What should I do? High Calcification... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

49,267 members31,182 posts

What should I do? High Calcification of the arteries

Grizwold profile image
17 Replies

What should I do? Hi everyone my name is Richard I’m 65 years old I’ve been suffering from what I would describe as chest discomfort rather than pain been sent to various test most recently had a CT scan that’s shown a high calcium Count of 9100 I also have a slow heartbeat low 40s when resting? Just wonder what the future holds and what options I may have and what I can do to help myself your thoughts regards Richard

Written by
Grizwold profile image
Grizwold
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
17 Replies
MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

Hello Richard and welcome to the forum!

It would appear that you have CVD) Cardio Vascular Disease). The aim.of lifestyle changes and medication is to slow, or even halt the progress of the disease. Lifestyle wise this mean a healthy diet (the BHF recommend a Mediterranean style diet), exercise within your limits, alcohol in moderation and no smoking. A statin would probably be useful not only to lower cholesterol but to also stabilise any plaque and reduce irritation (often a precursor to plaque formation). BP medi action may also be useful as high BP can stiffen artery walls. Have you spoken to your GP about these results.

With these results a kidney scan for stones might be appropriate as well as a carotid artery scan. Note this is my personal opinion as I am not medically qualified.

Grizwold profile image
Grizwold in reply to MichaelJH

Thank you for the reply Michael I guess I’m still in a bit of shock the numbers seem ridiculously high I’m being sent for a Stress cardiac MRI scan in Nottingham I believe it’s so they can measure the blood flow? I’ve been on blood pressure tablets for quite some time and just had statins. Prescribed take the first one tonight thankfully I’ve never smoked just the occasional scotch before I go to bed regards Richard

Harefieldfan profile image
Harefieldfan in reply to Grizwold

Hi Grizwold. My left descending artery was so highly calcified they had to drill the calcium out with a rotablator. Can they not do this for you and then put a stent to keep the artery open?

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to Harefieldfan

Me too!!

Grizwold profile image
Grizwold in reply to Harefieldfan

Hi Heather I don’t really know what they’re going to do I’ve got to have this MRI scan where they’re going to inject me with something that’s going to make my heart race and they can see the blood flow they’ve not really made any suggestions about treatment yet they’ve put me on statins and told me to take an aspirin a day I will feel a lot happier when there is a plan regards Richard

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to Grizwold

Totally agree, you'll be able to deal with whatever unfolds when you know what the problem is. The unknown plays havoc with our imagination!

Rose226 profile image
Rose226

Have you been taking large amounts of vitamin D?That can give rise to calcification in the body.

(Food form is best - ie high quality cod liver oily)

PeterpPiper profile image
PeterpPiper

Something worth investing is a vitamin K2 supplement. Please run this past your medical advisors first but have look online for the role of Vit K2 in the correct transportation of calcium to the bone tissue rather than to arteries. It’s a rather new concept but very interesting. Good Health

Cat551 profile image
Cat551 in reply to PeterpPiper

I was taking K2 as well since I have CAD and also osteoporosis. I stopped after reading K2 could possibly make stable plaque unstable as it tried to rid the arteries of calcium. I liked taking K2 because along with bone health it lowers glucose levels, but didn’t want to take any chances with my heart.

If anyone knows any more scientific data about K2’s effect on stable plaque, please weigh in.

PeterpPiper profile image
PeterpPiper in reply to Cat551

Interesting… it’s a can of worms isn’t it , I take it every few days along with a food source multivitamin.. you are like me, I find a supplement I like - then go on researching it until I get to a stage where I hate it :) Good Health to you

Cat551 profile image
Cat551 in reply to PeterpPiper

Good Health to you as well! 🙂

Cat551 profile image
Cat551 in reply to Cat551

I see my cardiologist tomorrow and will ask to see if he knows anything about K2 and heart disease.

pcspetpro profile image
pcspetpro

Do you have a family history of heart disease? Do you have diabetes or are you overweight? A CTA would confirm Calcium Score and reveal any blockages.

Carealot profile image
Carealot

Hi Grizwold, my heart disease was first discovered via a CT scan but it was followed up with a cardiac angiogram to get the full picture of the arterial blockages (location and to what extent). They found triple vessel blockages. They didn’t want to bypass or stent due to location of the location of blockages - too risky. Also, I’m allergic to aspirin, a drug which is needed to keep stents functioning properly, and I’d need that daily. I did have a nuclear test and stress test (on treadmill) to ensure that other smaller arteries could cope with the flow. Now on meds which are not suiting me. I assume your MRI will be able to present a more clear picture. But, recommended is immediate change to diet and lifestyle as mentioned already. Good luck with the tests

Fish4Info profile image
Fish4Info

See your GP and seek a referral to a cardiologist. Though seeing the other replies, it seems that an MRI is already planned ... so you seem to be on a care pathway. I'd ask if someone (a Dr, consultant or nurse) could spend some time discussing what they've done, what they've found, what your concerns are, and what next. I'm not sure what a stress MRI is, but I had a stress ECG. The way the electrical signals changed during exercise suggested ischaemic heart disease ... confirmed by a subsequent angiogram.

ChristineK profile image
ChristineK

I would be interested to hear your cardiologists view on K2, as I have been taking K2 MK7 for about 8 months now.

ChristineK profile image
ChristineK

Please keep us updated on the K2 situation.

You may also like...

Calcification of Coronary Artery

I have just been diagnosed with calcification of the coronary artery. I have had breathing problems

Arterial calcification

assess my symptoms and discuss further diagnostic options'. I'm 63 and had a minor stroke 7 months...

High blood pressure and low heart rate, what do I need to know when talking to my Dr?

I have seen the Dr for high blood pressure and heart palpitations. I heave been feeling rough for...

Suspect I have had a mini stroke TIA...what should I do?

with AFib, enlarged heart. What should I do if anything? Kind regards Have a rewarding day.

Moderate coronary artery calcification shown on CT Scan.

I recently had a non contrast CT scan (unrelated to heart issues). On the report it notes 'Moderate...