Hi there! for watching our video! If you’re at high risk for heart disease, have high blood pressure, insulin resistance (pre-diabetes or diabetes), unhealthy cholesterol or unhealthy weight, and are not ready to age prematurely - go to HealthspanMD.com to learn more or request an appointment with Dr. Todd Hurst.
A high calcium score indicates calcified plaques, which are not the dangerous ones. You need to decrease and deflate the soft plaques. The key to that is decreasing white carbs such as refined flour, refined rice, and sugar which cause high levels of secretion of insulin which causes artery inflamation, which attracts cholesterol to repair it. So, get off the sugar and carbs is number one!!!!
So my husband and his best friend were both airline pilots and both had a very high calcium score! Both also had triple bypasses! My husbands score was 500 and his friend’s score was 4000. Both had bypass surgery one year apart. I wish someone would do a study on the effect of taking off and landing an airplane and working on the other side of the clock on pilots!
@@carolynsears1710 Did they drink on their off hours? Calcium is complex. I'd like to know more about the guy with a 4000 score. He should be dead with that number. Why did your husband have bypass with a score of 500?
I’m 72 and got a calcium score of 1750. My cardiologist said that at my age and having been on statins for around ten years, not to worry too much, but did a nuclear treadmill stress test. It showed no blockages.
@@denisfinnegan7314 Wow 7500! Do you feel your test was reliable and done properly? For example, if your heart rate is high during the procedure that can produce artifacts that falsely get interpreted as calcium. Ideally, you want to maintain a heart rate below 60 bpm (beats per minute) during your scan.
This guy is right. 71 year old here. I just had a Nuclear Treadmill and Echo Cardio Ultrasound on the heart after getting a score of 6,200 on my calcium scan. Cartiologist found no blockage and everything was normal. I have been freaking out for almost a month waiting to be tested. Doctor says the calcium is on the outside and not inside. Don't freak out. I always felt fine and can run all day and it confused me. Both parents lived well into the 90's ...... mother 98. I have inherited high cholesterol so cardiologist bumped my statin up to 40mg from 20. I eat no red meat no processed food....mostly veggies and fish, no flour (Ezekiel bread only) no milk, no sugar and only egg whites, tons of fruit..... feel much better eating this way and will do this the rest of my life. I will occasionally eat something sweet but not gorge on it.Show less
Hi Mike. I had a score of 1000 and did some further tests. There was a degree of blockage in my arteries but nothing that needed an operation. Don’t freak out. High scores show stability but please do get further tests to ensure you haven’t got any blockages which can be easily and safely treated. I wish you well
So Calcified plaque on the outside? Are you sure that they didn’t say the calcium was absorbed into the walls of the arteries? How would plaque get on the outside? Could this have happened because if the body is lacking in Vitamin K2m7 then calcium gets into the arteries instead of returning it to the bones, causing osteoporosis!
@christianb9753 hey, I just had my first CAC 3 days ago because my bp is running 150ish over 85ish. I am also 43! My score was 89 with half that score (45) in the widowmaker. I'm scared to death. How are you doing? My overall cholesterol is currently 209. Higher, yes, but not terrible. What do you advise? Any thoughts?
I was a very healthy 49 yr old that started statins at 22 yrs old due to my family history. I had a Calcium score due to some symptoms and I scored over 2000. I got a stent 3 days later. I run marathons and I do long cycling events.. 300 plus minutes a week in exercise. You can't beat bad genes.
I've seen where cholesterol has nothing to do with heart or artery health or heart attacks but that inflammatory substances such as fake seed oils, grains, and other items that damage our arteries that cholesterol patches up are the culprits instead. We never had heart attacks or strokes until we started ingesting these processed items.
@J P , I have known several people over the years that had cholesterol of 150 that had serious heart attacks. Some lived through them and some didn't. Mine has been over 300 for over 40 years and it went down 40 points when I started the carnivore diet, so cholesterol in didn't mean high cholesterol. I hope you stay healthy and heart attack and stroke free!
@J P , I have seen from numerous dr's talking about how cholesterol numbers don't mean good or bad health. What's important is the size of the LDL. If it's big and fluffy then you're fine, but if they're very small they can get in artery walls and cause damage, as fake seed oils and other inflammatory substances do. Plus, plants contain oxalates and lectins which can cause problems for some people, as they do me. I'll stay with my carnivore diet, thank you. I wish only great health for you.
I got a coronary calcium score result of 8 about 4 years ago which is "good" but not zero. I have well controlled HTN, and hyperlipidemia for which I'm on a statin. I have cut back on sugar, avoid high fat foods, limited processed foods, and exercise regularly. My BMI is 24, I get 7 hrs of sleep per night, and my resting HR is 48, 130's when jogging briskly. My plan is to continue improving on risk factors and keep monitoring under the care of a physician. I may be able to get off the statins and BP may improve with the fitness level, but the risks will have to be monitored.
EAT NOTHING BUT HIGH FAT FOODS WILL KEEP YOUR ARTERIES CLEAN. EATING FATTY RED MEAT ACTUALLY CLEANS FAT FROM YOUR ARTERIES while CARBS and SUGAR cause an increase in Glucose and Insulin which is what Causes the Inflammation in Arteries
I received a calcium score of 1850! The scale only goes to 400. I've lost 45 pounds and counting. I'm enrolled in the Ornish intensive cardiac rehab program and have transitioned to a mostly plant based diet. Had CABG x 4 three months ago and feel great. With that said, I've been trying to learn more about my condition so this video helped me have less anxiety. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Fantastic resource! Thank you, very helpful. I’m 57 with a 538 cac score. My Father died of a heart attack in 1977 and my older brother suffered a heart attack last year and was stented and okay. Trying to live the 10 steps and enjoy a long life.
If you do the research you can reverse the the score, I'm 67 and have gone from 660 to 458. And Statins I'll never go on. They are not widely accepted in Europe.
@@SET12DSP 660 to 458 is not REVERSAL. It just says, U R controlling your risk and you may still have 30% risk of having MI in 5 yrs. 660 to 458 is algorithm issue. U Can NEVER decrease CAC once you have them in your arteries and it may even GO UP as you age.
I lowered my left main artery from 278 to 0. All other arteries had a slight increase. Carnivore lifestyle, no carbs or sugars with d3k2, no veg. Lifting weights walking.
@Easy Academy 2021 was the year I started carnivore. 2022 was my first cac score test. At 909. In 2023, my second test went up to 1043.2 . I would guess it took about 6 months or more. I was super strict. With everything. cardiologist would have never given a second score test because they just don't do it. Get one yourself.
@@easyacademy8110 yes, the cardiologist doctor said he has never seen that. My primary care said that is unusual. Doctors say it goes up regardless of what you do. That is why they only want one cac score test, but now we know we can do it without their help. Reverse plaque.
Have a calcium score of 520, I knew genetics was not on my side due to my father dying of a heart attack at age 48, never had high cholesterol, no high blood pressure, always stuck to a Mediterranean diet due to my heritage, was able to walk 7km a day with no shortness of breath and I always passed an annual stress test. However I was still paranoid due to family history, my Cardiologist said things have been monitored and under control. I asked him if there was a further test that we could undertake and he said an angiogram would show how well blood is flowing and any blockage could be stented. Underwent the angiogram, the result was I needed an urgent triple bypass.
OMG. I was reading your note and was thinking, you probably have no worries as you are doing all the right things and probably did not need the angiogram, then it rocked me to read that you needed bypasses
I am 68 years old man. My calcium score is very high 1257. My blood test is good HDL And LDL is normal range triglycerides is normal 90 cholesterol is normal high blood pressure is good normal AIC is 6.5 but ny score is very high. How to reduce this score amd what to do. I exercise daily. Eat healthy stopped alcohol only wine coccasionaly How to reduce the score I am worried. My primary physician asked me to do this test. I did not have a heart attack. No one in m y family had a heart attack. Can someone tell me how to reduce this score or what is next
I had this done 4 years ago and I was 56 years old and my number was a “0” . My mom and dad both had heart disease and never knew it . Doctor strongly suggested we (the children) have this done . I’m glad I did and my labs and numbers are all below range but not deficient in nutrients. Or too low. Thank you . People get it done especially if your parents have heart disease .
For more info research Dr Arthur Agatston for whom the Agatston Coronary Calcium Score is named. He emphasizes there are many factors involved in attempting to determine one's risk of a cardiac event within 5 years and not to look at the calcium score alone.
I have been on a ketogenic diet for 3 years. My CAC score is 1870. I am in ideal weight. Not diabetic. Regularly doing exercises well. Taking K2, magnesium. I am healthy and need not use medicines. I have been on a ketogenic diet for 3 years.
No he would have done a heart cath at which point they will have insterted the stents when they found the blockages. Stress tests are not good standard. Heart cath/angiogams are the only way to see right inside the arteries
I watched my Dad dropped dead very suddenly AlAnd extremely quickly on front of me and my young children 18 yrs ago. It was only through his autopsy that we found out why he died. Not even his Dr had any idea. He was 63 years old. 😮One of my dear friends was suggested to have the CAC as his best friend had found out he needed emergency heart treatment. My friend did actually have a high CAC score and in the exploratory testing they dislodged some plaque and he ended up with 5 arteries bypassed. His shock was that he really had no idea before it, I told him he’d been given a second chance with knowledge. He was actually (at least on the surface) quite healthy and looked after himself not to badly. He is 66. I will be looking to see my score as I can do much in the 10 different things you suggest. In nearly 57.
Surprisingly, I had a calcium score of 175 and made major changes to my exercise, diet, well researched supplements, sleep routine, etc. and three years later the score was 154.
That could be a real reduction, but according to most doctors that is somewhat unlikely. Usually hard calcium do not easily dissolve, and besides is not really something you want to break loose and running around in your arties up to your heart. From what I understand there is some level of interpretation involved in the score and the Cat scans are not perfect. But so long as the calc score it is not going up, a level of 175 is probably not a major concern depending on your age. Also, it is more important as to the degree blockage in specific arties, rather than your overall score.
Thank you for the video Dr, and everyone's comments. I am 51 w/ Hx HTN, now well controlled on meds. Had unhealthy diet and shift work for 2 decades. CAC score 287, all in LAD. Cholesterol and triglycerides are perfect. I am now metabolically healthy, keto diet, exercising, D3/K2, omega 3. Cardiologist recommends statin to "stabilize the plaque". But I'm hesitant with the side effect profile, and most importantly that I don't know if there is soft plaque that needs to be stabilized anymore. The CAC score is reflective of damage already done. If one doesn't adjust risk factors, then it is certainly predictive of future cardiac risk. I think I should get a coronary CTA to evaluate coronary vessels. If it shows stenosis or soft plaque then I think a statin makes sense. But if it only shows dense calcified plaques and open vessels I don't see the benefit. Any opinions? Thank you in advance!
How do you have a 30-minute interview on high calcium score without asking or saying what exactly is "high"? The doc mentions a CAC of zero and some LDL numbers, but no word of what a high, moderate or low score is?
I got a score of 190 two years ago, went keto and eat low carb, higher fat. Haven't bothered to check again. The cardiologist my PCP sent me wanted to start me on statins but I laughed him off. I'm 63, in good shape with no health issues, know I'll die sooner or layer, one way or another, but would rather not be medicated to death or early senility.
The reason that he did not define what is a high score is because being high is age dependent. A 50 year has what's high for him which would not be high for a 75 year old with a duplicate score. There is a risk table based on age and score on line.
I'm 43. Will be 44 in December. I just had a CAC test done 3 days ago and got my scores back 2 days ago. My score is 89 with 45 of that in the widowmaker. Can you tell me what your outcome was and what you are doing currently to try and better your situation?
I am age 71 and recently received a cardiac calc score of about 400. I have also been diagnosed with calcification of ligaments in my neck, feet, and other parts of my body. I have no family history of heart disease of any kind, and my father is 99 years old. I asked my cardiologist about what causes a high calc score, and he gave some vague answers such as "inflammation." My blood calcium level was slightly above the normal range over many years, but my cardiologist never commented on that. In the last 3 months, I was treated by an ENT doctor (thyroid surgeon) for a Papillary Cancer in my thyroid (which is highly treatable and rarely fatal). My thyroid surgeon, upon seeing my elevated blood calcium levels (before the surgery) immediately suggested that I probably have a bad para-thyroid gland, which is what regulates calcium in the body. During removal of my thyroid, he also removed one of the four para-thyroid glands, which was verified to be bad in the post surgery pathology report. At this point, I don't know for sure if the bad para-thyroid gland was related to my high cardiac calc score and other ligament calcification issues, but there seems to be some disconnect between my cardiologist and ENT physician on this subject. Based on my own research, I have also started taking vitamin MK-7 which supposedly helps keep the calcium in the bones and out of the blood, etc. My endocrinologist (who now has to monitor my thyroid hormones) also recommended MK-7, but MK-7 was never mentioned by my cardiologist.
Hello sir . Thanks for your message . Good luck . I would defo recommend the vitamin K2 -M7 variety . Great book called . Vitamin K2 the calcium paradox that explains how the k2 switches on the body’s mechanism for removing calcium from soft tissues and deposited in bones and teeth . Good luck
Greatest information. I’m 71, good health, good bloodwork, good cholesterol levels but just received a Calcium Score of 2500. Needless to say I’m concerned and looking for all research I can. A friend told me to get a thyroid test. Your story is interesting.
@@wscagle The gland that controls calcium levels is called the para-thyroid (four of them), which is attached to the thyroid, but a separate gland. It's "possible" that you have one or more bad para-thyroid glands, but I don't believe that a para-thyroid issue can be detected by the standard thyroid hormone tests. What is needed is a simple calcium blood level test, which is different than a Coronary artery calcium (CAC) test that measures the build-up of calcium deposits in your arteries, not your blood. If your blood calcium level is out of range, then a para-thyroid "might" be the problem. If you have had any blood tests recently, check to see if the calcium level was tested. An ENT surgeon who specializes in thyroid surgery probably is the best doctor to diagnose whether you have a bad para-thyroid. But there are other things that can cause a high Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
Mark, make sure you get on the proper dose of K2-MK7 as most dosing recommendations are wrong, according to Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue author of "K2 and the Calcium Paradox " In an interview by Dr.Mercola, she now recommended 100mcg of K2-MK7 per 1000i.u. of D3. You can take more of K2-MK7 but not D3 as D3 allows the body to absorb 20x more calcium, which can overrun K2-MK7. Myself I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol to reverse my coronary artery calcium score or CAC which reversed 200 points in just 20 months. Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist has a book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. My CAC went from 660 to 458, and I'm now 68.
Thank you for a great explanation on CAC. You are giving so much hope to people who are ignorant about this subject. I was put on 10 MG astorvastatin to lower my LDL. I feel that I do not need statin because I have great hdl and triglycerides and I passed the stress test. Thank you again.
HDL and Triglycerides are irrelevant. LDL is all that matters. 10mg of atorvastatin is not a high dose. There is no reason to avoid statins. They work great and are extremely safe. They are the most subscribed medication in the world for a reason.
@@donwinstonYou're calling someone else dense? Apparently you know very little of the side effects and serious damage these drugs cause, not the least of which is diabetes, dimemtia, and debilitating joint pain and the fact that they do nothing to address why chloresterol is clogging up arteries to begin which is inflammation throughout the body. Vicki
Mice fed a low-potassium diet had increased vascular calcification and artery stiffness. Conversely, a high-potassium diet reduced calcification and stiffness.
Well, if it works in mice then surely we all should be doing the same. Like with rabbits and carrots, have you ever seen a blind rabbit? I rest my case and now eat a carrot with every meal. Vision remains excellent.
Very recently I had a calcium score done....see the results: HISTORY Cardiac screening
FINDINGS Limited CT scanning of the chest was performed for the evaluation of coronary artery calcification.
Total coronary artery calcium score: 1426 Left main coronary: 137 Left anterior descending:379 Left circumflex: 582 Right coronary: 310 Posterior descending artery:0 Diagonal 1 : 18
Limited evaluation of the lungs is provided on this exam. There is no significant pulmonary nodule identified in the limited portion lungs scanned incidentally during cardiac screening.
IMPRESSION Total coronary calcium score of 1426 After watching your very informative and a little anxiety reducing video....I'd like to know what would you tell me if I were your patient. I will say I have an appointment set up in the area where I live though it's 2 months out. However....I would much appreciate your input. thanks in advance. By the way....I'm 72 y/o...relatively good health otherwise.
As I said above......The hell with calcium scoring... Go for a CTA ......BUT with "HeartFlow" protocol. FDA approved, but not on stented arteries yet to get approval. Call or email them to find a local hospital who is a provider, vs. their website locator is not up to date. Had my heart attack at 46, 6 yrs earlier my CTA was clear. 2 stents & debilitating angina. I'm Trying to get a HeartFlow scan for a while now.....
Hi there, we are unable to provide medical advice online. We are only able to provide general information. Please consult a Cardiologist or Primary Care. If you'd like to schedule an appointment with us, go to HealthspanMD.com for details.
A Baby Aspirin, B Blood pressure control take medication, C Cholesterol check cholesterol and start taking STATIN Low dose 10 mg Lipitor, D Diet plant base more green if you are overweight then go on intermittent fasting Eat less live longer, E exercise start walk 15 min-45 minute and light weight exercise. F Fish Oil OMEGA 3 It helped me a lot I am 72 also I follow this and doing great now loss weight , low cholesterol, Lower BP. loss abdominal FAT Waist line 34-35 from 40. Nothing is impossible You have to take charge of your health because no body else will. Watch David Sinclair's TH-cam video for health & longivity you will pick up few good tips. R Alfa LIPOIC ACID caps add with B12 & D3. With best wishes. JAG
Dear Dr. Is the Calcium score really meaningful considering the following conditions? CAC is typically quantified using the Agatston score-a sum of the attenuation (in Hounsfield units) and area of all CAC lesions in the coronary arteries. So consider a person who has very high score like 700 on they scale but took all recommended measures to reduce and maintain lipid markers in the normal range, passes stress , EKG tests, routinely exercisers vigorously without chest pain complaints and significant calcification is distributed such that even though there are many plaques none caused significant stenosis. In this case, if this person takes statins to stabilize existing plaques their CAC will be increased due to effect of stabilization of calcified envelopes but risk is actually reduced due to stabilization. So in this case CAC does not reflect risk change. Secondly CAC does not reflect presence of soft non calcified plaques which are much more dangerous in this case than calcified plaques this again calcification score does not reflect risk of cardio event. It might reflect risk of stenosis though.
I have had a 660 CAC and in 20 months got it down to 458. I'm not worried about soft plague when the hard calcium is being removed. Soft plague is about 20% calcium so it would make sense that it would go first! On your path it will only climb! I would seriously read Dr. Thomas Levy's book "Stop America's #1 Killer "
I’m 60 and just had a CTA done. I was diabetic for 3 years now I’m not. My A1C is 5.6. 19:22 My total CAC score was 159 is that bad. My family doctor didn’t like it and wants me to go back on statins which I refuse. I’m obese, very high cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides most of my life. I had an ultra sound done by life line screening and they said I’m like a 20 year old.
113 with 95 on my LAD and 18 on my RCA. I am 60, and I lost 160 pounds on Keto (LDL score of 137. Trig at 61, and HDL at 57). My GP wants to talk to me about my diet (which has relatively high protein because I exercise quite a bit but generally try to eat leaner meat and get fats with Greek yogurt, avocadoes, EVOO, and butter. I admit I eat too much cheese, and I plan to cut that back. Not going to add grains or starchy vegetable carbs back to my diet. I also eat a lot of non-starchy vegetables.
High LDL-cholesterol may occur on keto or fasting and that is not the issue. If the LDL is pattern A that is normal. Pattern B or "small dense LDL" is the risk type. A NMR test can tell you what type you have. A healthy metabolism is the key as the doc says.
Dig deeper. That's a Keto religion line. Fantasy. If I asked you to define exactly what size LDL particle is safe and exactly what size is unsafe, you can't answer. Here goes ...all LDL particles
At age 65 had a CC score of 0; at 70 it was 0 again; at 75 it was 105. My LDL has consistently gone done over 15 years to now 115 and all other lipid functions have stayed virtually the same, all within the normal ranges. I hike, kayak and am active and never had any pain. My question is WHY did it go up so dramatically ? My BP has been the same under control with a minimum of meds. When I was younger (40s) my BP was always low.
Investigate your foods to see if you can be including anything that is inflammatory such as seed oils, grains, sugar, and multi-ingredient processed, etc. I would even include cooking with olive oil, but there are arguments about that. The previous items are what I attribute my heart attack at age 75. Your system is repairing something?, but why, etc. Good luck.
A CAC can go up dramatically if your focal vitamin C deficient. I am reversing my CAC on the the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. 660 to 458 in 20 months.
Because I was diagnosed a Type 2 diabetic 25 years ago, I have been doing most or all of those ten things. I lost more than eighty pounds, have done 5 miles a day of fast walking for at least twenty years and I'm on a very low carb (less than 50 gram) keto-ish diet for the last two years. Last week my calcium scoring test came back at 2,460. Don't have a high stress job, although as a school crossing guard I was Struck by a car four years ago (five broken ribs, compressed fracture of the T-12 vertebrae.) Hard not to wonder if all this preventive stuff really makes that much of a difference I know it does, because eighty pounds lighter and much fitter, I do feel quite a bit better, but...still, I do wonder.
Yes, l have some of the same thoughts as you. Been trying hard to do everything possible to reduce my CVD risk factors for a long time. Many positive changes have convinced me l am on the right track. Still, there is some nagging doubt if l have missed any crucial factors. Even though my medical numbers are generally all good now, l do still feel some angina symptoms off and on. Learning to stay healthy is a very encompassing task, especially with so many contradictory info out there.
@@chanwaileong9880 I forgot to add that I also stopped smoking (I smoked cigars only). All of the changes no doubt have had a positive impact, but when you pop a Calcium Scoring Test number like I did, and end up with three blocked arteries requiring four stent, you do wonder how much good all of this effort is doing. Still, I am alive and reasonably well when I migtht easily have been dead twenty years ago.
My g/f is 64 years of age and has high cholesterol. Her father died at 54 from cardiac arrest. She exercises daily, is not overweight, no smokes and drinks rarely and has a score of 66. Her GP still won't take her off statins. A cardiologist (Dr. Ross Walker) told me that she SHOULD NOT be on any form of STATINS ! The side-effects are shocking, but her Doc knows best ! Lol
I do not understand HOW a Doctor can hold a discussion on high calcium scores without defining HIGH and giving some examples of score he sees in his practice.....
I'll answer. Generally a score of zero is almost a guarantee that you will be heart attack free for the next ten years. Under 10 is also generally excellent. But all of these scores are age dependent. A score of 14 can be excellent, but it depends on your age. If you're under 50, 14 is not that great, if you're over 65, 14 is excellent. There are other factors that change the importance of your score. You need to test and know 1) your fasting insulin, 2) your fasting glucose, 3) triglycerides, 4) total cholesterol, 5) blood pressure, and 6) A1C. You can also scan your carotid, check for PAD, an AAA, and get an ABI plus do a 12 lead ECG and stress test. Get all of those done and you'll be golden. Most can now be done at heart centers without a doctor's script.
It is also essential to know exactly where the calcium is forming and if it is hard or soft calcium. And if you are or were a high level athlete, that also has an impact. I have a higher score, but I was a national level cyclist, and most of my calcium is the hard variety, and I'm also going on 65 years old. The test is meant to measure your risk of a heart attack in the next ten years. A score of zero is a virtual guarantee (not including genetics or radical changes to your diet) that you will not have a heart attack in the next ten years. If your triglycerides are 150 and your BP is 165/89, that is another story. Anything more than zero and you need to figure out your percentile ranking which will tell you your chances when combined with the other factors I mentioned,e specially your age. Watch some of the calcium scan videos by Ivor Cummins and you'll learn a lot more than you will from this video. Ivor was the Irish advocate for calcium scoring protocol. He is the best.
@@newunderthesun7353I worked with a guy who had a 0 CAC test score. Within 6 years. he had a heart attack. He had stents put in his neck. He didn't change his eating after the CAC score of 0 because he thought he was good to go. So a CAC of zero doesn't mean 100% no heart attack within 10 years.
Got a score of 438 2years ago, not sure why. Great health all my life, lipids are great last 20 years triglycerides 28. Ldl 58 hdl 68, normal blood pressure. Went for CTA scan To access soft plaque, less than 25% attenuation of soft plaque in left circumflex. Less than 25% plaque in lad artery. Excersize/ weight training daily, 65 years old Not sure direction ,other than what I am doing....thx
Contrary to what this Doctor says about reversing your calcium score, there are people who have been able to do exactly that. If you're interested this guy shows how he reversed his score th-cam.com/video/X4RipKub_Y8/w-d-xo.html
I am not a dr, but your numbers seem really good! CAC is scoring hard calcium buildup and if its stable at 65 I would think you keep it up. From the vids I am looking at its the soft/liquid plaque that is the bad guy and CAC does not measure that and the ldl or 58 is outstanding.
I'm another one who is reversing my Calcium score. Down from 660 to 458. It's not cholesterol. Check out Dr Thomas Levy. The Japanese are some of the longest lived in the world and yet they don't do marathons and they don't do gyms!
If your HDl is 68 that is great but a little too low. Never heard of Hdl that low get it checked again not a doctor. My HDL was 186 so excited thst low previous it was 211 but that was after eating other one fasting
@@adelinespeer6269My HDL is just 36 yet I am reversing my CAC Score from 660 to 458 in 20 months. I'm on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. It's not the numbers. It's about vitamin C sufficiency.
Calcification does not exist outside the vessel. It is found between the internal and external elastic lamina, It does not block the vessel. It is an effect of older coronary artery disease .
@@jpr42100 It does narrow it though and as more soft plaques calcify, Would this not make the artery stiffer and stiffer and block the flow ? This one keeps me awake at night. I have high CAC of 700 on the LAD, a long section of moderate disease in the LAD, but no symptoms or flow limitation as of yet but high dose statins will stiffen my already stiff arteries …..bit of a paradox which I’m not quite understanding
I had a CT/angio scan done a couple months ago. I did it because my Dr said my LDLs were high. But all of my other levels were normal. Even had a Stress Test done and saw no problems. Yet no explanation why ONLY my LDL was high. The result of the scan was Zero. No calcium and no soft plaque detected. And still after all this, the Dr repeatedly told me I needed to go on a Statin prescription. Do you have any suggestions?..
Some things to think about... What is the distribution of LDL particle size? Small glycated/oxidized LDL are problematic to the intima (artery inner lining). A LDL particle analysis blood test can determine this. What is your Lp(a)? These are a version of LDL which are inflammatory, clot promoting, and tend to attach to artery walls - genetically determined. Can also measure this with a blood test (either by mass or by count depending on the lab). A high LDL may not necessarily be a problem depending on the above and other factors.
I had a calcium score done a year ago. It was 313. Told I was in the 86% of having an episode of some kind in the next 10 years. I’m 74 years old and over the weekend my Apple Watch notified me that I was in A-Fib. The only symptom I was having was sweating. I went to the ER thinking they would just check me and send me home. They did a EKG and said I was in full blown A-Fib. Since my watch showed I was in A-Fib for about 5 hours with no symptoms. Decided to do a Cardioversion. It worked and they admitted me to administer heparin to treat my clotting factor. It was really high. They did blood work every hour. I was on 50 mg of Lipitor for my colesterol plus Metoprolo 50 mg. And amlodipine and Benenzolate . I had every non evasive test done and said the only thing I could do is manage the condition. I have a family history also.
I am petrified! One year ago I had covid...blood clots calf..oxygen and 18 pills a day. Now I take only 6: 2 famotidine, baby aspirin, Amlodipine, metoprolol, and 40 mg atervastatin...my cardiologist told me I have mild blockage in 3 coronary arteries and 1 artery is blocked but just a very little. Negligibly.. I go back to see him in January. I eat healthy, never smoked, overweight, old= 70, I feel fine and still teach math and Italian everyday...but I am SO SCARED!....I never went to a Dr or took any medicine for the first 69 years of my life....Bp now = 125/ 75...hb= 56...he told me my heart was strong..no stints yet.....can diet reverse calcification? THANK YOU! MERRY CHRISTMAS!tom...am walking 30 minutes per day now
Keep watching videos. Statins increase calcium. Most side effects are for older women who have arthritis and hypothyroidism. People on statins are 50% more likely to develope diabetes. Docs say it never goes away, they just want to slow progress, but other videos say vitamin K2 with Vitamin D helps dissolve it. Cardiologists want me to take statins, but the purpose of statins is to lower LDL, and my score is 51 which is low. People with LDL scores below 50 have a 159% higher risk of having a hemmologic? Stroke. Also people who take statins religiously for 5 years increase their life by 4 days which isn’t so good if you have bad side effects. Can you tell I’ve been researching?
A good friend of mine a Math teacher himself told me about Dr Linus Paulings cure to heart disease. And I am on that protocol. He was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner. It's reversing my hearts blockage by desolving the plaque and especially the hard Calcium. I was told by my cardiologist it can't be done. But my CAC Score has gone down from 660 to 458 and that's a 30% improvement in just 20 months. But for God sakes listen to Kathy Kann's post here! She is 💯 % right. And if you do a statin which BTW they are not as widely accepted due to its many possible side effects in Europe I doubt you will be able to accomplish what I have. My wife was an educator for 30yrs, 3rd grade.
@@kathygann7632 No, I can't tell you've been researching otherwise you'd have given us some real reason why your doctor WANTS you on a statin when you have a LDL of 51. There is more to the story than you are giving us. What are ALL your results, not just the LDL of 51? Why in the world would the doc insist you take a statin if nothing indicates it. BTW... just ask the inventor of the CAC scoring and he'll tell you that you can't reverse the calcium score...only appearing as such due to differences in given tests. In other words, the calcium doesn't really reverse, only the tests are inconsistant. I'd say, after 40 years, he knows best. Look him up, see him state such over and over in videos.
I just had mine done because of high cholesterol results. Statin was initially suggested but when I questioned it they said a negative calcium score would justify not taking a statin. I’m 54 and just had one done. Zero in all major arteries (LMA, LAD, LCX, RCA and PDA) Now what?
Great video. Can you tell me how one goes about determining what "high cholesterol" is and can you also point me towards the peer reviewed clinical trial that shows correlation between high cholesterol and heart disease? I've been doing a deep dive for the past few months on metabolic markers (blood work) and I just can't seem to find any evidence that "high??" cholesterol is bad if all ( not just the common few that are normally looked at) of your blood markers and the other heath factors that were talked about in the video are spot on.
I wish you had responses to your comment because it is a very pertinent question. Science evolves constantly and recommendations are altered as new information comes forward. My doc thinks triglycerides are more important to monitor for CAD than cholesterol. My previous doc was all about cholesterol. So, I don't know what to think to be honest.
I scored a 1440 twice. Scared the crap out of me , stopped training. Finally got a Cardio scan with contrast and the cardiologist said there’s no blockage in my arteries?
Not sure if this will get seen. Been awhile. I appreciate this video. Was freaking out. Had a scan and it came back 233, 93%. Wasn't even sure if I should go to the gym. Thought I'd give myself a heart attack. Very informative.
Mine is 1000. Chill. Do have a few more tests though. The calcium isn’t an issue but it suggests you may have some soft plaque. Important to find that out so that can give you some meds to stabilise it if you do
Retesting can show slow increase plaque build-up vs fast increase plaque build-up. 40yr for baseline, if zero, then 10 yrs. If higher than 100, 5yrs. At 50, at 60 and so on. Can show progression of build up… 🥰
I have always had low cholesterol LdLs around 60, HDLS 60-70 total around 150 work out for over 45 years, triglycerides around 70, had CAC of 1600, eat very little fried foods, sugar less than 100, bad history on my dads side heart attack at 63
You can have great cholesterol numbers, but if your Lp-a is high, then you have a 2-3 times greater risk for a cardiac event. But I'll clue you in, that 1600 is reversible by using the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol as I have reduced my 660 by 30% in 20 months. It's said not to be possible but my CAC of 458 proves it.... Fix the problem and Lp-a doesn't matter. Nor does cholesterol....
I am amazed that you don’t mention the score scale risk (0-to ?) What is considered a high score? How does someone measure their risk factor after getting the score. I have seen the scale and would be good to give your follows this important information.
Thank you for this informative video. My score is 313. I'm 55 female with family history, ect. My concern is that I go in for further testing and they either blow me off or want to do too much. How do i find a place that will have a balance?
Check out the book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. By Dr. Thomas Levy Cardiologist. It's working for me my score went from 660 to 458 in 20 months.
I have heard several people say their calcium score dropped on keto diets. Not sure if that is the case, but it could be due to technical variations during the different testings. But, if keto helps, that's great!
I was told to go get this test done because my triglycerides are high at 197. And because I don't wanna take statins, they suggested me getting this test, but my insurance won't cover it. I don't think I need it because I've been a carnivore for two years and I eat the best diet on the planet, so what are the odds of me getting calcium plaques by only eating meat?
If you don't get a CAC your only guessing at your condition. The test is typically around $50. So out of pocket shouldn't be an issue for anyone. Yes, eating carnivore can help but it's really about vitamin C focal deficiency in the arteries. I'm reversing my CAC on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol..
@Livetoeat171 I don't know where you live, but I live in Appleton, WI. My first and second scans were $50. My 3rd scan was at a Heart and Vascular Institute here in town and was $25. I can't remember, but they may have charged $25 to read it. The scan is basically a write-off for them because theres a lot more money from other procedures to be made. If I were you, I'd reconsider it's cheap enough even at $200. And the information is just too valuable. I have already reversed 30% of my CAC, and I hope it to be more than 50% in my next scan.
I live in Boise, Idaho and the doctor and the receptionist both said it was about $200. I'm a senior on Social Security only and I just can't afford that. I doubt that there's anything wrong because I'm slim and eat a carnivore diet and I'm healthy. They just think that would be something to rule out as to why my cholesterol numbers are going up but it's because I'm only eating meat.
@Livetoeat171 You're correct there. How's your Lp-a? Are your triglycerides low? If their elevated like 150+ thats an issue. Your HDL should be higher. Since you're a senior, I take it. You haven't always been a carnivore? You can have an elevated CAC and be completely asymptomatic as I was with a 660. Anything over a 100 can make you as much as 20x more likely to have a cardiac event. Seriously, I would check around for cheaper pricing. My wife was fortunate that she had a zero score. So low triglycerides, high HDL, and high LDL are hallmarks of a carnivore diet. A high glucose spells trouble. High glucose promotes focal vitamin C deficiency, which promotes plaque and calcium build-up. I'm on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol reversing my CAC.
My score is 3500 My doctor wants me to take statins and I refuse I am 84. I am a carnivore only eating eggs butter and steak (and lamb or salmon at times). My Triglicerides to HDL ratio is 1.33. Dr Robert Lustig says 1.5 or less I will live to 110.
My Calcium Score came in at 1571. Of that 509 LDA and 1024 Right , Thought I was toast. Cath angeogram showed only mild 10% or less stenosis. 41 years of statins thank you. Calcium was in the outer wall .. stable . Very fortunate . Dad 5 bypasses early 50's. All 6 uncles heart attacts 40's 50's.
Dear SIr , please need some guidance these are the findings " LAD: Proximal LAD just beyond the ostium has 80% long that becomes normalizes beyond the large diagonal then again prior to the second diagonal there is an 80% stenosis than the distal LAD is patent.Circumflex: Mid 70 to 80% discrete stenosis. The surgeon recommends BYPASS for the LAD for the LCX a stent
Ok, so I'm 61 and have Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. I have been on Cholesterol lowering substances since my early 20s and am currently on 40mg Atorvastatin and 10mg Ezetemibe. My original total Cholesterol was 10.8mmol. My total Cholesterol now is 5.5mmol. I was sent for a CT calcium score count 4 weeks ago (I have no symptoms) out of the blue which was 360. This prompted me to have an Angiogram. The Angiogram showed a 50% blockage on my main artery to the heart. I now have to go on the treadmill for a stress test. If I pass it ok (which I think I will) I won't need to see the Cardiologist for 5 years. If I don't I will have to have a stent. My diet is atrocious, I am such a fussy eater I simply cannot eat veggies, most meats and anything which I'm supposed to eat, I have tried but the textures make me heave, I know it's ridiculous but apparently it's linked to Anxiety which is a whole different topic. I now take a high dose of vitamins K2 and D3 which are roumoured to reduce calcium in the artery. BTW, following my angiogram, the Cardiologist put me on daily 75mg Aspirin and Bisoprolol. I feel fine.
Thank you. What about EDTA chelation? I flew from London to Miami to see Dr Gervasio Lamas at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami. He was the lead cardiologist in the TACT trials . Easy to Google for information. I have had 90 infusions over past 12 years.
I have reversed my coronary artery calcium score or CAC by 30% using High dose vitamin C with Lysine and Proline. Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. As verified by CAC. Way cheaper than what you're doing, evidently.... Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner...
61 yr old male had a cac test and it was 95..1 of the 4 had calcium the other 3 were clear none in the aorta none in the sac only 1 artery i smoked for 40 yrs not the best diet but i ate avacados my whole life ,also had a normal nuclear stress test go figure..i was certain i would have been clogged.i quit smoking 6 yrs ago and cut sugar as much as possible so i'm hopeful i got 20 plus left
Mine went from only trace calcium to 70% occlusion in two years. My cholesterol is 127 and LDL is 47. Never smoked, not overweight, normal blood pressure and normal blood sugar. How can this be?
I can tell you why! Based on Dr. Thomas Levy's Book "Stop America's #1 Killer " And it was easy just looking at your nice photo of yourself I take it. If you compete in bicycle racing, then you must know there are a lot of racers that develop heart damage as much as 40% of them. So you ask why is that? Well, according to Dr. Levy, you've likely caused a vitamin C deficiency in your hearts arteries. This is caused by the heavy pumping action of your heart, causing mechanical stress of the arteries depleting the reserves of Vitamin C in the arteries cells, triggering the bodies way of triaging itself with a fix that doesn't last and gets worse over time. Don't even attempt to suggest this to your cardiologist as they typically know nothing of nutrition and just believe in two things! Procedures and medications. I once heard that the Japanese are some of the longest lived people in the world! Maybe because they don't do gyms and they don't do marathons! BTW Marathon runners have the same heart issues. My own CAC score was 660, and I have reduced it to 458 based on Dr. Levy's recommendations.
@@attocoulomb You treat Lp-a with Lysine and Proline amino acids. They bind with Lp-a and when they do Lp-a is neutralized. This part of the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol that I use to to reverse my coronary artery calcium score.
@@cindyerbil2154 Don't panic if a new CAC comes back higher. Calcium formation is actually a later part of a healing process as inflammation inside the plaques recede, and they become more stable. If you can find an imaging lab that will (and can) do a CIMT (ultrasound on your carotids) you can see if the soft plaques are scarring, hence healing over time.
That's really funny! I once walked through a VA hospital. Working with medical electronics I saw a lot of antiquated equipment so it doesn't surprise me. But even still that's a very modern technology it's been around 30 years.
@bbhoustontx Unbelievable! The test is considered one of the best predictors of having a future cardiac event. I am glad I am able to have the opportunity to reverse mine! Even though I was told it wasn't possible. After 20 months, mine was reversed by 30%.
Why not get a CAC test which measures calcium in the arteries? No doctor really tells you about this and most are very quick to write that statin script just to show they did something. The calcium score goes up when you take a statin. Red Yeast Rice does the trick and it’s the same as a statin with less side affects.
See Dr. Ken Berry carnivore diet I eat 55 ounce ribeye steaks shrimp cocktail and sometimes another small steak all at once. I have wonderful bloodwork although I do have high cholesterol which is another myth. GOOGLE also Dr. Sten Ekberg this is the proper human diet.
I HEARD ANYTHING UNDER 300 IS O.K.. MINE WAS 1,000! Yikes!! & I have pre -diabetes,high cholesterol & high LDL & I am old now.. I eat a plant based diet, but have COPD so I am suffering from low oxygen at night which can B a cause of this calcium issues I have heard!! So count your blessings. I would love a calcium score as low as yours was.. I consider U very lucky!
Not even a 100 is safe. A 183 score can be 800 in 10 years. The score is compounding. At a 15%/year progression it doubles in 5 years. I have reversed mine on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol from 660 to 458 in 29 months.
I want to take vitamin K as I see my calcium is always a bit on the higher end. My cardiologist recommended a CAC but I want to try K2 to lower my calcium. I read K2 MK7 is the best but causes heart issues like palpatations which I get anyway. I am scared to take it what can I do?
I got my first high CAC score 3 years ago and started on a statin and K2/D3 then. I don't seem to have significant blockage as I'm pretty active at 76. Just had a 2nd CAC test with notably higher score, so essentially not seeing improvements from various efforts, including K2, but I'll keep working on all fronts. New score is 812 up from 584 3 years ago.
Even though it's very important there's a lot more than vitamin K2 like magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins etc, if you're interested there are people who have been able to reverse their calcium score, this video shows one such person, cheers! th-cam.com/video/X4RipKub_Y8/w-d-xo.html
@@gregtaylor8310 Statin plus K2 raised my CAC score from 107 to 193. Stopped statin and just took K2 (with D3, mag). Two more years and the CAC score was 164. I'm 73 now. But you have a high CAC score so you may need statin. My cholesterol was 117 when the plaque was increasing and 249 when it went down. (Vegetarian for 50 years.) I think that not everything is known yet about how to prevent a heart attack.
@@humblecourageous3919 I passed a recent PET scan /Stress test with no notable blockages, so am ok with statin keeping those important numbers and ratios in line.
Im blowing away that none of you talked about getting a lipid panel done to see LDL levels, something that every Dr should do as a complete assessment.
Everyone over 50 should assume they’ve eaten a poor diet for most if not all their lives and should eat as if they have cancer, Herat disease, diabetes and stroke risk ie fasting, KETO and or carnivore. I got my second CAC score the other day it cost 69 dollars took 5 min non evasive. My first one 5 years ago was 0 at age 52 waiting for the results of the second test.
@andrewrivera4029 Fantastic, I hope to have mine down to 0. At least it is regressing 17% per year! My preventative is the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. I follow Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist author of two books ,"Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. And "Curing the Incurable " with 1200 medical references in it. I'm 68, and I never have been in better health than I am today!
@@RandomHuTaoSimp Absolutely any number of things can help. And even reverse issues you may have had for years! One of my best improvements has been my skin. Fought black heads, white heads, pimples, rosacea all gone after 50 years of that crap. Think about it this way, the skin is the largest organ of the body, if the outside is clear then the inside is clear! Like arteries. I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol and reversing my coronary artery calcium score no meds! BTW yes K2-MK7 with D3 is great but make sure you use the proper dosing. My reference is Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue author of "K2 and the Calcium Paradox" her latest recommendation is 100mcg of K2-MK7 per 1000i.u of D3. D3 allows the body to absorb 20x more calcium than if you weren't supplementing with D3. So it's easy to overrun K2-MK7 thereby letting calcium go where it wants. K2-MK7 is not toxic so personally I take 2400mcg of K2-MK7 with 5000i.u of D3.
wow super, great information. Keep this information up todate as it looks like this information was done 2 Years ago. Acually best informationI have heard explained so well and a great speaker. Thanks again Aloha from Hawaii. It would be great if you could come up also with a particular diet to cover all these preventions
i just got my calcium score 80.77 with mild plaque detected, but what worries me is the left anterior descending artery 77.85 from that score. I was placed in the 90th percentile of risk. My husband scored 0!
Mine was 85 in that same heart artery! Zero everywhere else. I’m not worried…improved my diet, dumped Sugar and Processed Food, I’m very insulin sensitive now, at my ideal weight…exercise 5-6 days a week including weight training…I feel great! No STATINs for me.
I am 67, 6’2’ and 225 lbs. My score was 21 and my cardiologist put me on a statin (cholesterol ok). I asked if this was high. She said it’s not zero. NOT helpful. And agree that there should be some context/perspective here to put scores in perspective.
My score was 300 and 61 yr old female. I walk daily. My cholesterol good sleep good. Got my cholesterol from 327 4 yrs ago to 186. I eat chocolate every day no diabetes. Worried about doctor wanting me to get angiogram went got 2nd poo ion he saif no you don't need angiogram They had me on blood pressure medicine had good blood pressure. All these heart medi ibes on have me bruises diwn my leg told my new Cardiologist he took me off all heart medicines now bruises gone
What’s the very next step if someone gets a high calcium score? I think the answer is to get an angiogram and/or a nuclear stress test. He mentioned both, but didn’t hear him say explicitly with what calcium score would those tests be indicated.
@@brotherted9212 get a Ct with dye to look at your arteries. If they see anything then an angiogram is important. I went through all of this 2 months ago. Score of 1000 and 5 arteries with mild to medium blockages including the LAD.
I am 72 years old with no family history and relatively long living parents and grandparents. (86-100). I have no cardiac related symptoms. Total cholesterol 190-200. LDL 90. Triglycerides of 53. Blood pressure managed by losartan, glucose 104. My doctor wants me to have a CAC. I have reviewed what literature I could find and it appears this score is more for those in the ranges from 40-60. There is very little literature examining the appropriateness for older adults like myself and the ones I did find were essentially "inconclusive" with a recommendation that further study is warranted. So, what say you? Calcification to some degree appears to be a normal occurrence with advanced age so how valuable would this test be for my doctor?
I'm 68. Had it done at 60, 65, 66. Scores were 299,660,458, respectively. And yes, that's a reversal. The test is cheap for the plain Jane CAC, which can't see plague. But one with contrast can. I guess it depends on how long you want to live. And how miserable you want to be. Myself 90's would be good. And now I think I have a chance for that. I thank God that my GP mentioned the test. Males just don't live long in my family. IMO, mostly lifestyle choices. You don't have to go to extremes but you certainly have to want it. You're told hard calcium is safe and the soft plague is the danger. And I don't disagree. But at the same time you weren't born with it. You're also told it's not reversible but I've proved Linus Pauling Heart Protocol works! IMO it's better to know your CAC. The meds side effects are just terrible anoften lead to a steep downhill slope. Leading to more meds and procedures. I still have a lot of curiosity. So I'm enjoying discovery of alternatives and I must say they look better than I ever imagined that they could. Implementation of them is relatively easy. I'd rather do it early then later when it would be harder to implement. I don't run marathons and I don't go to gyms. I walk 3-4 miles per day eat mostly Keto grain and sugar-free.
@bbhoustontx I agree 💯. The problem is that without the CAC, you're just plain guessing 🤔 adding contrast will show any plague build-up. What people forget is if they are on a statin that the calcification progression can be double over no statin at all. Yes, it stabilizes plaque. But can still narrow one's arteries. I prefer neither plague nor calcium, and I am successfully reversing mine.
With my CAC Score at 660, I had no cardiac symptoms. Yet, at this score, it puts me at a 20x greater risk of having a cardiac event. I'm glad I had the score done with barely 20 minutes of my time.
I am an 82 year-old female. I have been practicing those 10 heart healthy things for many years and have an excellent lipid profile, BM index 19.5, HBP less than 130/60, low LDL & high HDL cholesterol thanks to 10mg/day of Rosuvastatin. My triglycerides are low, I don't consume any sugar, exercise regularly, and eat a heart healthy diet. One problem is sleep. I don't sleep well and my HRV is often too low and unbalanced. Moreover, in spite of a Mediterranean diet, I have been pre-diabetic (5.6) for several years and have been diagnosed with stage 3A CKD. I had a calcium scan in 2018, it showed 23% blockage. After 6 years, I requested a 2nd calcium scan. LAD + RCA is now 426. So my heart healthy lifestyle hasn't really reversed my CAD! Next week I have a nuclear stress test. My DNA shows a higher than normal risk for CAD. I think much of this is genetic. Is it worthwhile to have a "preventive" stent or balloon?
I had a calcium test and it is the left artery and the reason my cardiologist ordered it is because my blood work was great and my weight is good and I eat healthy and exercise , also I am 71 , I do not know if I am zero or high
I'd like to know that? Fortunately I am reversing mine. Had my last score double checked my regression is as fast as the progression was. But that's years in the making. I have managed 30% so far. I started on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. In another 3 years I expect it to be 250. But I have substantially increased my dosing so maybe it will be less.
CCS stands for Coronary Calcium Score, measuring the amount of Calcium in the 4 main arteries of the heart. An ideal score is zero, with 400 supposedly an indication of possible serious blockage in the arteries. Hope this helps.
I simply just don’t understand why my score is so high. 61yo, always been active and had a very healthy weight, have always ate pretty healthy diet, A1c at 5.6, no family history. And my score was 1202!!!! I don’t get it??? Where did all the damage to my arteries come from? Oh, total cholesterol was 229. I’m scared to do anything! What should I do next?
See a cardiologist for guidance. If you are having any symptoms, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness etc, go sooner rather than later. I was having symptoms. To the cath lab…2 stents later, AOK
I can tell you that the default answer to that question is going to be "It's Hereditary". It's easier to tell you that than to look for the root causes. BTW my CT Angiogram score was 1,700 one year ago. They prescribed 40mg of rosuvastatin, I simply will not take statins. There is no reliable evidence that it will prevent me from having a future heart attack. Check out Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. Sten Ekberg's youtube channels. You get a real education.
From internet: A 2021 review of studies found that dietary calcium intake of between 700 to 1,000 milligrams a day or a supplementary intake of 1,000 milligrams a day significantly increased a person's risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack.
I can relate, my friend. Just got a 1200 score today. I am 50 with a good weight, good diet, non-diabetic, etc. I am totally scared, angry, and confused. I really appreciate these videos and peoples' success stories...keep them coming!
Had my recent appointment with my cardiologist. She requested an echo as well. All came back good. She then asked me to get a CAC which was the first time I had one. Results were (0). Now she wants me to take aspirin and do a stress test. I don't know why she wants me to do all these tests, when she said, to keep doing everything I have been doing. My cholesterol in Aug was 250 which went up because I started carnivore three months prior. Now I'm doing Keto. I am 75 years old. The only meds I take are for thyroid. BP is fine, no diabetes. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Links don't work. The video was very informative as I just receievd a High calcium score which was a surprise to both me and my Dr as all my other tests show me as pretty "normal".
I would worry more about the soft plaques,, once calcified these wont rupture- even 20 percent blockage by soft plaque is imp to knw,, plaque characterization is the game i blv ct coronary angio does the best work up for mass screening..
Hi there! for watching our video! If you’re at high risk for heart disease, have high blood pressure, insulin resistance (pre-diabetes or diabetes), unhealthy cholesterol or unhealthy weight, and are not ready to age prematurely - go to HealthspanMD.com to learn more or request an appointment with Dr. Todd Hurst.
A high calcium score indicates calcified plaques, which are not the dangerous ones. You need to decrease and deflate the soft plaques. The key to that is decreasing white carbs such as refined flour, refined rice, and sugar which cause high levels of secretion of insulin which causes artery inflamation, which attracts cholesterol to repair it. So, get off the sugar and carbs is number one!!!!
spot on.
So my husband and his best friend were both airline pilots and both had a very high calcium score! Both also had triple bypasses! My husbands score was 500 and his friend’s score was 4000. Both had bypass surgery one year apart. I wish someone would do a study on the effect of taking off and landing an airplane and working on the other side of the clock on pilots!
@@carolynsears1710 Did they drink on their off hours? Calcium is complex. I'd like to know more about the guy with a 4000 score. He should be dead with that number. Why did your husband have bypass with a score of 500?
Seed oil, gmo
High dose D3/K2…
I’m 72 and got a calcium score of 1750. My cardiologist said that at my age and having been on statins for around ten years, not to worry too much, but did a nuclear treadmill stress test. It showed no blockages.
same here but my score is 7500, we are taking steps to investigate.
3,000 + ON MY CAT ANGIO GRAM SCORE
@@denisfinnegan7314 Wow 7500! Do you feel your test was reliable and done properly? For example, if your heart rate is high during the procedure that can produce artifacts that falsely get interpreted as calcium. Ideally, you want to maintain a heart rate below 60 bpm (beats per minute) during your scan.
My score 600...always been quote healthy...good diet. Very active. Low weight...low bp...how much which statin?
I just got a score of 4500.
I'm having an angiogram next week.
Any suggestions??
This is by far the most simplified explanation of CAC score .. drastically relieved my fear and anxiety. Thank you Sir!
So happy we could help!
This guy is right.
71 year old here. I just had a Nuclear Treadmill and Echo Cardio Ultrasound on the heart after getting a score of 6,200 on my calcium scan. Cartiologist found no blockage and everything was normal. I have been freaking out for almost a month waiting to be tested. Doctor says the calcium is on the outside and not inside. Don't freak out. I always felt fine and can run all day and it confused me. Both parents lived well into the 90's ...... mother 98. I have inherited high cholesterol so cardiologist bumped my statin up to 40mg from 20. I eat no red meat no processed food....mostly veggies and fish, no flour (Ezekiel bread only) no milk, no sugar and only egg whites, tons of fruit..... feel much better eating this way and will do this the rest of my life. I will occasionally eat something sweet but not gorge on it.Show less
I just got a score of 2000 and I’m freaking out. Glad to hear of some good news.
Hi Mike. I had a score of 1000 and did some further tests. There was a degree of blockage in my arteries but nothing that needed an operation. Don’t freak out. High scores show stability but please do get further tests to ensure you haven’t got any blockages which can be easily and safely treated. I wish you well
So Calcified plaque on the outside? Are you sure that they didn’t say the calcium was absorbed into the walls of the arteries? How would plaque get on the outside? Could this have happened because if the body is lacking in Vitamin K2m7 then calcium gets into the arteries instead of returning it to the bones, causing osteoporosis!
@@Once_in_a_Lifetimeyea, I’ve never heard it can be outside, I think he misunderstood it. My score is 3000 and I’m 43. Just had a double bypass
@christianb9753 hey, I just had my first CAC 3 days ago because my bp is running 150ish over 85ish. I am also 43! My score was 89 with half that score (45) in the widowmaker. I'm scared to death. How are you doing? My overall cholesterol is currently 209. Higher, yes, but not terrible. What do you advise? Any thoughts?
I was a very healthy 49 yr old that started statins at 22 yrs old due to my family history. I had a Calcium score due to some symptoms and I scored over 2000. I got a stent 3 days later. I run marathons and I do long cycling events.. 300 plus minutes a week in exercise. You can't beat bad genes.
But you can mitigate and still lower your risk!
I am curious the reason for going on statins at 22? High cholesterol? How old are you now and did you change your diet?
So, even on a statin, you have a high score. Interesting.
Looks like you’re taking care of yourself. Congrats!! I woukd akso look into dr Caldwell Esselstyn’s program. Look him up. Book is wonderful.
@@kathym9322 I prefer the godfather Dean Ornish!
I've seen where cholesterol has nothing to do with heart or artery health or heart attacks but that inflammatory substances such as fake seed oils, grains, and other items that damage our arteries that cholesterol patches up are the culprits instead. We never had heart attacks or strokes until we started ingesting these processed items.
Well, stated!!
Easy solution then .. cut hem out and don’t worry about high cholesterol .
@J P , I have known several people over the years that had cholesterol of 150 that had serious heart attacks. Some lived through them and some didn't. Mine has been over 300 for over 40 years and it went down 40 points when I started the carnivore diet, so cholesterol in didn't mean high cholesterol. I hope you stay healthy and heart attack and stroke free!
@@powerliftercarnivorecoachedgr you think 260 is “good”? ..
@J P , I have seen from numerous dr's talking about how cholesterol numbers don't mean good or bad health. What's important is the size of the LDL. If it's big and fluffy then you're fine, but if they're very small they can get in artery walls and cause damage, as fake seed oils and other inflammatory substances do. Plus, plants contain oxalates and lectins which can cause problems for some people, as they do me. I'll stay with my carnivore diet, thank you. I wish only great health for you.
I got a coronary calcium score result of 8 about 4 years ago which is "good" but not zero. I have well controlled HTN, and hyperlipidemia for which I'm on a statin. I have cut back on sugar, avoid high fat foods, limited processed foods, and exercise regularly. My BMI is 24, I get 7 hrs of sleep per night, and my resting HR is 48, 130's when jogging briskly. My plan is to continue improving on risk factors and keep monitoring under the care of a physician. I may be able to get off the statins and BP may improve with the fitness level, but the risks will have to be monitored.
How old are you? A CAC score of 8 at 60 is excellent. A CAC score of 8 at 40 is not good
EAT NOTHING BUT HIGH FAT FOODS WILL KEEP YOUR ARTERIES CLEAN. EATING FATTY RED MEAT ACTUALLY CLEANS FAT FROM YOUR ARTERIES while CARBS and SUGAR cause an increase in Glucose and Insulin which is what Causes the Inflammation in Arteries
Great video thank you DR I just got my score 648 I’m 67 years old no symptoms I see the doctor next week I’m nervous!
I received a calcium score of 1850! The scale only goes to 400. I've lost 45 pounds and counting. I'm enrolled in the Ornish intensive cardiac rehab program and have transitioned to a mostly plant based diet. Had CABG x 4 three months ago and feel great.
With that said, I've been trying to learn more about my condition so this video helped me have less anxiety. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
How old are you sir?
Good for you! You are doing something about the problem!
How has your journey been
That is amazing! Keep up the good work!
Scale goes a lot higher than 400
Fantastic resource! Thank you, very helpful. I’m 57 with a 538 cac score. My Father died of a heart attack in 1977 and my older brother suffered a heart attack last year and was stented and okay.
Trying to live the 10 steps and enjoy a long life.
Do you have high cholesterol and if so, are you on a statin?
If you do the research you can reverse the the score, I'm 67 and have gone from 660 to 458. And Statins I'll never go on. They are not widely accepted in Europe.
@@SET12DSP 660 to 458 is not REVERSAL. It just says, U R controlling your risk and you may still have 30% risk of having MI in 5 yrs. 660 to 458 is algorithm issue. U Can NEVER decrease CAC once you have them in your arteries and it may even GO UP as you age.
Jay, I suggest a full court press meaning an all out effort. These keto guys have some good countermeasures. Your doctors will manage your decline.
The laughter is a bit creepy...maybe a little more seriousness...
I lowered my left main artery from 278 to 0. All other arteries had a slight increase.
Carnivore lifestyle, no carbs or sugars with d3k2, no veg. Lifting weights walking.
How long did it take you from Calcium score of 278 to zero? please let us know. Thank you.
@Easy Academy 2021 was the year I started carnivore. 2022 was my first cac score test. At 909. In 2023, my second test went up to 1043.2 . I would guess it took about 6 months or more.
I was super strict. With everything. cardiologist would have never given a second score test because they just don't do it. Get one yourself.
@@macoediv Hi but in your 1st message you mentioned your left artery calcification has gone down to zero from 278. I am getting confuse now.:)
@@easyacademy8110 yes, the cardiologist doctor said he has never seen that.
My primary care said that is unusual.
Doctors say it goes up regardless of what you do. That is why they only want one cac score test, but now we know we can do it without their help. Reverse plaque.
@@macoediv Then why are you saying your CAC score has gone down from 278 to 0.
Have a calcium score of 520, I knew genetics was not on my side due to my father dying of a heart attack at age 48, never had high cholesterol, no high blood pressure, always stuck to a Mediterranean diet due to my heritage, was able to walk 7km a day with no shortness of breath and I always passed an annual stress test.
However I was still paranoid due to family history, my Cardiologist said things have been monitored and under control.
I asked him if there was a further test that we could undertake and he said an angiogram would show how well blood is flowing and any blockage could be stented.
Underwent the angiogram, the result was I needed an urgent triple bypass.
OMG. I was reading your note and was thinking, you probably have no worries as you are doing all the right things and probably did not need the angiogram, then it rocked me to read that you needed bypasses
can you tell me your LDL, HDL & Trigs please rather than saying normal?
@@bscsmscs1578 Even knowing Lp(a) may have predicted risk (if the value was high).
How old are you? CAC scores have different meanings for age
I am 68 years old man. My calcium score is very high 1257. My blood test is good HDL And LDL is normal range triglycerides is normal 90 cholesterol is normal high blood pressure is good normal AIC is 6.5 but ny score is very high. How to reduce this score amd what to do. I exercise daily. Eat healthy stopped alcohol only wine coccasionaly How to reduce the score I am worried. My primary physician asked me to do this test. I did not have a heart attack. No one in m y family had a heart attack. Can someone tell me how to reduce this score or what is next
I had this done 4 years ago and I was 56 years old and my number was a “0” . My mom and dad both had heart disease and never knew it . Doctor strongly suggested we (the children) have this done . I’m glad I did and my labs and numbers are all below range but not deficient in nutrients. Or too low.
Thank you .
People get it done especially if your parents have heart disease .
For more info research Dr Arthur Agatston for whom the Agatston Coronary Calcium Score is named. He emphasizes there are many factors involved in attempting to determine one's risk of a cardiac event within 5 years and not to look at the calcium score alone.
59 yo.Diabetic.Just found out calcium score is 2300
Had a stroke last month.Time for some serious lifestyle changes.
Good luck. Go hardcore ketogenic!
I have been on a ketogenic diet for 3 years.
My CAC score is 1870.
I am in ideal weight. Not diabetic. Regularly doing exercises well. Taking K2, magnesium.
I am healthy and need not use medicines.
I have been on a ketogenic diet for 3 years.
Look into Benfotiamine & Berberine
Mine was 1409 total. LAD 702, LCX 509.7, and RCA 197.0. Three stents installed, so far so good.
did you do a nuclear treadmill with echo cardio ultrasound test done to determine blockage? CAC will not determine blockage.
Are you on statins? If so what strength?
No he would have done a heart cath at which point they will have insterted the stents when they found the blockages. Stress tests are not good standard. Heart cath/angiogams are the only way to see right inside the arteries
I watched my Dad dropped dead very suddenly AlAnd extremely quickly on front of me and my young children 18 yrs ago. It was only through his autopsy that we found out why he died. Not even his Dr had any idea. He was 63 years old. 😮One of my dear friends was suggested to have the CAC as his best friend had found out he needed emergency heart treatment. My friend did actually have a high CAC score and in the exploratory testing they dislodged some plaque and he ended up with 5 arteries bypassed. His shock was that he really had no idea before it, I told him he’d been given a second chance with knowledge. He was actually (at least on the surface) quite healthy and looked after himself not to badly. He is 66. I will be looking to see my score as I can do much in the 10 different things you suggest. In nearly 57.
My CAC is 1700
Surprisingly, I had a calcium score of 175 and made major changes to my exercise, diet, well researched supplements, sleep routine, etc. and three years later the score was 154.
Which supplements? :)
That's interesting
@@deenyc730K2 (mk7) is the most important
Are you taking K2 now? What other supplements?
That could be a real reduction, but according to most doctors that is somewhat unlikely. Usually hard calcium do not easily dissolve, and besides is not really something you want to break loose and running around in your arties up to your heart. From what I understand there is some level of interpretation involved in the score and the Cat scans are not perfect. But so long as the calc score it is not going up, a level of 175 is probably not a major concern depending on your age. Also, it is more important as to the degree blockage in specific arties, rather than your overall score.
Thank you for the video Dr, and everyone's comments. I am 51 w/ Hx HTN, now well controlled on meds. Had unhealthy diet and shift work for 2 decades. CAC score 287, all in LAD. Cholesterol and triglycerides are perfect. I am now metabolically healthy, keto diet, exercising, D3/K2, omega 3. Cardiologist recommends statin to "stabilize the plaque". But I'm hesitant with the side effect profile, and most importantly that I don't know if there is soft plaque that needs to be stabilized anymore. The CAC score is reflective of damage already done. If one doesn't adjust risk factors, then it is certainly predictive of future cardiac risk. I think I should get a coronary CTA to evaluate coronary vessels. If it shows stenosis or soft plaque then I think a statin makes sense. But if it only shows dense calcified plaques and open vessels I don't see the benefit. Any opinions? Thank you in advance!
take the statin....... over 10 years no lssues.
rockysullivan0317 Right. CTA with Cardio IQ lipid panel for Apo(B) and lp(a). I take 5 mg of Crestor. No big deal.
How do you have a 30-minute interview on high calcium score without asking or saying what exactly is "high"? The doc mentions a CAC of zero and some LDL numbers, but no word of what a high, moderate or low score is?
I got a score of 190 two years ago, went keto and eat low carb, higher fat. Haven't bothered to check again. The cardiologist my PCP sent me wanted to start me on statins but I laughed him off. I'm 63, in good shape with no health issues, know I'll die sooner or layer, one way or another, but would rather not be medicated to death or early senility.
Exactly...From this video calcium scores don't mean shit...
Google it.
The reason that he did not define what is a high score is because being high is age dependent. A 50 year has what's high for him which would not be high for a 75 year old with a duplicate score. There is a risk table based on age and score on line.
So insane never says what is a high CALCIUM score. 0 is great, 400 is high.
I recommend doing it at 40, no questions asked!...and no I'm not a Dr but I'm 43 and have some blockage.
@@gusto8069 you’re spot on. Hope you’re doing well 🙏
I'm 43. Will be 44 in December. I just had a CAC test done 3 days ago and got my scores back 2 days ago. My score is 89 with 45 of that in the widowmaker. Can you tell me what your outcome was and what you are doing currently to try and better your situation?
I am age 71 and recently received a cardiac calc score of about 400. I have also been diagnosed with calcification of ligaments in my neck, feet, and other parts of my body. I have no family history of heart disease of any kind, and my father is 99 years old. I asked my cardiologist about what causes a high calc score, and he gave some vague answers such as "inflammation." My blood calcium level was slightly above the normal range over many years, but my cardiologist never commented on that. In the last 3 months, I was treated by an ENT doctor (thyroid surgeon) for a Papillary Cancer in my thyroid (which is highly treatable and rarely fatal). My thyroid surgeon, upon seeing my elevated blood calcium levels (before the surgery) immediately suggested that I probably have a bad para-thyroid gland, which is what regulates calcium in the body. During removal of my thyroid, he also removed one of the four para-thyroid glands, which was verified to be bad in the post surgery pathology report. At this point, I don't know for sure if the bad para-thyroid gland was related to my high cardiac calc score and other ligament calcification issues, but there seems to be some disconnect between my cardiologist and ENT physician on this subject. Based on my own research, I have also started taking vitamin MK-7 which supposedly helps keep the calcium in the bones and out of the blood, etc. My endocrinologist (who now has to monitor my thyroid hormones) also recommended MK-7, but MK-7 was never mentioned by my cardiologist.
Hello sir . Thanks for your message . Good luck . I would defo recommend the vitamin K2 -M7 variety . Great book called . Vitamin K2 the calcium paradox that explains how the k2 switches on the body’s mechanism for removing calcium from soft tissues and deposited in bones and teeth . Good luck
Greatest information. I’m 71, good health, good bloodwork, good cholesterol levels but just received a Calcium Score of 2500. Needless to say I’m concerned and looking for all research I can. A friend told me to get a thyroid test. Your story is interesting.
@@wscagle The gland that controls calcium levels is called the para-thyroid (four of them), which is attached to the thyroid, but a separate gland. It's "possible" that you have one or more bad para-thyroid glands, but I don't believe that a para-thyroid issue can be detected by the standard thyroid hormone tests. What is needed is a simple calcium blood level test, which is different than a Coronary artery calcium (CAC) test that measures the build-up of calcium deposits in your arteries, not your blood. If your blood calcium level is out of range, then a para-thyroid "might" be the problem. If you have had any blood tests recently, check to see if the calcium level was tested. An ENT surgeon who specializes in thyroid surgery probably is the best doctor to diagnose whether you have a bad para-thyroid. But there are other things that can cause a high Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
Mark, make sure you get on the proper dose of K2-MK7 as most dosing recommendations are wrong, according to Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue author of "K2 and the Calcium Paradox " In an interview by Dr.Mercola, she now recommended 100mcg of K2-MK7 per 1000i.u. of D3.
You can take more of K2-MK7 but not D3 as D3 allows the body to absorb 20x more calcium, which can overrun K2-MK7.
Myself I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol to reverse my coronary artery calcium score or CAC which reversed 200 points in just 20 months.
Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist has a book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. My CAC went from 660 to 458, and I'm now 68.
@@wscagleCheck your Lp-a level if it's high your 2-3 times at greater risk for a cardiac event even if your cholesterol is excellent.
Thank you for a great explanation on CAC. You are giving so much hope to people who are ignorant about this subject. I was put on 10 MG astorvastatin to lower my LDL. I feel that I do not need statin because I have great hdl and triglycerides and I passed the stress test. Thank you again.
Happy we were able to help! Take care
HDL and Triglycerides are irrelevant. LDL is all that matters. 10mg of atorvastatin is not a high dose. There is no reason to avoid statins. They work great and are extremely safe. They are the most subscribed medication in the world for a reason.
They are the most prescribed because it generates almost 1trillion dollars annually worldwide.
@@jimespeseth191 Are you dense? No one would want them if they didn't work or were not safe.
@@donwinstonYou're calling someone else dense? Apparently you know very little of the side effects and serious damage these drugs cause, not the least of which is diabetes, dimemtia, and debilitating joint pain and the fact that they do nothing to address why chloresterol is clogging up arteries to begin which is inflammation throughout the body. Vicki
Mice fed a low-potassium diet had increased vascular calcification and artery stiffness. Conversely, a high-potassium diet reduced calcification and stiffness.
Well, if it works in mice then surely we all should be doing the same.
Like with rabbits and carrots, have you ever seen a blind rabbit? I rest my case and now eat a carrot with every meal. Vision remains excellent.
Squirrels and walnuts and tbeir brains are like computers
Very recently I had a calcium score done....see the results:
HISTORY
Cardiac screening
FINDINGS
Limited CT scanning of the chest was performed for the evaluation of coronary
artery calcification.
Total coronary artery calcium score: 1426
Left main coronary: 137
Left anterior descending:379
Left circumflex: 582
Right coronary: 310
Posterior descending artery:0
Diagonal 1 : 18
Limited evaluation of the lungs is provided on this exam. There is no
significant pulmonary nodule identified in the limited portion lungs scanned
incidentally during cardiac screening.
IMPRESSION
Total coronary calcium score of 1426
After watching your very informative and a little anxiety reducing video....I'd like to know what would you tell me if I were your patient. I will say I have an appointment set up in the area where I live though it's 2 months out. However....I would much appreciate your input.
thanks in advance. By the way....I'm 72 y/o...relatively good health otherwise.
As I said above......The hell with calcium scoring...
Go for a CTA ......BUT with "HeartFlow" protocol. FDA approved, but not on stented arteries yet to get approval. Call or email them to find a local hospital who is a provider, vs. their website locator is not up to date. Had my heart attack at 46, 6 yrs earlier my CTA was clear. 2 stents & debilitating angina. I'm Trying to get a HeartFlow scan for a while now.....
@@chrispompano Chris....thanks for that info. I plan to look into it. Good luck to you as well.
Hi there, we are unable to provide medical advice online. We are only able to provide general information. Please consult a Cardiologist or Primary Care. If you'd like to schedule an appointment with us, go to HealthspanMD.com for details.
@@burtharris8688 you maybe interested in this video about a guy who was able to reverse his score, take care! th-cam.com/video/X4RipKub_Y8/w-d-xo.html
A Baby Aspirin, B Blood pressure control take medication, C Cholesterol check cholesterol and start taking STATIN Low dose 10 mg Lipitor, D Diet plant base more green if you are overweight then go on intermittent fasting Eat less live longer, E exercise start walk 15 min-45 minute and light weight exercise. F Fish Oil OMEGA 3 It helped me a lot I am 72 also I follow this and doing great now loss weight , low cholesterol, Lower BP. loss abdominal FAT Waist line 34-35 from 40. Nothing is impossible You have to take charge of your health because no body else will. Watch David Sinclair's TH-cam video for health & longivity you will pick up few good tips. R Alfa LIPOIC ACID caps add with B12 & D3. With best wishes. JAG
I had a calcium score of 1740.Was sent for an angiogram.They found 5 blockages. Went for quintuple bypass surgery.
That doesn't surprise me. Hope you're doing well.
Dear Dr. Is the Calcium score really meaningful considering the following conditions? CAC is typically quantified using the Agatston score-a sum of the attenuation (in Hounsfield units) and area of all CAC lesions in the coronary arteries. So consider a person who has very high score like 700 on they scale but took all recommended measures to reduce and maintain lipid markers in the normal range, passes stress , EKG tests, routinely exercisers vigorously without chest pain complaints and significant calcification is distributed such that even though there are many plaques none caused significant stenosis. In this case, if this person takes statins to stabilize existing plaques their CAC will be increased due to effect of stabilization of calcified envelopes but risk is actually reduced due to stabilization. So in this case CAC does not reflect risk change. Secondly CAC does not reflect presence of soft non calcified plaques which are much more dangerous in this case than calcified plaques this again calcification score does not reflect risk of cardio event. It might reflect risk of stenosis though.
I have had a 660 CAC and in 20 months got it down to 458.
I'm not worried about soft plague when the hard calcium is being removed. Soft plague is about 20% calcium so it would make sense that it would go first!
On your path it will only climb!
I would seriously read Dr. Thomas Levy's book "Stop America's #1 Killer "
I’m 60 and just had a CTA done. I was diabetic for 3 years now I’m not. My A1C is 5.6. 19:22 My total CAC score was 159 is that bad. My family doctor didn’t like it and wants me to go back on statins which I refuse. I’m obese, very high cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides most of my life. I had an ultra sound done by life line screening and they said I’m like a 20 year old.
113 with 95 on my LAD and 18 on my RCA. I am 60, and I lost 160 pounds on Keto (LDL score of 137. Trig at 61, and HDL at 57). My GP wants to talk to me about my diet (which has relatively high protein because I exercise quite a bit but generally try to eat leaner meat and get fats with Greek yogurt, avocadoes, EVOO, and butter. I admit I eat too much cheese, and I plan to cut that back. Not going to add grains or starchy vegetable carbs back to my diet. I also eat a lot of non-starchy vegetables.
High LDL-cholesterol may occur on keto or fasting and that is not the issue. If the LDL is pattern A that is normal. Pattern B or "small dense LDL" is the risk type. A NMR test can tell you what type you have. A healthy metabolism is the key as the doc says.
Dig deeper. That's a Keto religion line. Fantasy. If I asked you to define exactly what size LDL particle is safe and exactly what size is unsafe, you can't answer. Here goes ...all LDL particles
What is a high score #
What is a high score #? Rather Ash, ex tennis player, died from a heart attack while preforming. So fit and still........
A
Incorrect. This is a Keto myth. All Apo(B) particles
At age 65 had a CC score of 0; at 70 it was 0 again; at 75 it was 105. My LDL has consistently gone done over 15 years to now 115 and all other lipid functions have stayed virtually the same, all within the normal ranges. I hike, kayak and am active and never had any pain. My question is WHY did it go up so dramatically ? My BP has been the same under control with a minimum of meds. When I was younger (40s) my BP was always low.
Investigate your foods to see if you can be including anything that is inflammatory such as seed oils, grains, sugar, and multi-ingredient processed, etc. I would even include cooking with olive oil, but there are arguments about that. The previous items are what I attribute my heart attack at age 75. Your system is repairing something?, but why, etc. Good luck.
A CAC can go up dramatically if your focal vitamin C deficient. I am reversing my CAC on the the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. 660 to 458 in 20 months.
Because I was diagnosed a Type 2 diabetic 25 years ago, I have been doing most or all of those ten things. I lost more than eighty pounds, have done 5 miles a day of fast walking for at least twenty years and I'm on a very low carb (less than 50 gram) keto-ish diet for the last two years. Last week my calcium scoring test came back at 2,460. Don't have a high stress job, although as a school crossing guard I was Struck by a car four years ago (five broken ribs, compressed fracture of the T-12 vertebrae.) Hard not to wonder if all this preventive stuff really makes that much of a difference I know it does, because eighty pounds lighter and much fitter, I do feel quite a bit better, but...still, I do wonder.
❤
Yes, l have some of the same thoughts as you. Been trying hard to do everything possible to reduce my CVD risk factors for a long time. Many positive changes have convinced me l am on the right track. Still, there is some nagging doubt if l have missed any crucial factors. Even though my medical numbers are generally all good now, l do still feel some angina symptoms off and on. Learning to stay healthy is a very encompassing task, especially with so many contradictory info out there.
@@chanwaileong9880 I forgot to add that I also stopped smoking (I smoked cigars only). All of the changes no doubt have had a positive impact, but when you pop a Calcium Scoring Test number like I did, and end up with three blocked arteries requiring four stent, you do wonder how much good all of this effort is doing. Still, I am alive and reasonably well when I migtht easily have been dead twenty years ago.
My g/f is 64 years of age and has high cholesterol. Her father died at 54 from cardiac arrest. She exercises daily, is not overweight, no smokes and drinks rarely and has a score of 66. Her GP still won't take her off statins. A cardiologist (Dr. Ross Walker) told me that she SHOULD NOT be on any form of STATINS ! The side-effects are shocking, but her Doc knows best ! Lol
Has she had an lp-a test? Often recommended when a familial history of cardiac related issues at an early age. More data.
had all that, Dr Walker still said "doesn't matter, she should not be on any Statins"@@santoinetteberger
@@santoinetteberger gave ALL the relevant levels to Dr Ross, he said irellavant.
I do not understand HOW a Doctor can hold a discussion on high calcium scores without defining HIGH and giving some examples of score he sees in his practice.....
Talk about something for over 30 minutes without defining exactly what it is ??? Amazing....
I'll answer.
Generally a score of zero is almost a guarantee that you will be heart attack free for the next ten years.
Under 10 is also generally excellent.
But all of these scores are age dependent. A score of 14 can be excellent, but it depends on your age. If you're under 50, 14 is not that great, if you're over 65, 14 is excellent.
There are other factors that change the importance of your score. You need to test and know 1) your fasting insulin, 2) your fasting glucose, 3) triglycerides, 4) total cholesterol, 5) blood pressure, and 6) A1C. You can also scan your carotid, check for PAD, an AAA, and get an ABI plus do a 12 lead ECG and stress test.
Get all of those done and you'll be golden. Most can now be done at heart centers without a doctor's script.
It is also essential to know exactly where the calcium is forming and if it is hard or soft calcium. And if you are or were a high level athlete, that also has an impact. I have a higher score, but I was a national level cyclist, and most of my calcium is the hard variety, and I'm also going on 65 years old.
The test is meant to measure your risk of a heart attack in the next ten years. A score of zero is a virtual guarantee (not including genetics or radical changes to your diet) that you will not have a heart attack in the next ten years. If your triglycerides are 150 and your BP is 165/89, that is another story.
Anything more than zero and you need to figure out your percentile ranking which will tell you your chances when combined with the other factors I mentioned,e specially your age.
Watch some of the calcium scan videos by Ivor Cummins and you'll learn a lot more than you will from this video. Ivor was the Irish advocate for calcium scoring protocol. He is the best.
These people do it all the time. Most are poorly educated and unable to understand context.
@@newunderthesun7353I worked with a guy who had a 0 CAC test score. Within 6 years. he had a heart attack. He had stents put in his neck. He didn't change his eating after the CAC score of 0 because he thought he was good to go. So a CAC of zero doesn't mean 100% no heart attack within 10 years.
th-cam.com/video/Z7MrZRInjvI/w-d-xo.html
Got a score of 438 2years ago, not sure why.
Great health all my life, lipids are great last 20 years triglycerides 28. Ldl 58 hdl 68, normal blood pressure. Went for CTA scan
To access soft plaque, less than 25% attenuation of soft plaque in left circumflex. Less than 25% plaque in lad artery. Excersize/ weight training daily, 65 years old
Not sure direction ,other than what I am doing....thx
Contrary to what this Doctor says about reversing your calcium score, there are people who have been able to do exactly that. If you're interested this guy shows how he reversed his score th-cam.com/video/X4RipKub_Y8/w-d-xo.html
I am not a dr, but your numbers seem really good! CAC is scoring hard calcium buildup and if its stable at 65 I would think you keep it up. From the vids I am looking at its the soft/liquid plaque that is the bad guy and CAC does not measure that and the ldl or 58 is outstanding.
I'm another one who is reversing my Calcium score. Down from 660 to 458. It's not cholesterol. Check out Dr Thomas Levy. The Japanese are some of the longest lived in the world and yet they don't do marathons and they don't do gyms!
If your HDl is 68 that is great but a little too low. Never heard of Hdl that low get it checked again not a doctor. My HDL was 186 so excited thst low previous it was 211 but that was after eating other one fasting
@@adelinespeer6269My HDL is just 36 yet I am reversing my CAC Score from 660 to 458 in 20 months. I'm on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. It's not the numbers. It's about vitamin C sufficiency.
Calcification does not exist outside the vessel. It is found between the internal and external elastic lamina, It does not block the vessel. It is an effect of older coronary artery disease .
@@jpr42100 It does narrow it though and as more soft plaques calcify, Would this not make the artery stiffer and stiffer and block the flow ? This one keeps me awake at night. I have high CAC of 700 on the LAD, a long section of moderate disease in the LAD, but no symptoms or flow limitation as of yet but high dose statins will stiffen my already stiff arteries …..bit of a paradox which I’m not quite understanding
I had a CT/angio scan done a couple months ago. I did it because my Dr said my LDLs were high. But all of my other levels were normal. Even had a Stress Test done and saw no problems. Yet no explanation why ONLY my LDL was high. The result of the scan was Zero. No calcium and no soft plaque detected. And still after all this, the Dr repeatedly told me I needed to go on a Statin prescription. Do you have any suggestions?..
Follow the $$$
2nd opinion needed!!
My rec is to find a new Doc.....
Some things to think about...
What is the distribution of LDL particle size? Small glycated/oxidized LDL are problematic to the intima (artery inner lining). A LDL particle analysis blood test can determine this.
What is your Lp(a)? These are a version of LDL which are inflammatory, clot promoting, and tend to attach to artery walls - genetically determined. Can also measure this with a blood test (either by mass or by count depending on the lab).
A high LDL may not necessarily be a problem depending on the above and other factors.
@@SET12DSP first I heard of this. Citation?
I had a calcium score done a year ago. It was 313. Told I was in the 86% of having an episode of some kind in the next 10 years. I’m 74 years old and over the weekend my Apple Watch notified me that I was in A-Fib. The only symptom I was having was sweating. I went to the ER thinking they would just check me and send me home. They did a EKG and said I was in full blown A-Fib. Since my watch showed I was in A-Fib for about 5 hours with no symptoms. Decided to do a Cardioversion. It worked and they admitted me to administer heparin to treat my clotting factor. It was really high. They did blood work every hour. I was on 50 mg of Lipitor for my colesterol plus Metoprolo 50 mg. And amlodipine and Benenzolate . I had every non evasive test done and said the only thing I could do is manage the condition. I have a family history also.
can you please tell me your LDL, HDL, & Triglyziride numbers?
I am petrified! One year ago I had covid...blood clots calf..oxygen and 18 pills a day. Now I take only 6: 2 famotidine, baby aspirin, Amlodipine, metoprolol, and 40 mg atervastatin...my cardiologist told me I have mild blockage in 3 coronary arteries and 1 artery is blocked but just a very little. Negligibly.. I go back to see him in January. I eat healthy, never smoked, overweight, old= 70, I feel fine and still teach math and Italian everyday...but I am SO SCARED!....I never went to a Dr or took any medicine for the first 69 years of my life....Bp now = 125/ 75...hb= 56...he told me my heart was strong..no stints yet.....can diet reverse calcification? THANK YOU! MERRY CHRISTMAS!tom...am walking 30 minutes per day now
Keep watching videos. Statins increase calcium. Most side effects are for older women who have arthritis and hypothyroidism. People on statins are 50% more likely to develope diabetes. Docs say it never goes away, they just want to slow progress, but other videos say vitamin K2 with Vitamin D helps dissolve it. Cardiologists want me to take statins, but the purpose of statins is to lower LDL, and my score is 51 which is low. People with LDL scores below 50 have a 159% higher risk of having a hemmologic? Stroke. Also people who take statins religiously for 5 years increase their life by 4 days which isn’t so good if you have bad side effects. Can you tell I’ve been researching?
I have reversed my Calcification, buy the book "Stop America's #1 Killer " by Dr Thomas Levy. It's working for me!
Don't buy any green bananas
A good friend of mine a Math teacher himself told me about Dr Linus Paulings cure to heart disease. And I am on that protocol. He was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner.
It's reversing my hearts blockage by desolving the plaque and especially the hard Calcium. I was told by my cardiologist it can't be done.
But my CAC Score has gone down from 660 to 458 and that's a 30% improvement in just 20 months.
But for God sakes listen to Kathy Kann's post here! She is 💯 % right.
And if you do a statin which BTW they are not as widely accepted due to its many possible side effects in Europe I doubt you will be able to accomplish what I have.
My wife was an educator for 30yrs, 3rd grade.
@@kathygann7632 No, I can't tell you've been researching otherwise you'd have given us some real reason why your doctor WANTS you on a statin when you have a LDL of 51.
There is more to the story than you are giving us.
What are ALL your results, not just the LDL of 51?
Why in the world would the doc insist you take a statin if nothing indicates it.
BTW... just ask the inventor of the CAC scoring and he'll tell you that you can't reverse the calcium score...only appearing as such due to differences in given tests.
In other words, the calcium doesn't really reverse, only the tests are inconsistant.
I'd say, after 40 years, he knows best.
Look him up, see him state such over and over in videos.
I had a score of 1188 13 years ago at age 68. Still alive, and no “events” but it’s still early in the day.
‘
Just got a score of 1000 at age of 74. Going for angioplasty this thursday. Will see what is next.
I just had mine done because of high cholesterol results. Statin was initially suggested but when I questioned it they said a negative calcium score would justify not taking a statin. I’m 54 and just had one done. Zero in all major arteries (LMA, LAD, LCX, RCA and PDA) Now what?
Great video. Can you tell me how one goes about determining what "high cholesterol" is and can you also point me towards the peer reviewed clinical trial that shows correlation between high cholesterol and heart disease? I've been doing a deep dive for the past few months on metabolic markers (blood work) and I just can't seem to find any evidence that "high??" cholesterol is bad if all ( not just the common few that are normally looked at) of your blood markers and the other heath factors that were talked about in the video are spot on.
I wish you had responses to your comment because it is a very pertinent question. Science evolves constantly and recommendations are altered as new information comes forward. My doc thinks triglycerides are more important to monitor for CAD than cholesterol. My previous doc was all about cholesterol. So, I don't know what to think to be honest.
The link between high cholesterol and heart disease is weak to non-existent.
I scored a 1440 twice. Scared the crap out of me , stopped training. Finally got a Cardio scan with contrast and the cardiologist said there’s no blockage in my arteries?
Not sure if this will get seen. Been awhile. I appreciate this video. Was freaking out. Had a scan and it came back 233, 93%. Wasn't even sure if I should go to the gym. Thought I'd give myself a heart attack. Very informative.
Mine is 1000. Chill. Do have a few more tests though. The calcium isn’t an issue but it suggests you may have some soft plaque. Important to find that out so that can give you some meds to stabilise it if you do
I'm 49 and my contrast calcium score is 18. So I'm at a medium risk ?
I'm so glad I found this video. I have familia hypercholesterolemia and have to have this test done and was really dreading it.
Look up Dr. David Diamond on TH-cam for some valuable insights on familial hypercholesterolemia.
@@Malcolm-Achtman I tried to look him up but it didn't yield any results. Maybe he no longer has a TH-cam channel?
Dr David Diamond has a number of TH-cam videos. I just checked
Retesting can show slow increase plaque build-up vs fast increase plaque build-up. 40yr for baseline, if zero, then 10 yrs. If higher than 100, 5yrs. At 50, at 60 and so on. Can show progression of build up… 🥰
I have always had low cholesterol
LdLs around 60, HDLS 60-70 total around 150 work out for over 45 years, triglycerides around 70, had CAC of 1600, eat very little fried foods, sugar less than 100, bad history on my dads side heart attack at 63
I am 79
You can have great cholesterol numbers, but if your Lp-a is high, then you have a 2-3 times greater risk for a cardiac event.
But I'll clue you in, that 1600 is reversible by using the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol as I have reduced my 660 by 30% in 20 months. It's said not to be possible but my CAC of 458 proves it....
Fix the problem and Lp-a doesn't matter. Nor does cholesterol....
I am amazed that you don’t mention the score scale risk (0-to ?)
What is considered a high score? How does someone measure their risk factor after getting the score. I have seen the scale and would be good to give your follows this important information.
400 & up
400
I'm so glad to come across your videos, very clear and informative ❤
Thank you for this informative video. My score is 313. I'm 55 female with family history, ect. My concern is that I go in for further testing and they either blow me off or want to do too much. How do i find a place that will have a balance?
Check out the book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. By Dr. Thomas Levy Cardiologist. It's working for me my score went from 660 to 458 in 20 months.
I’m going to the same thing. I’m researching this and a keto diet has lowered calcium scores unlike this guy says.
@@sixpackbinky there is NO WAY any diet will LOWER calcium once you already have them on the plaque. Why are you spreading false info here?
Not so! Look up Dr. Peter Attia and get his book, Outlive. He lowered his score.
I have heard several people say their calcium score dropped on keto diets. Not sure if that is the case, but it could be due to technical variations during the different testings. But, if keto helps, that's great!
I was told to go get this test done because my triglycerides are high at 197. And because I don't wanna take statins, they suggested me getting this test, but my insurance won't cover it. I don't think I need it because I've been a carnivore for two years and I eat the best diet on the planet, so what are the odds of me getting calcium plaques by only eating meat?
If you don't get a CAC your only guessing at your condition. The test is typically around $50. So out of pocket shouldn't be an issue for anyone. Yes, eating carnivore can help but it's really about vitamin C focal deficiency in the arteries. I'm reversing my CAC on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol..
I was told it was $200 for the test if you don't get authorized which most insurances won't
@Livetoeat171 I don't know where you live, but I live in Appleton, WI. My first and second scans were $50. My 3rd scan was at a Heart and Vascular Institute here in town and was $25. I can't remember, but they may have charged $25 to read it. The scan is basically a write-off for them because theres a lot more money from other procedures to be made.
If I were you, I'd reconsider it's cheap enough even at $200. And the information is just too valuable.
I have already reversed 30% of my CAC, and I hope it to be more than 50% in my next scan.
I live in Boise, Idaho and the doctor and the receptionist both said it was about $200. I'm a senior on Social Security only and I just can't afford that. I doubt that there's anything wrong because I'm slim and eat a carnivore diet and I'm healthy. They just think that would be something to rule out as to why my cholesterol numbers are going up but it's because I'm only eating meat.
@Livetoeat171 You're correct there. How's your Lp-a? Are your triglycerides low? If their elevated like 150+ thats an issue. Your HDL should be higher.
Since you're a senior, I take it. You haven't always been a carnivore?
You can have an elevated CAC and be completely asymptomatic as I was with a 660. Anything over a 100 can make you as much as 20x more likely to have a cardiac event. Seriously, I would check around for cheaper pricing. My wife was fortunate that she had a zero score.
So low triglycerides, high HDL, and high LDL are hallmarks of a carnivore diet. A high glucose spells trouble.
High glucose promotes focal vitamin C deficiency, which promotes plaque and calcium build-up.
I'm on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol reversing my CAC.
My score is 3500 My doctor wants me to take statins and I refuse I am 84. I am a carnivore only eating eggs butter and steak (and lamb or salmon at times). My Triglicerides to HDL ratio is 1.33. Dr Robert Lustig says 1.5 or less I will live to 110.
My Calcium Score came in at 1571. Of that 509 LDA and 1024 Right , Thought I was toast. Cath angeogram showed only mild 10% or less stenosis. 41 years of statins thank you. Calcium was in the outer wall .. stable . Very fortunate . Dad 5 bypasses early 50's. All 6 uncles heart attacts 40's 50's.
I am 39 and have a CAC score of 67. My LDL is 141. I'm on high dose of statins. Any advice
I'm 43... will be 44 in December. My CAC score was 89 just 3 days ago. I think you and I considerably in the same boat.@@learnmore6120
Dear SIr , please need some guidance these are the findings " LAD: Proximal LAD just beyond the ostium has 80% long that becomes normalizes beyond the large diagonal then again prior to the second diagonal there is an 80% stenosis than the distal LAD is patent.Circumflex: Mid 70 to 80% discrete stenosis. The surgeon recommends BYPASS for the LAD for the LCX a stent
What test produced these findings. Was it a CT angiogram?
@@Malcolm-Achtman Yes
yikes!@@rocky2395
Ok, so I'm 61 and have Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. I have been on Cholesterol lowering substances since my early 20s and am currently on 40mg Atorvastatin and 10mg Ezetemibe. My original total Cholesterol was 10.8mmol. My total Cholesterol now is 5.5mmol. I was sent for a CT calcium score count 4 weeks ago (I have no symptoms) out of the blue which was 360. This prompted me to have an Angiogram. The Angiogram showed a 50% blockage on my main artery to the heart. I now have to go on the treadmill for a stress test. If I pass it ok (which I think I will) I won't need to see the Cardiologist for 5 years. If I don't I will have to have a stent. My diet is atrocious, I am such a fussy eater I simply cannot eat veggies, most meats and anything which I'm supposed to eat, I have tried but the textures make me heave, I know it's ridiculous but apparently it's linked to Anxiety which is a whole different topic. I now take a high dose of vitamins K2 and D3 which are roumoured to reduce calcium in the artery. BTW, following my angiogram, the Cardiologist put me on daily 75mg Aspirin and Bisoprolol. I feel fine.
Thank you. What about EDTA chelation? I flew from London to Miami to see Dr Gervasio Lamas at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami. He was the lead cardiologist in the TACT trials . Easy to Google for information. I have had 90 infusions over past 12 years.
I have reversed my coronary artery calcium score or CAC by 30% using High dose vitamin C with Lysine and Proline. Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. As verified by CAC. Way cheaper than what you're doing, evidently....
Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner...
Why don't you tell us the results of this treatment? Why did you do chelation? How do you know if it is benefiting you?
I'm glad I'm using the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. Cheaper and I believe it is safer. The possible EDTA side effects scare me!
chelation is salt to clear the plaque.@@newyorkguy158
61 yr old male had a cac test and it was 95..1 of the 4 had calcium the other 3 were clear none in the aorta none in the sac only 1 artery i smoked for 40 yrs not the best diet but i ate avacados my whole life ,also had a normal nuclear stress test go figure..i was certain i would have been clogged.i quit smoking 6 yrs ago and cut sugar as much as possible so i'm hopeful i got 20 plus left
What is considered a high score???
400
Mine went from only trace calcium to 70% occlusion in two years. My cholesterol is 127 and LDL is 47. Never smoked, not overweight, normal blood pressure and normal blood sugar. How can this be?
I can tell you why! Based on Dr. Thomas Levy's Book "Stop America's #1 Killer " And it was easy just looking at your nice photo of yourself I take it.
If you compete in bicycle racing, then you must know there are a lot of racers that develop heart damage as much as 40% of them.
So you ask why is that? Well, according to Dr. Levy, you've likely caused a vitamin C deficiency in your hearts arteries. This is caused by the heavy pumping action of your heart, causing mechanical stress of the arteries depleting the reserves of Vitamin C in the arteries cells, triggering the bodies way of triaging itself with a fix that doesn't last and gets worse over time. Don't even attempt to suggest this to your cardiologist as they typically know nothing of nutrition and just believe in two things! Procedures and medications.
I once heard that the Japanese are some of the longest lived people in the world! Maybe because they don't do gyms and they don't do marathons! BTW
Marathon runners have the same heart issues.
My own CAC score was 660, and I have reduced it to 458 based on Dr. Levy's recommendations.
Is your Lp(a) high? That is an independent risk factor.
@@attocoulomb You treat Lp-a with Lysine and Proline amino acids. They bind with Lp-a and when they do Lp-a is neutralized. This part of the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol that I use to to reverse my coronary artery calcium score.
Ready Dr Steven Gundry’s “The Plant Paradox”
You might be eating too many lectins.
Thyroid problems? Check your reverse T3. Thyroid will do it for sure..
Since going keto over four years ago my score is down to 368. I’m looking forward to the next check late next year.
I got a score of 1000 2 years ago. I’ve been keto for 3 yrs. What was your score originally.. I’m hoping for good results on next scan.
Hi Tracy, what was your original score?
@@cindyerbil2154 Don't panic if a new CAC comes back higher. Calcium formation is actually a later part of a healing process as inflammation inside the plaques recede, and they become more stable. If you can find an imaging lab that will (and can) do a CIMT (ultrasound on your carotids) you can see if the soft plaques are scarring, hence healing over time.
@@cindyerbil2154 how old are you?
What do you mean down? I thought he said it can only get higher.. I’m so confused…
I'm high risk I had a triple bypass surgery and my mother died from heart disease my grandfather had hardening of the arteries
The veterans administration doesn't even know what the hell is CBT calcium score test
That's really funny!
I once walked through a VA hospital. Working with medical electronics I saw a lot of antiquated equipment so it doesn't surprise me. But even still that's a very modern technology it's been around 30 years.
In my area, they don't call it a CAC score. They call it a CT Heart Screen Score.
@@conprez It's still looking at the same thing "Coronary Artery Calcium"
neither did my dr. I showed him my results and he ask is this blood scores?
@bbhoustontx Unbelievable! The test is considered one of the best predictors of having a future cardiac event. I am glad I am able to have the opportunity to reverse mine! Even though I was told it wasn't possible. After 20 months, mine was reversed by 30%.
Had a double bypass surgery and a truck driver, my DOT medical cert. Needs reissued but they won't a blood flow score
What is a blood flow score?
Why not get a CAC test which measures calcium in the arteries? No doctor really tells you about this and most are very quick to write that statin script just to show they did something. The calcium score goes up when you take a statin. Red Yeast Rice does the trick and it’s the same as a statin with less side affects.
Does historically high calcium (above standard levels) in the blood and urine, mean high risk for heart disease?
I'm 65, a liver transplant recipient and have four doctors. I have never had this test. Do I need new doctors?
At 65 I spend a fair amount of time trying to reduce soft plaque .. ct.a shows no disease and cac:0 .. I keep apoB around 40mg/dl and am plant based.
Me too. I have a high CAC Score. But I'm reversing it with the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol and I was a former vegan.
See Dr. Ken Berry carnivore diet I eat 55 ounce ribeye steaks shrimp cocktail and sometimes another small steak all at once. I have wonderful bloodwork although I do have high cholesterol which is another myth. GOOGLE also Dr. Sten Ekberg this is the proper human diet.
(55 ounce ribeye steak) LOL, can I have your golf clubs
@@delwoodkelp8590 lol
Dr. Berry is not a cardiologist.
@@bbhoustontx thank God
@@bbhoustontx you should follow Dr. Stan Eckberg and Dr. Anthony CHAFFEE they expose all the bullshit through factual information and data
Me too . Has 359 and the limit is 400. What shall I do pls. Im from the Philippines
relax. do plant based diet and exercise..... be strict though.
I'm a 59 year old male, and I've been 'pre-diabetic' for 23 years now. My CAC score was 183. I'm not going to fret over it.
I HEARD ANYTHING UNDER 300 IS O.K.. MINE WAS 1,000! Yikes!! & I have pre -diabetes,high cholesterol & high LDL & I am old now..
I eat a plant based diet, but have COPD so I am suffering from low oxygen at night which can B a cause of this calcium issues I have heard!!
So count your blessings. I would love a calcium score as low as yours was.. I consider U very lucky!
@@bondjane007Reduced my CAC from 660 to 458 in 20 months on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol
Not even a 100 is safe. A 183 score can be 800 in 10 years. The score is compounding. At a 15%/year progression it doubles in 5 years. I have reversed mine on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol from 660 to 458 in 29 months.
I want to take vitamin K as I see my calcium is always a bit on the higher end. My cardiologist recommended a CAC but I want to try K2 to lower my calcium. I read K2 MK7 is the best but causes heart issues like palpatations which I get anyway. I am scared to take it what can I do?
I got my first high CAC score 3 years ago and started on a statin and K2/D3 then. I don't seem to have significant blockage as I'm pretty active at 76. Just had a 2nd CAC test with notably higher score, so essentially not seeing improvements from various efforts, including K2, but I'll keep working on all fronts. New score is 812 up from 584 3 years ago.
Even though it's very important there's a lot more than vitamin K2 like magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins etc, if you're interested there are people who have been able to reverse their calcium score, this video shows one such person, cheers! th-cam.com/video/X4RipKub_Y8/w-d-xo.html
@@gregtaylor8310 Statin plus K2 raised my CAC score from 107 to 193. Stopped statin and just took K2 (with D3, mag). Two more years and the CAC score was 164. I'm 73 now. But you have a high CAC score so you may need statin. My cholesterol was 117 when the plaque was increasing and 249 when it went down. (Vegetarian for 50 years.) I think that not everything is known yet about how to prevent a heart attack.
@@humblecourageous3919 I passed a recent PET scan
/Stress test with no notable blockages, so am ok with statin keeping those important numbers and ratios in line.
Thank you for your advice doctor!!❤
Im blowing away that none of you talked about getting a lipid panel done to see LDL levels, something that every Dr should do as a complete assessment.
Everyone over 50 should assume they’ve eaten a poor diet for most if not all their lives and should eat as if they have cancer, Herat disease, diabetes and stroke risk ie fasting, KETO and or carnivore. I got my second CAC score the other day it cost 69 dollars took 5 min non evasive. My first one 5 years ago was 0 at age 52 waiting for the results of the second test.
What was the score?
@@SET12DSP 0
@andrewrivera4029 Fantastic, I hope to have mine down to 0. At least it is regressing 17% per year!
My preventative is the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. I follow Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist author of two books ,"Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. And "Curing the Incurable " with 1200 medical references in it. I'm 68, and I never have been in better health than I am today!
@andrewrivera4029 by doing keto carnivore and fasting helped u reverse your calcium? I assume also d3 and k2 supplementation
@@RandomHuTaoSimp Absolutely any number of things can help. And even reverse issues you may have had for years! One of my best improvements has been my skin. Fought black heads, white heads, pimples, rosacea all gone after 50 years of that crap. Think about it this way, the skin is the largest organ of the body, if the outside is clear then the inside is clear! Like arteries.
I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol and reversing my coronary artery calcium score no meds!
BTW yes K2-MK7 with D3 is great but make sure you use the proper dosing. My reference is Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue author of "K2 and the Calcium Paradox" her latest recommendation is 100mcg of K2-MK7 per 1000i.u of D3.
D3 allows the body to absorb 20x more calcium than if you weren't supplementing with D3. So it's easy to overrun K2-MK7 thereby letting calcium go where it wants. K2-MK7 is not toxic so personally I take 2400mcg of K2-MK7 with 5000i.u of D3.
wow super, great information. Keep this information up todate as it looks like this information was done 2 Years ago. Acually best informationI have heard explained so well and a great speaker. Thanks again Aloha from Hawaii. It would be great if you could come up also with a particular diet to cover all these preventions
i just got my calcium score 80.77 with mild plaque detected, but what worries me is the left anterior descending artery 77.85 from that score. I was placed in the 90th percentile of risk. My husband scored 0!
Mine was 85 in that same heart artery! Zero everywhere else. I’m not worried…improved my diet, dumped Sugar and Processed Food, I’m very insulin sensitive now, at my ideal weight…exercise 5-6 days a week including weight training…I feel great!
No STATINs for me.
my LAD is over 200. no blockage though.
I am 67, 6’2’ and 225 lbs. My score was 21 and my cardiologist put me on a statin (cholesterol ok). I asked if this was high. She said it’s not zero. NOT helpful. And agree that there should be some context/perspective here to put scores in perspective.
Check your Lp-a, if it's low I certainly wouldn't be on a statin.
get another doctor's opinion.
My score was 300 and 61 yr old female. I walk daily. My cholesterol good sleep good. Got my cholesterol from 327 4 yrs ago to 186. I eat chocolate every day no diabetes. Worried about doctor wanting me to get angiogram went got 2nd poo ion he saif no you don't need angiogram
They had me on blood pressure medicine had good blood pressure. All these heart medi ibes on have me bruises diwn my leg told my new Cardiologist he took me off all heart medicines now bruises gone
Root cause is improve insulin sensitivity. Kraft Insulin Assay Test or at least HOMA IR is far more indicator of heart attack and stroke
What’s the very next step if someone gets a high calcium score? I think the answer is to get an angiogram and/or a nuclear stress test. He mentioned both, but didn’t hear him say explicitly with what calcium score would those tests be indicated.
@@brotherted9212 get a Ct with dye to look at your arteries. If they see anything then an angiogram is important. I went through all of this 2 months ago. Score of 1000 and 5 arteries with mild to medium blockages including the LAD.
I’m thankful my union carpenters benefits allow for heart scans once a year .
Thanks. So atrial fib is an indicator?!
Ways to lower high cholesterol without statins?
I am 72 years old with no family history and relatively long living parents and grandparents. (86-100). I have no cardiac related symptoms. Total cholesterol 190-200. LDL 90. Triglycerides of 53. Blood pressure managed by losartan, glucose 104.
My doctor wants me to have a CAC. I have reviewed what literature I could find and it appears this score is more for those in the ranges from 40-60. There is very little literature examining the appropriateness for older adults like myself and the ones I did find were essentially "inconclusive" with a recommendation that further study is warranted.
So, what say you?
Calcification to some degree appears to be a normal occurrence with advanced age so how valuable would this test be for my doctor?
I'm 68. Had it done at 60, 65, 66. Scores were 299,660,458, respectively. And yes, that's a reversal. The test is cheap for the plain Jane CAC, which can't see plague. But one with contrast can.
I guess it depends on how long you want to live. And how miserable you want to be.
Myself 90's would be good. And now I think I have a chance for that.
I thank God that my GP mentioned the test. Males just don't live long in my family.
IMO, mostly lifestyle choices.
You don't have to go to extremes but you certainly have to want it.
You're told hard calcium is safe and the soft plague is the danger. And I don't disagree. But at the same time you weren't born with it.
You're also told it's not reversible but I've proved Linus Pauling Heart Protocol works!
IMO it's better to know your CAC. The meds side effects are just terrible anoften lead to a steep downhill slope. Leading to more meds and procedures.
I still have a lot of curiosity. So I'm enjoying discovery of alternatives and I must say they look better than I ever imagined that they could. Implementation of them is relatively easy. I'd rather do it early then later when it would be harder to implement.
I don't run marathons and I don't go to gyms.
I walk 3-4 miles per day eat mostly Keto grain and sugar-free.
he should order a CT angiogram.
@bbhoustontx I agree 💯. The problem is that without the CAC, you're just plain guessing 🤔 adding contrast will show any plague build-up.
What people forget is if they are on a statin that the calcification progression can be double over no statin at all. Yes, it stabilizes plaque. But can still narrow one's arteries.
I prefer neither plague nor calcium, and I am successfully reversing mine.
With my CAC Score at 660, I had no cardiac symptoms. Yet, at this score, it puts me at a 20x greater risk of having a cardiac event. I'm glad I had the score done with barely 20 minutes of my time.
Why or when would high Cholesterol not be a problem. Reasoning many do have I’ve 250 cholesterol with no vascular disease?
I am an 82 year-old female. I have been practicing those 10 heart healthy things for many years and have an excellent lipid profile, BM index 19.5, HBP less than 130/60, low LDL & high HDL cholesterol thanks to 10mg/day of Rosuvastatin. My triglycerides are low, I don't consume any sugar, exercise regularly, and eat a heart healthy diet. One problem is sleep. I don't sleep well and my HRV is often too low and unbalanced. Moreover, in spite of a Mediterranean diet, I have been pre-diabetic (5.6) for several years and have been diagnosed with stage 3A CKD. I had a calcium scan in 2018, it showed 23% blockage. After 6 years, I requested a 2nd calcium scan. LAD + RCA is now 426. So my heart healthy lifestyle hasn't really reversed my CAD! Next week I have a nuclear stress test. My DNA shows a higher than normal risk for CAD. I think much of this is genetic. Is it worthwhile to have a "preventive" stent or balloon?
I just found out that I have calcium build up in aorta very scary need surgery i guess
I had a calcium test and it is the left artery and the reason my cardiologist ordered it is because my blood work was great and my weight is good and I eat healthy and exercise , also I am 71 , I do not know if I am zero or high
Awesome discussion , very well articulated . Put my fears at ease , optimistic of the treatment plan ..
Happy we could help! Take care
Can taking calcium supplements cause this?
Five years ago I had a ccs of 5550 , today it is 27 ..How do you explain this?.?.
I'd like to know that? Fortunately I am reversing mine. Had my last score double checked my regression is as fast as the progression was. But that's years in the making. I have managed 30% so far.
I started on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. In another 3 years I expect it to be 250. But I have substantially increased my dosing so maybe it will be less.
Janie, my ccs is 3650. Did you make any changes to lower it? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
ccs?
CCS stands for Coronary Calcium Score, measuring the amount of Calcium in the 4 main arteries of the heart. An ideal score is zero, with 400 supposedly an indication of possible serious blockage in the
arteries. Hope this helps.
Is 27 safe that’s the score i got 2 days ago.
Does vitamin k lower the score ?
LMHR shows cholesterol is not a risk factor. High LDL have zero calcium score
I simply just don’t understand why my score is so high. 61yo, always been active and had a very healthy weight, have always ate pretty healthy diet, A1c at 5.6, no family history. And my score was 1202!!!! I don’t get it??? Where did all the damage to my arteries come from? Oh, total cholesterol was 229. I’m scared to do anything! What should I do next?
See a cardiologist for guidance. If you are having any symptoms, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness etc, go sooner rather than later. I was having symptoms. To the cath lab…2 stents later,
AOK
Thanks
I can tell you that the default answer to that question is going to be "It's Hereditary". It's easier to tell you that than to look for the root causes. BTW my CT Angiogram score was 1,700 one year ago. They prescribed 40mg of rosuvastatin, I simply will not take statins. There is no reliable evidence that it will prevent me from having a future heart attack. Check out Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. Sten Ekberg's youtube channels. You get a real education.
From internet: A 2021 review of studies found that dietary calcium intake of between 700 to 1,000 milligrams a day or a supplementary intake of 1,000 milligrams a day significantly increased a person's risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack.
I can relate, my friend. Just got a 1200 score today. I am 50 with a good weight, good diet, non-diabetic, etc. I am totally scared, angry, and confused. I really appreciate these videos and peoples' success stories...keep them coming!
Can you post the link for the 7/10 list please? The link is not on the website… TY
Had my recent appointment with my cardiologist. She requested an echo as well. All came back good. She then asked me to get a CAC which was the first time I had one. Results were (0). Now she wants me to take aspirin and do a stress test. I don't know why she wants me to do all these tests, when she said, to keep doing everything I have been doing. My cholesterol in Aug was 250 which went up because I started carnivore three months prior. Now I'm doing Keto. I am 75 years old. The only meds I take are for thyroid. BP is fine, no diabetes. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
I think you're doing well. It seems your cardiologist is trying to earn more money.
Links don't work. The video was very informative as I just receievd a High calcium score which was a surprise to both me and my Dr as all my other tests show me as pretty "normal".
I would worry more about the soft plaques,, once calcified these wont rupture- even 20 percent blockage by soft plaque is imp to knw,, plaque characterization is the game i blv ct coronary angio does the best work up for mass screening..