High Calcium score

[Mazza149]

Hello, I was diagnosed with unstable angina last April, and had CT Angiogram and Calcium score scan. Results came back that I had severe blockages in 3 arteries and a Calcium score of 525 which put me in the highest percentile for a 69 year old woman. I had my angiogram and angioplasty in Sepember. I turns out that only my RCA needed stenting, it took 5 inflation of the balloon and a large stent was fitted. So now to today I am well although short of breath but my question is Calcium score of 525 is pretty scary but now I have the stent is that level reduced. Sorry to ramble

[Robfromwales]

sorry to hear of your predicament . I don’t think the presence of the stent would alter your cac score. I presume you are on optimal meds for treating cardio vascular disease?

[Mazza149 in reply to Robfromwales]

Thank you for your reply Rob. Yes I am on aspirin and titragular, bisoprolol ramipril and avorstatin 80mg. My total cholesterol at time of the scan was 4.1. I am active and watch WHAT I eat. I do have Graves disease and do wonder if that has anything to do with it as I believe thyroid and Calcium have some connection

[Robfromwales in reply to Mazza149]

That’s good to know you are being treated.

[Robfromwales]

if you sea h high calcium score I can see there is one post with lots of comments and links to useful info

[Robfromwales]

search sorry not sea h!

[Mazza149 in reply to Robfromwales]

Thans Rob actually I have just seen that, really useful

[AlfredV]

A stent will not affect the amount of calcium in your arteries. I have heard that it can be difficult to attain a CAC score after stenting because the metallic stent distorts the CAC score (which counts calcium, which is a metal).

Many say a build up of calcium in your arteries is progressive and the best you can do is try and slow it with drugs (although I've seen little evidence to suggest there are drugs that can do that). There are people online who claim to have reversed it with specific diets and supplements. Those sorts of discussions tend to start arguments here, but I believe it may be possible.

[Mazza149 in reply to AlfredV]

Thank you for replying Alfred. Since posting I have found quite a lot of info on here. I do follow a healthy diet so I don't really understand why it's so high although I am an ex smoker. I am not going to get involved with an argument re food but with seek out the posts and have a look

[andrew290171]

Hi got similar questions for myself. I am 52 and have calcium score of 416 which is rather high for my age. I have had one stent and feel ok now. Back to running and cycling. Any advice anyone gratefully received

[Sljp0000]

Hi Mazza149Unfortunately stents won't reduce the calcium score. Once its there its there. On the plus side if the calcium is hard and solid it's unlikely to move and cause trouble unlike clots.

My Agatston score was around 980 August 2022 when I was told I needed a triple/quadruple bypass because it was so severe. I had that but it failed immediately. I then ended up having four large stents in 4 arteries. A miracle really as my LAD was fully blocked by the time they realised my bypass grafts were blocked. By the grace of God I'm still here.

I too eat healthily. I could do with losing a little weight, I keep trying. I'm diabetic too which makes a massive difference. I find it hard to excercise as I get so tired and weary. I had a massive blood clot after my surgery and they severed my phrenic nerve meaning my left diaphragm is now paralysed.

But I'm still here and feel OK. Life will never be the same again for me but for you there's no reason why you can't carry on as normal eventually. It's great they've improved the blood flow in your RCA. They must think the calcium in your other arteries is not affecting flow so much. I think its a blessing they've found it, treated it and given you drugs which slow down plaque production. Carry on with your exercise and eating healthily. You're doing a great job. And don't beat yourself up, remember many of these issues can be hereditary, I've been told my problems stem from genetics, I've probably had them since a young child, I got the unlucky genes.

Time to live life to the full and enjoy God's gifts.

Love Susie x

[Mazza149 in reply to Sljp0000]

Aw Susie what a wonderful reply. You have answered so many of my questions. You have really been through the mill but remain upbeat. I know I'm doing well and am truly grateful for that, it was the o e question that was niggling me but all of you wonderful people have answered it for me. I hope you stay well now Susie all the best Marilyn

[Sljp0000 in reply to Mazza149]

Thank you. Please let us know how you get on xx

[rjb112]

I had a Coronary CT Angiogram in July 2015 with Coronary Artery Calcium Score/Agatston score of 1,556. The test I had said that anything over 400 was a high cardiovascular risk. I had a 70% blockage in the left anterior descending coronary artery. The right coronary artery had "extensive calcified plaque where the stenosis cannot be determined."

However, I am able to hike moderately for 2 hours, twice a week with a hiking club, do strengthening exercises on my own, use a stationary bike and elliptical trainer and not have chest pain while I am doing all this.

I eat a 100% plant foods diet, no animal foods, for many many years (about 35 to 40 years), because of my family history of coronary artery disease.

My total cholesterol is 120 mg/dL. I take 40 mg of Atorastatin but no other cardiac meds.

My parents had coronary artery disease, and so do 2 of my brothers. One of my brothers now has a heart transplant.

I am 69 years old.

[Mazza149 in reply to rjb112]

Hi Rjb112 thank you so much for your reply it has made me feel so much better. I am slowly replacing animal products with more plant based lots of beans lentils etc. I'm also just waiting for the cardio rehab stage 4 to start as well as feeling ready to start swimming. I feel so much better talking to other people

[Persevere99]

Vit K2/Mk 7 takes calcium out of the blood and deposits it in the bones where it belongs.

Unsure whether it can reduce existing arterial calcification though.

All the best

Persevere