then went to a local Xray (XRANM) site. My CAC score is over 5, 000. What is wrong with medical doctors who scoff and laugh at a patient who is looking for prevention and NOT a heart attack? This is shocking! Research and question---refuse and walk out may be our best defense. Thank you, Dr. Cywes, for being courageous enough to fight, fight, fight for proof of all of your patient's full diagnoses!

[@ed_h3433]

In 2021, I paid out of pocket for a CAC test. At Dallas Medical Center. Cost? $59. I had a really low score of 12. Not bad for a 57 yo Male

[@robertcywes2966]

Great

[@paulheinz2145]

This is an incredible comment on the medical field today. It is sadly true and also a fact, most believe the other doctors are bad but their guy cares. Politicians are view much the same. We deserve our fate when we refuse to see.

[@robertbeckler5058]

Thanks

[@brenttuttle7268]

Sounds like me a couple years ago. 48 yoa....fit. gym 3 times a week. A1C was 5.6. Went to ER with chest pain. Cath next morning. 100% blocked....unable to stent. Luckily I had grown 2 good collateral vessels to bypass the blockage. Since then very low carb/ bordering on carnivore. A1C now 5.1....lost 25 pounds...on BP med..ASA and Effient. Resisted the statin for a year but now on low dose Crestor. Mentioned getting a baseline CAC to my cardiologist. .......of course he said NO.

[@natureshealing6534]

Push your cardiologist harder for that CAC

[@KismetWLS]

I pressured my gp for the CAC, Im near 60, but it was under 200 and I'm taking the slow steps to reduce it.

[@N1976DL]

That’s not even a pre-diabetic A1C. What was your height, weight, and waste size at that time?

[@brenttuttle7268]

@DL-rl9bd 6 feet 210 lbs, 34 inch waist....body fat percentage in the high teens. FYI....my PCP suspects it was Covid vaccine related but there's really no way to prove him right or wrong

[@saren6538]

@@KismetWLShow you reducing it ? I’m assuming d3 and k2 together

[@rosalyndahasch7631]

Happy New Year, hope your doing well and your family is having a great start to the New Year ❤😊 snow on the ground here in Angola Indiana ❄️❄️

[@robertcywes2966]

Happy New Year

[@mattm1686]

"the standard bah bah bull shit" LOL!

[@bruce7992]

Thank You Sir for this video, it hits hard. PYPL donation sent.

[@petebowen9031]

There were several tests you recommended in a prior video to have done to assess your cardiovascular health: CAC, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, A1C….can’t remember the others. I’ll have to find that video and get the tests done.

[@nataliajimenez1870]

Also the inflammation markers like CRP and white blood count (if you've had a recent infection they are going to be a bit high).

[@robertcywes2966]

Good idea

[@lmyers9999]

@Dr Cywes- did each of these men have elevated Fasting Insulin??

[@jim5jim5jim5]

Non emergent stents have not been shown to extend life or decrease morbidity. Ditto for CABG's.

[@jim5jim5jim5]

Non-emergent CABG's.

[@robertcywes2966]

Disagree. Only true in Asymptomatic pts with negative stress tests

[@jonduncan05]

I wanted to see if carnivore would clear blockages but I also didn't want to play around with a 90% in my widow maker so I got the 3xCABG. I also needed an aortic valve due to being a calcified bicuspid value. Figure it will buy time for diet to shrink plaque.

[@maxsmith9007]

Uncle Sid Going now lives in the bay of islands NZ, still going OK, goes fishing with another uncle of mine.

[@tammypitarch]

I asked my PCP just last week for a CAC. I have a history of AFIB. 63 yr Female. My doctor said I don’t need it 🤦‍♀️

[@robertcywes2966]

It's your health...get one

[@brendahunter9134]

Why do Drs say no to CAC, they don't have to pay for it.

[@robertcywes2966]

They don't understand it. Usually have to look it up

[@bradleyhenderson1198]

Guess I have a good cardiologist. Nothing wrong so far, says I should get a CAC and do a stress test if it's over 50.

[@robertcywes2966]

Agreed

[@jeffreyscottfishman]

On keto for 5 years. Lost lots of weight and got rid of tons of ailments. 5'6 149lbs. 31 inch waist. A1c 4.9. Bp is always aroud 105/70. Heartbeat resting 58-65. Homocysteine low and hs crp very low. No inflamation markers. Cac score of 0. Stress test great. Cardio echo and ekg great. Natural path dr said great job but primary doc wants me on a statin cause since the keto diet my LDL went up to 175 but my triglycerides dropped bigtime to 67 and my hdl went up to 75. I heard this is very common in keto patients. I even did a advanced lipid test and I have low lipo (a) and the good pattern A large fluffy cholesterol. Because of 1 marker ldl they recommend statins. 🤦‍♂️

[@lmyers9999]

get a new Doctor!!

[@robertcywes2966]

Because you have a pulse....statins. you should probably als be on birth control pills.. .just in case

[@deliapfenninger4285]

​@@robertcywes2966😂😂😂!

[@ArcoZakus]

See videos by Dr. Nick Norwitz and by Dave Feldman about "LMHR" (lean mass hyper responders) and the "lipid energy model". (Or, eat a lot of Oreo cookies before your next blood test for LDL-c.)

[@bryansalerno6078]

Same thing with me.

[@Davetg01]

Im at the age where I should ask for a CAC score, 50s with high BP. Great blogs Dr. Rob Cywes :)

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

They say a CAC doesnt show soft plaques just the hard plaques

[@benchipi2317]

Nobody ever talkes about the☠️💉

[@dandofando]

Even with a zero CAC score isn’t there soft plaque to worry about?

[@fatillacing4131]

That's the nuance I'm concerned about, CIMT better option than CAC?

[@robertcywes2966]

Unlikely

[@jonduncan05]

​@@fatillacing4131I had a CAC of 5242 and got a triple bypass. My CIMT was clear. Neither test being negative is definitive by itself.

[@lmyers9999]

EVERYONE-especially men - should have a baseline CAC at 40!!!!!! EVERYONE- It's $150!!

[@brendahunter9134]

Mine was$250

[@baranjan4172]

1000 times the radiation dose of an X ray. Not too healthy to be taken unnecessarily.

[@jonduncan05]

Mine was out of pocket $80. Saved my life. Got a triple bypass and a mechanical valve as a result of that test kicking off all the other tests.

[@biodivers5294]

If you want to know if your arteries are narrowed, you have to look if your arteries are narowwed. Makes sense!

[@robertcywes2966]

U cd be a doctor

[@markujcich4245]

Keeping calm Watching #344...BP 111/62 Thank you! Also, biting my lip and worried when interacting with a neighbor. He is on his 3rd Rotator cuff surgery. Sound familiar?

[@robertcywes2966]

Yup

[@nugnug9447]

what's the difference between a CAC score and CCS score? I had a CCS done a few weeks ago, and total score was 65.

[@christinewilson2065]

This scares me. I had a cac score of 903 in Sept of 2011 or 2013. Started fasting and keto in Nov of 2013 and then repeat cac in August of 2014. Score was 1660. I then had a cath test which wasn't horrible so I was sent home. I feel like a ticking time bomb but since I'm female (65) they're not worried. But I am.

[@rfolea2]

CAC isnt an option if you have stents. whats the next best thing?

[@robertcywes2966]

Ct angiogram

[@saren6538]

Is aspirin heavy on the liver ?

[@robertcywes2966]

Not to a normal liver

[@thomasbrennan1703]

Doc I am not sure if you are familiar with CLL leukemia An FNP that I know was recently diagnosed with this. She has been told that it is incurable and restricting sugar and carbs will not help. Your thoughts Sir

[@koko4kosh960]

I wouldn't trust them as a far as you can throw them. Many carnivores on KZbin beating cancer might reach out them.

[@M.Campbell]

Have there been studies showing that keto won't help? Unless there have then she can't know if it will or won't.

[@robertcywes2966]

Keto always beneficial in cancer. May not revert CLL but likely to have beneficial impact.

[@KismetWLS]

Restricting foods that cause blood glucose spikes is always in our best interest. And restricting seed oils too. Unless they want to be obese, diabetic, and have atherosclerosis?

[@danielguetzkow3879]

Study prof. Thomas seyfried

[@robertspinks835]

I’ve had 2 CAC and a CT angiogram, 1st CAC 114 second 2 years later 148 after doing low carb, keto Angiogram came back no vulnerable plaque no new plaque’s just the same ones from the 1st CAC score. Seems there calcified and stable. I only take aspirin and a 5 mg Crestor every 2nd day.

[@bryansalerno6078]

They say the aspirin is useless now and causes more harm than good, read up on it.

[@kaweka260]

How can I set up a consultation with you?

[@MusicMenacer]

Did you send the CAC result to his family doc?

[@markrarich4881]

How often should you get a CAC score.

[@koko4kosh960]

Depends if it is zero maybe every 5 years. I do it every two-three because I am paranoid. GP just says in 10. for $150 it is worth the peice of mind.

[@lmyers9999]

I believe that is determined by your initial score and age etc. For example a Score of 20 in a 70 year old would normally be excellent but that same score in a 35 yr old would indicate a problem.

[@kayallen7603]

OUCH! 700 oh my! Ah! I wish Sid good luck.

[@bosman6456]

did sid or anybody with high cac that needs stents have elevated blood pressure ?

[@robertcywes2966]

Nope

[@lynnetuckercarnivore]

SCARED ENOUGH THAT HE'S GOING TO FOLLOW IT [diet protocol]. WHY....does it TAKE that MUCH of a scare before humans change? It blows me away. 🤯🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@francesgraham5411]

Sid Going is a former All Black, a quite famous New Zealander. I’m a kiwi so I know

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

Dr who denies CAC: "quack quack quack!"

[@frankuser1113]

Should I have CAC done, had double bypass surgery in Oct of 2021 at Narayana health in Bangalore India. I now have a type one hearth block.

[@koko4kosh960]

How do they know you have a block if you haven't done a scan?

[@YVM3311]

Question , what were their blood pressure?

[@robertcywes2966]

All wnl

[@YVM3311]

@@robertcywes2966 ah interesting. And a bit scary as well . I would think BP and heart rate would start to cripple but I guess not, or not always. Yet another reason to get the scan no matter what. This was a very powerful share doc. Big wake up call for so many . Shared 🙏

[@njsongwriter]

Below 400 on a CAC score and you're fine. No way. Mine is 305 and i can tell youveith thecangina attacks I've has and s couple TIAs I'm not fine with a 305. From what I've learned watching the PrevMed channel is that a zero score is fine but a score if 1000 has a lowervrisk than a score of 300 because all that cakcifird pkaque is more stabilized. A recent video they had contained a graph that illustrated this very well. Still I'm doing some natural things that have reduced the frequency of angina to the point that in the past two months I've only had one episode. I'm 76.

[@robertcywes2966]

Anything over 80 needs a workup

[@olingeres]

I am in Jacksonville FL and would love to get a CAC done but my current doctor won't/can't send me to get one due to insurance. How much does it cost if I do it on my own and where can I get it done here in Jacksonville?

[@manny4491]

I just had one done for about 200.00 in New Orleans Area!

[@x2z964]

You can order your own through LabCorps tests as long as there is a LabCorps in your area which I'd assume there is since thats a large city.

[@fatfatstan]

I'm in Daytona would love to have one done if you find any place that does it please let me know thank you

[@ronnyb9416]

I'm in Port St Lucie Florida. Going to Radiology Imaging Assoc next week for the CAC test. Insurance will not pay. No problem, I will pay the $140.

[@olingeres]

@@x2z964 We have many of them but the test does not show up on their website.

[@moiraine6129]

My dad's doctor told him that the CAC test is meaningless 🙄

[@crywolfe0]

How often should you get a CAC scan done?? 50yo female had CAC scan last year it was zero.

[@robertcywes2966]

Decade per Dr Agatston for a 0

[@mattfisano]

Now I am nervous to see you in June, I might end up in Hospital with bypass, you are Dr. Doom. Just kidding.

[@robertcywes2966]

Better that than cluching ur chest in the ER😊

[@mattfisano]

I know, it’s just you put the fear of god in me. I am in the process of scheduling a bunch of tests at Mount Sinai Hospital to gauge myself since I started this Keto/Carnivore diet.

[@arwenhardy1995]

@@mattfisano Could partially be projection of his own fears, onto the masses. Just saying. He is only human and not God. Or, looking for new cash paying patients to replace the Medicare patients he recently dumped.

[@rishid]

If you need intervention, does your CAC go down after or is the test not useful after intervention?

[@robertcywes2966]

No. Not good after stent...scatter. need a CT angiogram

[@cathyzabel7924]

I have had 2 heart attacks 23 years apart. I am now doing Keto. Will that reduce my heart attack risk? Type 2 diabetic.

[@robertcywes2966]

No carbs

[@cathyzabel7924]

@@robertcywes2966 thank you.

[@WereAllThatBored]

A CAC test is $200 out of pocket. Thats nothing. Why will insurance not cover it? Carotid ultrasound cheaper? I dont get it.

[@simplecarnivore]

What is an average cost of a CAC if you're paying out of pocket??

[@j.r.r.2185]

I just did one a couple of days ago, still waiting for results. It cost me $85 at a Simon-Med Lab in Az

[@robertcywes2966]

$60 to %150

[@BillyBoy66]

Got one last week for $99.

[@gigih.2169]

I had to ask for mine as well. If I hadn't, I would have no argument for why I was refusing a statin. Mine was zero. It's funny because I keep coming up against vegan keyboard warriors who tell me my zero CAC score means nothing and I'm going to die of heart disease. My HDL/Tri ratio is .6 as well. Is there any harm in getting it done every year btw? Well worth the 85 bucks out of pocket.

[@robertcywes2966]

CT radiation. Low but not worth it

[@terrifenton1436]

I had a CAC two weeks ago with a score in the low 800s, and a CAC in 2021 with a score in the high 800s. I’ll be going to the third cardiologist in March. The first cardiologist told me the CAC was insignificant and wanted to put me on statins. I wasn’t satisfied with his response and went to a different cardiologist. I’ve refused statins for years, but he scared me into taking them. I’m still not satisfied with the responses I’ve been getting. I’ll be 71 in July. I’ve lost 65 lbs so far doing IF, keto and now on carnivore. I have about 50 more to lose. After seeing this video I feel frustrated and scared that drs are going to continually dismiss me. Thank you, Doctor, for enlightening me. I’m hoping for the best.

[@jonduncan05]

I had a CAC of 5242. Triple bypass and mechanical aortic valve on Dec 11th. Been low carb since end of January and continuing almost carnivore despite usual low fat heart diet suggestions.

[@BillyBoy66]

5242??? Is that typo? Wow!!! And here I was thinking my CAC score of 610 was bad. How's it going for you so far? Wishing you the best.

[@jonduncan05]

not a typo. Had a 90% in LAD and some 80% and 70% blockages. Ketovore eating I think is helping a lot with healing as that seems to be going quite well. @@BillyBoy66

[@schaef1722]

So is Sid now on Statins?

[@robertcywes2966]

He likes himself too much for that kind of punishment

[@hlits6310]

Don’t suspect there’s any downside in doing the 48 hour fast without exogenous key tones, probably even better 😜

[@prince-englishbullterrierbaz]

Sid Going haha 😮 former All Black great for sure. I’m like you Doctor I too support the greatest rugby team of all time? ‘The All Blacks’ ❤ Don’t worry Doc I’m praying for your cognitive dissonance! Bring on 2027 😅 Love your context btw and yes despite your limited knowledge of rugby I follow you and will always pray you see the rugby light? 😅 Kiwi living and listening in from Oz! God Bless!

[@avid6186]

Good to hear you are an all blacks supporter for sure, but a bit hard to say they are currently the best, aren't the spring boks currently world champs?

[@prince-englishbullterrierbaz]

@@avid6186 okay can’t argue with that one correct! Over the last 100 years??? Shame the RWC has only been around since 1987? Good on the Boks! We needed Dan Carter! Keep up the great content! MaTeWa!

[@robertcywes2966]

Kiwi I'm oz makes you unknowledable about anything related to oblong balls. Our green and gold over wallaby colors

[@kayallen7603]

Dabbling with KETO?

[@jeffvandeford9197]

My Cardiologist is telling me I need to be on a Statin ONLY to manage or reduce my CAC score (100). I have Afib and only have had an event once last August that went 36 hours and then thunk my rhythm went back to normal. Are Statins truly effective a reducing a CAC score? ( I am 60 done stress test and heart monitor for a month all good) Just not trusting of what the DR said.

[@robertcywes2966]

Set up a visit

[@BillyBoy66]

From what I've heard, a statin can raise a CAC score but that is not necessarily a bad thing. This is because some docs think that the statin can calcify, and therefore stabilize, soft plaque. And it's the soft plaque that is most likely to result in a stroke or heart attack. Calcified plaque is your body trying to repair the damage done to your arteries from things like inflammation, smoking, high blood pressure, etc. This is stuff I've found from doing my own research since I got a CAC score of 610 last month. Taking my health into my own hands. You can do the same. Good luck!

[@dandofando]

Nobody cares is right!!! 😢

[@methanial73]

The problem is that Dr's are all wrong about health. Fit doesn't mean they won't have a heart attack. Half the people who have a heart attack have normal lipids and a healthy weight! FACT!

[@saramorisani]

Thanks