What is 25 AU

[Topper60]

Got the results of my CT coronary angiogram yesterday.

It gave me a calcuim score of 26.5 AU - I can find any reference to what AU means ? - Although a calcuim score of 26.5 seems ok - but not sure of the significance of the AU

The rest of the report reads

Evidence of right dominant circulation with normal left main and mixed plaque in the proximal LAD causing moderate stenosis and mild stenosis in other vessels. The result confirmed the presence of coronary hear disease - nonetheless it is non obstructive.

He has recommended the following drugs

Atorvastatin 80mg

Asprin 75mg

Bisoprolol 2.5 mg

The last one concerns me most as a keen cyclist - that will pretty much put an end to my cycling

But mostly I would like to know the significance of 26.5 AU

Any help appreciated

[AlfredV]

I don't know for sure but could it simply be referring to the units of the measurement, with AU meaning Agatston Units?

[Topper60 in reply to AlfredV]

Yep thats all I could find . but imo that score doesn't correlate to the course of treatment he is recommending.......thanks for replying

[Bluehope81]

Not medical advice, opinions and suggestions only:

AU stands for Agatston Unit

after the inventor Arthur Agatston in the USA who pioneered CAC scans.

James Watt --> the base unit for Power is the Watt

Arthur Agatston ---> the base unit for Calcium in the arteries is Agatston

The significance is well, very important, arguably its the most accurate predictor of future cardiac events. better than BP or Cholesterol scores.

26.5 is nothing too concerning although it confirms you are in the early stages of Coronary Heart Disease.

Risk is all important use these 2 calculators to work out your risk profile:

mesa-nhlbi.org/MESACHDRisk/...

astrocharm.org/calculator-w...

Suggestion: develop a strong anti-plaquing regime.

Check on your CAC score every 3 years, and CCA- IMT every year and blood work up.

If the 26.5 goes above 100 then your in the medium stages of Coronary Heart Disease

What part of the treatment do you think does not correlate with the 26.5 score.

[Topper60 in reply to Bluehope81]

Thank you. That's what I've suspected. But the medication seems a bit OTT - as it will impact my cycling.

[Survivor1952]

I'm intrigued, why will the Bisoprolol put an end to your cycling? It's a drug used to control blood pressure.

I'm on 1.25mg by the way, not cycled for years but I'm now getting out on my bike a bit with the aim of doing more in the summer. Yes, I'm a bit slower, but I put that down, for now, to lack of training for too long - or am I making a mistake?

Oh, I'm also doing some jogging/running and I'm as fast as I was 12 years ago.

[Topper60 in reply to Survivor1952]

Because as an asthmatic I suffer on the hills anyway - so anything that limits getting my heart rate up will make this worse and I live in an hilly area.I generally do 30 - 40 mile rides with a club so I need to be able to keep up.

[Survivor1952 in reply to Topper60]

Ah - it might be worth talking it through with your doctor then, see if there is a suitable alternative.

[Bunkular in reply to Topper60]

I have the perfect suggestion for you if you have some extra funds available. Purchase a pedal assist E-bike - it'll take you up those pesky hills if you become breathless but you still can get a good workout on the bike. I have one and am able to manage steep hills despite being on a beta blocker and blood thinner.

[Topper60 in reply to Bunkular]

Yep - that's my last resort. But the picture I'm getting is I have a very minor heart condition - but have been recommended top does of drugs. Currently trying to get a second opinion. My cholesterol isn't high and this mornings BP was 125/77

[Sb1171]

Hi. I do spin as part of my exercise regime, including high intensity intervals, both prior to and (after building back up again) post a STEMI in 2022. I have been on 3.75mg of Bispoprolol since the HA and just switched to 5mg Nebivolol. I have not experienced any side effects with either drug. I find that they both had a positive impact on blood pressure. The impact on heart rate was also significant, taking about 25 bpm off both my resting and active heart rates. 75-80 rest 185 max unmedicated 50-55 rest 160 max medicated. Despite that, I do not find any perceived impact on my ability to exercise and following my recovery can still do high intensity spin. Despite no perceived difference, the bike data suggests that my actual power output is reduced by about 10%, but I have overcome that with increased fitness and have beaten my pre-HA personal best despite the meds. It is not clear what you mean by "keen cyclist", but unless you are talking about serious competitive cycling, then you may find that you don't really notice any difference. I would say I actually "feel" better on the meds, including when exercising, even if they do slightly reduce my peak power. Of course, everyone reacts differently to meds, but hopefully it will all work out well for you and you will still be able to enjoy cycling. PS- I did a fair amount of research into beta blockers which led me to request a switch to Nebivolol, despite not having any side effects on Bisoprolol. If you have any issues, it might be worth researching as an alternative.

[Topper60 in reply to Sb1171]

Hi I usually cycle around 30-40 miles with an average speed of between 12-15mph. My average would be a lot higher but due to my asthma I really struggle on the hills - and I live in quite a hilly area.

[Sally_Scott in reply to Topper60]

Also if you go on Wikipedia it does say that Bisoprolol can worsen asthma. I am an asthmatic plus suffer with copd so I do find Candesarten ok for my breathing. Good luck.

[Sally_Scott]

I didn’t get on with Bisoprolol so I’m on a drug called Candesarten, which does the same. Ask your cardiologist if it would be better for you to try this instead?

[Raylpa]

Hope you have found the replies to date helpful. I had an urgent CT coronary angiogram prior to my emergency admission and stent seven years ago, curious as to who directed you towards such a pathway in your less acute circumstances and costs it it was not an NHS provision?

Best wishes and keep on cycling!

[Topper60 in reply to Raylpa]

Yep it was NHS - I started on ramipril then started getting chest pains + palpitations - I thought they would swap the meds - but ordered the scan - got the results by post a couple of days back.

[Raylpa in reply to Topper60]

Thanks for informative and very prompt reply! (-: and once again best wishes