Atherosclerosis.

[Lydia1960]

Had a calcium score scan recently and was informed the score was 16 which puts me on the 80th centile for age and sex matched cohorts, meaning I have atherosclerosis in my coronary arteries above average for my age(56) and sex(female). The amount of calcification in my coronary arteries is very small. The management is one of primary prevention. Already taking atorvastatin 20mg once a day and aspirin 75mg once a day.

Just need to know how serious this condition is and how progressed mine actually is? Especially having an above average calcium score for age, sex? And how to prevent the progression of this serious disease?

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Lydia,

A high calcium score indicates evidence of coronary heart disease as you have said. Your doctor will use the calcium score to assess your risk and guide you to reduce it. This might include changes in diet, exercise, controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking and reducing your cholesterol as well as starting medication. The statin and aspirin are both important parts of primary prevention-the statin for your cholesterol and aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots. We have a lot of information about this on our website.

Your doctor may decide that a second calcium score scan after a few years may be helpful to compare results to the previous scan.

Take care,

Emily

[Hidden]

Thanks for responding, Emily!

Lydia - if you want to read a little more about risk factors for heart disease here's a link to the section of our website bhf.org.uk/heart-health/ris...

Take care, Chris