Non calcified plaque with moderate stenosis in LAD

Hi I am new Here and having an angiogram Very soon, already had ambulatory monitor and ct angiogram (hope that’s right Name the one with the contrast dye, they had to slow my heart and gave me a spray under my tongue). It’s been helpful the posts here About other people’s experience although I am still anxious. What I haven’t seen much of is reference to non calcified plaque and was hoping anyone can shed some light. Is it worse, better or same as calcified plaque. (I should not have but google scared me re it being more likely to rupture / greater risk of heart attack etc / fatal incident). I am also surprised by the speed with which I got appointments and my anxiety has interpreted this as something is quite wrong with me! Hope someone can help!

[84green]

Hi fishface

Your anxiety is both normal and understandable. It is also shared to a degree, by the majority of people here. There is nothing anyone can say to remove it completely but sharing experiences can help to put it into perspective.

I was diagnosed with mild atherosclerosis (plaque in the arteries) via a CT angiogram two years ago. Mine was in two arteries and one was described as non calcified, the other a mixture of both. I haven’t had an angiogram but started on a statin (20mg Rosuvastatin) and 75mg aspirin.

I’ve no idea how things are going but don’t seem to have angina or any other symptoms, exercise daily, and generally feel OK. It would be wrong to say that my heart disease isn’t in my mind constantly but, over time, it has become less prominent.

Your angiogram will tell you exactly the state of your LAD - it is the most accurate test. Whilst CT angiograms are good, my cardiologist told me that, in his experience, they often over estimate the amount of plaque.

I expect that you have read that non calcified plaque (aka ‘soft’ or ‘hot’) is more prone to rupture than calcified. This is true but it doesn’t mean it will happen. One of the benefits of statins is that they stabilise plaque by calcifying it and making it less likely to rupture.

The main thing to bear in mind though is that you have been diagnosed before things get worse. The plaque has probably developed over years and with the tight treatment you can stop it getting worse or at least make it develop even more slowly.

You will have an angiogram and get any treatment/ advice you need to manage the problem. Many people aren’t so lucky and the first sign of a problem is a heart attack.

Try not to worry, you’re in good hands and many, many people live well and long with heart disease.

Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to 84green]

Hello 84green I’ve read your reply several times as found it calming hoping that doesn’t sound mad albeit as you rightly say I will still worry and thank you for your clear and straight forward words on this (especially re the non calcified bit) and yes gives perspective. I have been on Atorvastatin 20mg for high cholesterol for about 2.5 months and amlodipine 10mg for 16 months. I do get angina like symptoms and sometimes every day tasks leave me breathless and tired. Wishing you continued wellness!