High Calcium Score: What Next?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2023
- Join Professor Barlis as he explores a common topic in cardiology related to the CT calcium score test. Understanding a high calcium score diagnosis, especially when you're feeling well, can be a daunting experience.
In this video, Professor Barlis aims to provide insights into the significance of high calcium scores and guidance on how to manage and improve your cardiovascular health. One key message we emphasize is not letting the score or number define you but instead working with your healthcare professionals to take action that can positively impact your overall health and well-being.
Thanks for your ongoing support of the channel!
Allow me to share my story and journey that started about 4 months ago with a 209 calcium score (59yo). I have a family history of heart disease, this is what led me to take this test. After the 209 score which fell into the "moderate" level, I wasn't convinced that I has not in danger, so the next step my cardiologist and I agreed on was a simple stress test, which I "passed" with flying colors (surprisingly). At this point the cardiologist was satisfied, but I wasn't, I knew I had plaque and wanted to know how much. So I suggested to my cardio that I should get a CT Angiogram, he was fine with that and it was done. The test results were overwhelming, severe stenosis and soft plaque found in LAD and other major arteries. This test listed my CT Cal Score at 197 (lowered), however because of all the soft plaque found that is NOT detected by CT Calcium scores, this test raised my CT Cal Score level/score to 1000+. The cardiologist was puzzled and I asked him why, he said because he is not seeing this from the stress test images. So I then insisted a full CT Cath, I wanted them up there at this point to give me some percentages, he agreed and said he would be surprised if a stent was needed, I was hoping he was right. Full Cath day arrived and up they went, it didn't take long for the Cath doctor to ask me one question and then the words I will never forget. "Do you have a family history" then..."I am sorry but you have major blockages all over (80 to 90% in the LAD) and you are in need of bypass surgery asap. So, from a simple "moderate" 209 calcium score to life saving bypass surgery within 4 months. I am NOT trying to scare anyone who comes back with a calcium score, but it is up to YOU to find out what is really going on before its too late. Skip the Stress Test PLEASE because in my opinion its just a waste of time, how could I have "passed" a Stress Test with 80/90% blockage in the LAD??? Go right to the CT Angiogram and see what is really going on and then take it from there. BTW, I am now two weeks out of double bypass and doing well. Just want to also point out that I had absolutely no symptoms during this whole ordeal, it truly was going to silently kill me.
Thanks for sharing your story. May I know if your cardiologist has put you on statin and blood thinner after your by pass surgery? I recently had a ct angiogram that showed 70 pct blockage in my LAD, followed by an angiogram in a week's time that confirmed the blockage to be under 50pct...thus, no stent needed but my cardiologist has put me on Plavix 75 mg (blood thinner) and Lipitor 40 mg (both to take daily for the rest of my life). He said Lipitor dosage lower than 40mg would not help in my case. I have started taking Plavix but I stop Lipitor after 2 weeks.....am worried of statin risks in the longer term. My doc does not know yet, he will likely be upset when I see him on my follow-up visit. I have high LDL, high HDL and normal/low triglyceride, but the statin is to help prevent the plaque from rupturing, besides lowering my high LDL. The rest of my coronary arteries are clean, and I do OMAD low carbs intermittent fasting, and have been taking krill oil and garlic supplement (hopefully to help lower inflammation). But currently quite undecided to take statin or not. My bp and blood sugar are normal.
@@pohsanewe2996 I was put on 10mg Lipitor as soon as we found out about the 209 calcium score, that was his remedy as well as a useless stress teat. My total cholesterol is only 80, never been high. After bypass surgery they kept me on the 10mg Lipitor and added 75mg Plavix, they took me off of blood pressure meds, my BP is normal now after surgery.
@danc3746 Get your Lp-a level tested, you can have quite normal LDL, but high Lp-a puts you at a 2-3 times greater risk for a cardiac event....
Ive got of score of over 3000 and passed the stress test on extra time, with flying colours.
@@Deso958 have you had an Lp-a level checked?
Thank you for this. I am 44 years old. Diagnosed 3 years ago with CAD. CT calcium score 4100. 90% blocked on the right. 80% on the left. Diseased widow maker. Had to have 5 stents placed. Family history I was unaware of. Relatively healthy person. I obsessively think about my CAD everyday of my life. I constantly think I may be having a heart attack or stroke. I take my BP 4-5 times a day.
This video helped me a lot and I appreciate it.
Excellent perspective, I'm feeling better about this. My number was 1500. Totally asymptomatic, all numbers at annual physical within acceptability. Not over weight, non-smoker , 85% or so Mediterranean diet. Total shock. Statin therapy and Zetia teamed up brought the LDL from 85 down to 53, with 70 being the prescribed target number. Nuclear results were excellent with a high level of exercise endurance, so I was told. I'm 64 years old. Don't let this ruin your joy and happiness. Life is short. Stress shortens it and increases inflammation. Make the changes and live. God bless.
You had an 85 LDL and they wanted it lower than that? Goodness that seems very aggressive and 85 is already not that high
@@IAmTheEggMan111…Cardiologists want it under 70
@@wolveswithoutteeth thats insane
@@74kross …but I did it!
@@IAmTheEggMan111 People at risk of CVD are suggested to go below 100 LDL. 70 is the goal according to many research centers.
Some other Universities (e.g. Harvard) suggest even LOWER targets of LDL=50.
Ignore the Harvard people. 70 is reasonable but even more reasoable is a healthy lifestyle.
I had a calcium score of 1188 twelve years ago, mostly in the LAD, at age 68 and was terrified. Now I’m 80 and so far no heart attack or stroke, but it’s still early in the day. So it raised my risk, but wasn’t a death sentence.
With a score of 1,500, I appreciate your sense of humor. Thanks.
I’m 74. At 67 I had calc score of 920. I discovered ketogenic life style and lost 60 lbs, back to my weight at 18 when I strong, lean, and athletic. I don’t have the same level of fitness but I’m in pretty good shape. I’ve never had any symptoms, but my bl younger brother died at 48 heart attack and older sister had a major heart attack that stopped her heart. She was already in the emergency room with heart specialists that saved her life. On the other hand my grandmother died at 102 and my mother at 92. Father died at 75 from lung disease from 2 packs a day his whole life.
Dr put me on statins to lower ldl and it did - 35. I felt weak. Went off statins and felt 20 years younger. Now I’m trying Repatha (pcsk9 inhibitor) for past two months. So far no noticeable side effects but haven’t checked cholesterol yet.
At 74 I’m muscular, fit, sleep well, eat well (low carb), but I’m considering getting the doctor to check for blockages.
I must admit the high score name wasn’t a total shock but very disappointing. I will not take statins again.
Also, my Apo A-1 and Apo B numbers were good - 148 and 48.
I'm 66 and just got tested at 1416--also appreciate your input here. Not my BEST day after seeing my score
@@tonyg5186 What I did, for what it’s worth, was start on a statin and blood pressure medication, and started taking vitamins D and K2. Peter Attia says CAC score tells more about the past than the future. Ford Brewer says CAC measures hard plaque which is protective but the real issue is soft plaque.
My score 416 .in 2019 Not feeling any problem
I am a 74 yr old male. In May 2020 I suffered a stroke which luckily produced a two day black out but no lasting effects. I have a history of blood clots from work travel in 2010 which caused me to have a pulmonary embolism in my left lung. I also had a TIA that attacked my eyes and left me with double vision for six months. After the clots, I was on Coumadin for several years then put on baby aspirin until the stroke. We spent two months searching for what exactly caused my stroke. I had no FAST indicators but total confusion and headaches. After scores of Echo’s and MRI’s and CT scans I finally had a CT Scan with a calcium scoring. My score was 1800. My doctor and I then decided to do an angiography and discovered my left anterior artery (The Widow Maker) was over 90% blocked so they put in 4 stents to open the flow. My doctor and I both feel the stroke was a blessing in disguise in my case. The calcium score was a good indicator that pushed us to go the invasive route. I have a filters in my vein to catch clots as well as a full time monitor in my chest that monitors my heart every day and take Eliquis daily. So far things are going well for me. I count my blessings every day.
I have an extremely high CAC score and your video helped shed some of the terror I was feeling and gives me some hope. I am asymptomatic. I found a metabolic cardiologist near me and will be seeing him soon. Thank you for making this video.
My daughter told me to watch this and I'm so glad I did. You calmed me down a lot! Thank you!
An excellent explanation! I wish that my cardiologist had explained my calcium score in such a reassuring manner, some years ago. I feel so much more confident now. Many thanks!
Thank you so much for your balanced information !
Thanks Professor - the best explanation I have heard
Here’s my story. I have been on statins for the last 18 years, initiating them in my late 30s, due to a strong family history of coronary disease. My dad, as healthy as I am, had a heart attack in his early 50s. I am a long-distance cyclist, do not smoke, and I’m generally extremely healthy. After contracting Covid, two years ago, I was experiencing post Covid chest pain, atypical in nature, but sometimes exertional, leading me down the cardiac work up pathway. This included an EKG, echocardiogram, and a stress test, all of which were normal. My cholesterol is under excellent control, and HDL levels run high. However, because of going pain, my cardiologist suggested, in order to allay my concerns, that we do a coronary calcium score. This returned at nearly 900. Severely high. Imagine my great surprise. This, then led to a formal, cardiac catheterization. All of my vessels are wide open, without any stenosis, without any plaque. I think that my case demonstrates the pitfalls of coronary calcium scoring. I have since learned that statins lead to arterial calcification. This in turn is likely related to interference with calcium transport, which is reliant on CoQ10, depleted by statins, as well as vitamin K2, each of which I have now been on for the last year. I do plan to get another coronary calcium score performed with another year or two to see if there’s any difference.
There's no way 8d be persuaded to take stations, end of.
Was your CT calcium done with contrast? Once you are under CT, not doing contrast is getting 50% of the story.
I was under the impression that the calcium score cannot be reduced because it's a reflection of damage that's already been done.
Professor Barlis Is the most honest professional smartest cardiologist in the whole world. He doesn't try to scare people to become his patients like all other drs do. He just gives the facts and options may he live at least forever!
Thanks, doctor. Very educational. Feel better now.
thank you so much for this. I was devastated with the news and scared. I know what I need to do and feel that I can have some control.
Thank you! This helped me understand.
Thank you !
excellent video, thanks
Thank you so much for this. This is so much better an explanation than I was given by the clinic that told me my score was high!
I needed this I have been living a year scared to do anything because my calcium score was 700 had angiogram and no blockages, but it is on my mind.
Very thorough and well explained video. I've learned a lot thank you.
Thank you for encouragement, I just have a result on CT Scan with calcium in my arteries.
Thank you. 1500 following modern med. over 5 yrs it went up to 4100 even thought I lost 80lbs. I am asymptomatic
Good balanced advice.
This video conforted me. I am in 40's the result came back with 480 and I was petrified 😢. Feeling lot better after watching this video. Need major life style changes.
Excellent video. This is the most informative presentation of the definitions for high calcium scores that I've ever heard. My score is 3200 so this has always been a major concern since I was tested 8 years ago. Thank you Professor Barlis.
May I know what was your cac score 8 years ago and what is it now?
this Dr. is king lost in that information, you need to watch Dr. Nadir Ali and Dr. Philip Ovadia.
My is 2900, I’m 43 years old and had a double bypass last year but no stroke or heart attacks yet…
Very informative. I wish my cardio explained this to me. All he said was my 600 score gave me a 10% chance of an "event" in the next 10 years. Talk about a low effort diagnosis. But he got his check from Medicare so he, "did his job".
VERY INFORMATIVE. THANK YOU.
Excellent video
Thanks
Fantastic. Wish my doctor said some of this.
Excellent video! I appreciate your thorough explanation of a calcium score and your comment to not think you are doomed for a heart attack, just because you have a high calcium score. Rather, you suggest we look at any other risk factors we may have that puts you at risk and focus on improving them. What a relief!!!
I have white coat syndrome, so my pressure always goes up when I visit the doctor. I have made many positive changes with my health. My cholesterol is 205, down from 241. My triglycerides & LDL are above normal, but have continued to come down; slightly over 99. I am continuing to lower everything. My stress tests, eco cardiogram all show my heart is in good shape.
Now the doctor wants me to get a calcium score. I have been worried about getting it done, but after listening to your video you have eased my mind. Thank you. I am looking forward to watching your others videos.
I've been hearing that better tests for cardiac risk are APOB, LP(a) and HS CRP. Have you had these blood tests? My APOB is 120, LP(a) 53 nmol/L and CRP 0.2. I'm going to work on getting my APOB under 90 and not worry about my total cholesterol.
Excellent explanation thank you😊
Thank you. Really relieved my stress. I have an appt with my cardiologist in a week. Will take it from there.
All my best to you! I have mine on Monday afternoon although my nuclear stress tests a few months ago was positive in a good way along with an ultrasound. I started walking 2-3 miles a day for a few weeks with no issues, I was eating a chicken salad that had a mango dressing on it went to lay down immediately and within half hour felt like I was having a heart attack! After calming my nerves, the discomfort went away. I'd like to attribute this to GERD, so I called my cardiologist and he setup the calcium test, just as a precaution.
The finest intro to this topic I've seen, after combing through so many that purport to "clear the artieries" and "lower your calcium score." Professor Barlis "re-perspectivizes" the focus from trying to "change the score" (or "treat the symptom") to leveraging the score, in combination with complementary findings, to take steps / investigations that shift the focus to lowering risk based upon qualitative findings and lifestyle changes. There are, after all, other tools that can be combined with the score that reveal not only the true state of risk, but that offer a roadmap to arresting situations that might be dangerous to ignore or overlook. WELL DONE. Professor Barlis!
Thank you; as I mention to all my patients, let's not be dictated to by a test or a number!
Indeed! Thanks again, and I'm very impressed by your delivery.
You cannot lower the calcium score because it's a reflection of damage that's already been done.
Thanks for restating what we say above. 😂
Thank you. Your video was useful. My problem is finding a medical professional that will take the time to talk with me and help me understand what my risks really are. In my world, finding medical professionals is very difficult.
I will keep looking, but I am very grateful that you care enough to talk and explain this subject.
TY Professor, for the encouraging outlook. I've had no symptoms of anything going on except a high HDL. It's difficult to go through if you've been asymptomatic and free from all other medications. Maybe it's pride that causes the fear. Anyway, TY for this explanation - I needed to hear this!
Thank you, thank you!! I got a CAC and it came back just over 2000. I had been on statins for 3 years and had recently discontinued them due to side effects and drilling down about the absolute effectiveness of statins. I made a personal choice not to take statin any longer. My cardiologist about went ballistic.
So, he said I want you to do a nuclear stress test and a carotid US. I did and passed both tests. No restrictions in the carotids.
By the way I am 72, asymptomatic.
I paid out of pocket for the advanced lipoprotein panel. Triglycerides: 46, Apo(a):
Thanks ❤
Very helpful. Thanks for educating me on this topic. I have been depressed after finding a high calcium score.
Same here. I lost 30 lbs, changed my diet significantly and get at least an hour a day workout in and in 9 months my score went up 100 points.
Thank you. Subscribed
Thanks for the sub!
Very useful and appreciate wise, calm demeanor! 👍👍
Good Man. Bless You.
Did a CAC test which showed 0. Did a LipoA test which showed 14. Did a PAD and carotid test that showed no obstructions. Im 60 yrs old. My dad had issues but lived until 89 and my mom 92. I still don't take life or health for granted. GOD is good.
You’re smart. You understand “the science.” And you were smart to have chosen such healthy parents!
God is indeed, GREAT
Great video. As someone who has a score of 3100, this come as a relief to know that something can be done to stabalise. Thanks Professor Barlis
And yes, and not just stabilize, but I have reversed 30% of mine. I saw the Extra Time video as well....
You're welcome!
Thank you for sharing this.
Did you say your calcium levels was 3100? Mine was 537 I was informed last week and I am panicking! What must you be feeling?
@anthonydempsey7693 I had a 660 CAC and have reversed mine to 458 so far on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol in just 20 months no meds!
Thank you so much for the great explanation of what my CAC score meant! My doctor never it. He only said your score is good.
That would be me! I was a little worried
that was an excellent video ..clear and concise. thank you!!
Thank you so much for your very informative and "kind" approach to this delicate topic. It can be very difficult sometime to communicate with your primary care doctor. You truly understand how we feel. Fear is the prefect word. I am very concerned about taking the statin to lower my cholesterol. When my doctor told me to go on a statin I was devastated. My LDL is general just over 100. I ask for an alternative and was told to get the Calcium scan. I'm an avid exercise and have been my entire life in fact it is was my work for almost 40 years. I'm 71. Very healthy! No history of heart disease in my family at all. My calcium score was 97. I am scared to death of taking a statin. Reading all the possible side effects. I wish I could see you as my doctor :). Thank you for the comforting words.
I'm going to be 70 years old. I was able to reverse all my high cholesterol levels by using Vimergy brand "milk thistle." I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews. I decided to use the Vimergy brand because it has no alcohol, fillers, etc., and I trust the company. In one year, my cholesterol numbers were normal. I was ecstatic! My doctor, who is on statins himself, was amazed! I had a blood draw in June of this year and my numbers have gone down ever more. You don't have to use statins. I'm living proof and there are many others that use it as well. Best of luck!
mine was 95 i also had a carodid scan and it came back minimal plaqing i'm 62 my cardio said i should take 5 mg dose as precaution. my pcp said i didn't need them also had nuclear stress test came back fine
@@irock4u222 Interesting! I didn’t do the carabid scan! That is a good idea. Interesting the cardio doc. wants the statin. Do you exercise regularly?
Don’t take the statin. They are poison. Use the Linus Pauling heart therapy protocol. That is what I’m doing
@@alanlierz3745 I AGREE 1000%
Thanks ❤Venkatramana Awaru.
Excellent… thank you for that helpful information (that I could not get from my cardiologist). I have a CAC score of 712 but no other symptoms…. Did great on my nuclear stress test. I am 74 non smoker and A1C of 5.0
Age 68 reversed my CAC of 660 to 458 in 20 months using the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol.
@@SET12DSP What is that? I have never heard about it.
it's BS. Don't listen to them
I had a 1750 mostly LAD. I then got an NC stress test which showed no blockage, heart muscle strong.
Thanks for helping me understand this situation I face much better...
Thank you Peter, this make me feel a lot better! Received a score of 1373 last week and I have been worried ever since. My GP has referred me to a cardiologist but the wait list is 3 to 4 months (Brisbane). I was wondering if I would live that long! I am 66 with no family history, very fit - play a lot of sport - but my cholesterol is slightly high. GP suggested statins but I refused for now having heard about the side affects. I am wondering now if I should have another chat with my GP regarding medications?
Can you get an EKG stress test done while you are waiting?
Thank you. You have given me a balance I was missing.
Thank you for this video. I wish I had been able to see it a year ago when I was delivered a CAC of 1444. The first month, all I did was throw PVCs I was so scared. The first cardiologist I saw suggested I either get with the program and eat a ton of statins or go home and get my affairs in order. The second cardiologist, at one of the top cardiology centers in the country said about the same, but finally suggested that the CAC score was not the end all. I read the March 14, 2022 JAMA Meta Study on statins, and I am not impressed with the outcomes. I am hoping for more gentle results from other approaches. I did give up caffeine, which greatly reduced my blood pressure without medication. While most people can enjoy caffeinated beverages, not so for some of us with specific genetics. I wonder if you feel that IVL (ShockWave) is promising for preventative treatment?
My score was 2400 in 2016 and at the end 2016 an angiogram showed that I had significant blockages. in 2019 I had some chest pain and another angiogram indicated that the blockages had progressed so the cardiologist recommended I get quadruple bypass surgery. Instead I opted to fly to Mt. Sinai in NYC where they performed atherectomies on the major blockages and added stents. An atherectomy is like a roto rooter on the arteries. It removes the plaque and calcification while the medicine coated stents keep the arteries open and prevent restenosis. My point is although the calcium score is a strong indication of future blockages, it's not the end of the world. Technology has advanced to the point where there are many treatments available. Diet and exercise are obviously the best medicine but sometimes those can't offset heredity.
You can offset it! Or is it just plain lifestyle 🤔 I reversed 30% of my CAC Score of 660. I'm 68 and used the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol.
How expensive was the atherectomy?
I looked it up 8-$24,000 it may be covered under insurance. I like it better than a stent or bypass. There is still a risk with it, though.
I'm glad my CAC is reversing 660 to 458 after 20 months. At 3 years, I expect it to be 50% reversed down to 330. I follow pretty much a Keto diet and just walk 3-4 miles per day. I use the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol.
it looks like the total bill for the first procedure at Mt Sinai was a little over $4,000. Since it was covered by my insurance my share was about $160. I had two procedures in 2019, they unblocked two sections on the first one and three sections for the second procedure.
@@SET12DSP I agree that there are risks. You also have to be on blood thinners for a year to prevent re-stenosis and blood clots. I do think that it's better than a bypass or a stent without the atherectomy but I'm biased since I opted for that option. On the first session, the atherectomy reduced an 80-90% LAD blockage to a 0-10% blockage which I found amazing.
Excellent video and easy to understand. Thank you. I have a calcium score of 9, so I'm wondering if I am reading the correct test (?) I am followed by an Endocrinologist due to having had Thyroid cancer in 2003, and I believe he wants my calcium to be around 8. I went to my ENT for an ear problem, and he did an image of my left ear, which, also, showed the arteries in my neck. He told me to go see my PCP immediately because "if I had a stroke, he didn't want it to fall on him." They did another image and said that the blockage is less than 50 percent and that I need not worry unless it is over 70 percent. Does this sound right? All of my cholesterol numbers are well within the normal limits; but I worry about this "blockage." I have just looked over my latest blood test and do not see Lipoprotein (a) on the test. I'm wondering if I need to ask for one.
In 2008 my ct calcium score was 48. In 2023 it was 350. My Dr said that that number was not as important as symptoms. January 2023 Cardiologist ran stress tests twice and results were abnormalities in first test, second test was okay. May 2024, I just had to have stat stents in LAD mid and Diag with drug eluting stents for 80% blockages in both locations in the LAD. On Brilinta blood thinners 12 hour intervals. 1 week out from heart catheter, stents and having mild chest pains intermittently.
I am 71 and tested 2500 Calcium score. My cholesterol levels have always been great, no major health issues, walk 6 plus miles a day and eat low carb diet. Still this calcium score blew me away. I have 5 sons, 1 daughter, 7 grandchildren and my mother lived to 96, grandmother 101. I am honestly searching for the next step.
Thank you for your feedback. Consider having a chat with your doctor about a check of the cholesterol levels and testing something called Lipoprotein (a). We have recently posted a video on this you may find useful.
He's right to get your Lp-a level checked. Just recently, I had mine checked. I'm at 20mg/dl 30mg is the upper limit.
There are a lot of things you could be doing. Like at least get on a high dose of magnesium glycinate 800-1000mg as when magnesium goes up. Calcium goes down. Get the full story from the doctor that I follow. Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist. Author of the book "Stop America's # 1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. He basically expands on Linus Paulings Heart Protocol. Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner biochemist who came up with the idea of reversing heart disease. I had a 660 and after 20 months reversed it 30% to 458.
I am 68.
Can you give us the evidence for effective treatment and outcomes by trying to change apo(a)? Thanks. @@HeartMatters
Check out the Linus Pauling heart therapy protocol. That’s what I’m doing to clean out the plaque
@@alanlierz3745 Works great! My reversal was 30% in 20 months
Very high calcium score test, follow up test showed good blood flow, i take statin, vit K2, nattokinase, garlic. Ldl 96 trig 104, hdl 58, hope i’m well.
@casgrygorcewicz5838 which brand of nattokinase and garlic thanks
@@drali19741get a high FU 2000+ my natto is from Japan. Add K2 and Flushing B3
Your HDL is way too low friend. The HDL clears out the LDL.
My blood test results were excellent. At 66, I've followed a Mediterranean diet for the past 26 years. My cardiologist assures me I'm in good health. I dedicate 10 hours a week to cycling and rowing. I often joke with my wife that if I were to die of a heart attack while cycling or rowing, she should throw the party of her life. And when my friends ask about my doctor, I say it's in the garage and runs on two pedals.
Thank you Doctor , I wish you were my doc.❤. I feel lost
My understanding is that high LDL in the elderly is associated positively with lower all cause mortality. In other words, high LDL appears to be protective.
DEpnds on particle size not total number ldl
I was diagnosed three days ago with an left anterior descending artery of 802 calcium on the agatston score but with NO symptoms.
It scared the shit out of me, because my doctor failed to inform me that this calcium was possibly/likely only on the outside of my anterior descending artery and not within, because IAM fit as a fiddle, never smoked and only slightly overweight with no diabetes.
Thank you so much professor for calming my soul.😊
I will now seek for a specialist cardiologists opinion without a doomsday feeling.
Perhaps better to see an educated physician who isn’t an interested party. Read COURAGE and. ISCHEMIA I think they’re free on NEJM.
Barlis is a great guy - the main reason for his advanced knowledge and thus his ability to be so informative is because he is an interventional cardiologist.
Most cardiologists are desk-bound and give diagnosis/prognosis based on the agreed literature of the time - not to disparage in any way.
But an interventional cardiologist performs catheter based procedures i.e. they are actually on-site viewing the inside of your arteries in real-time so their diagnosis/prognosis is based on you - the individual.
To reinforce this consider the following:
I had a LAD double bypass - was put on statins - 20mg Lipitor - which I tolerated quite well AFAIK.
The dosage was arbitrarily increased (it seemed to me) to 80mg and it was like I was pushed off a cliff.
I went severely diabetic and suffered massive and excruciating muscle cramps - which led to the need for a walker.
I refused the statins after much personal research which infuriated my doctors - but I persisted and the problems over time were resolved (without statins).
My mantra became:
I do not care if Lipitor is a wonder drug to 30 million people - I care only by how it affects me (n=1).
I segue that mantra to the desk-bound cardiologist vs the interventional cardiologist.
WIth the interventional cardiologist he literally views me as n=1.
Both cardiologist types act in my (your) interests and deserve our respect.
But the winner is....
............
btw: I have a immense respect for the risks the interventional cardiologist takes for their patients.
You see only him/her.
There are several assistants behind radiation protective screens you do not see and are well protected.
Theorectically the IC stays at a recommended distance during the procedure.
In reality that distance is regularly compromised.
The patient - usually on a one-off procedure - is not affected by that single dose.
The IC performing multiple procedures is at increased risk from the ionizing radiation.
@jdewit8148 I have never heard any cardiologist state that a high calcium score could be because calcium could be partly on the outside of an artery, have you? Comforting to hear but is that a substantiated by anyone else? Has anyone here heard of that?
@@kenmasuda7696
Medial Calcification is where the calcium is within the inside and outside walls of the arteries
Intimal Calcifications is where the calcium is on the inside of the artery, ultimately restricting the blood flow.
To be honest, my L.A.D artery calcification is most probable medial, but at this stage not to the point that blood flow is to restricted.
I've done a ultrasound stress test, which I past, but will do an CT andiogram to fully follow up future problematic blockages.
I am studying up on Rotarex™ for possible treatment.
(Thanks for your interest)
@@jdewit8148 Keep us posted on your journey that we are all on. @ 383 cac. I'm hoping mine is intimal calc as well. Stress tests, tri-hdl levels, bp and blood sugars are good, but ya never know..
Rotarex lol, hell I'd do it if it was helpful. thnx Ken
Testing for lp-pla2 is getting very popular here (USA) … thoughts ?
Why didn't you recommend measuring the sdLDL? And why didn't you recommend the patient stop consuming carbs in order to reduce the triglycerides and sdLDL?
Good points. I suspect the presenter is unaware.
Thanks for this- I was seriously depressed after getting my score. I lost 30 lbs, radically changed my diet and exercise at least an hour a day and my score increased by 100 points in 9 months.
That’s because you probably stabilized soft plaque and turned it into hard plaque. Hard plaque is much safer because it is less likely to break off and cause a blood clot.
I reversed my CAC by 200 points or 30% in 20 months on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. I just walk 3-4 miles per day.
Really? I just saw my cardiologist and asked about this and he said it's not possible to reduce it. I am curious. I was told walking would improve my HDL and I have walked 3-5 miles daily over the past 6 months and it did nothing for me. Congratulations. I will check it out.
@@SET12DSP
@SET12DSP how did they conform that
@@SET12DSPalso - I can't find the protocol. Can you link it?
I have 90% blockage in my left leg and 70% blockage in my right leg and I also have blockage in the back of my neck and I am going tomorrow to have a CT scan and the next day I have appointment to see my vascular surgeon
When I first received my CAC score (2534), I was in shock and thought it was a death sentence. After reading tons of info on websites like Harvard Health, Cleveland Clinic, PubMed and others, I found out it's not. Also, I went to a cardiologist and had an echo cardiogram and nuclear stress test test and both came back normal. That, coupled with my being completely asymptomatic really allowed me to relax about the score. It's not a death sentence at all. I'm now on Crestor (Rosuvastatin) 20mg and my cholesterol levels are very good. My hs-CRP is .26 (which from much reading, appears to be a better indication of risk of heart attack than a high LDL level). So, if you have a high CAC score, I'd recommend seeing a cardiologist and getting an echo cardiogram and nuclear stress test done to give you some peace of mind (or possibly to catch something serious if it comes back negative/abnormal).
I'm a 60 year old male, still walk at least a mile around our neighborhood 5-7 times a week, still hike and still do my sandbag training with 50 pounds.
statins also raise your calcium score,make sure you take a great coq10 supp
You will die from ALS because of Crestor. Get off it
Stations are the one medication I will not take at any cost. I'm a 74yr woman, cholesterol fine, BP fine, eat healthy, excersize daily, two and a half mile brisk up hill walk every morning, BMI 23.2, I cook, clean the house, do the garden, ect plus painting and decorating the home when needed, do the grocery shop, iron. Don't smoke, don't drink. Not vaccinated. Don't do vaccines at all. Take supplements, including vitamin K2-mk7 alond with vitamin D3 4ooo IUs, Co Q10magnesium Taurate, Potassium, Tumeric. Leutine for eye health.
Does the CAC CT scan take into account, a person has three stents? Would the stents make it appear as high calcium, or, do stents get removed in the final number.
Thoughts on K2 to slow /reduce atherosclerosis and what is the optimal dose ?
Do you take interstate clients ?
i’m 56, two months ago my calcium score was 1450. i made a appt with a cardiologist that was scheduled today. Went to appt and they said i didn’t have an appt . Have to wait another 6 weeks for echo
I have CAC score 48 , with all major coronary arteries clear , how ever at junctions of D1/D2 with LAD have 25-50% blockage , my cardiologist said ‘no one ever dies from this ‘ and via angiogenesis heart will work around this , I take 180mcg k2, 2000iu D3 ,mangesium glycinate , also,take taurine/proline/lysine/arganine powder , so I a, hoping next Ct angiography with calcium score I can maybe reduce it , unfortunately I still drink 1 bottle wine per day
Have you watched videos on the effects of alcohol on the liver? That might help with your 1 bottle a day habit. Alcohol is a toxin that harms the liver (I still drink 3 drinks a week) and the liver health has a direct impact on the heart.
I had a similar score and same condition as yours 2 yrs back, my nuclear test was normal , my cardiologist gave statin with aspirin and beta blocker which i am taking from 2 yrs, i am 76 yrs he said forget about the score every one has calcification, doctor is intervention cardiologist and honest, sofar i am ok but sometimes worried whether i sm in right direction.
He is an astute physician and an honest one. I’m 77, a physician, had a borderline stress test. I do 15 mph 10-20 mile bike rides every day, downhill ski 15 times a year. I ski often with 25 year olds and my daughter clocked herself at 48 mph and I have to keep up otherwise I might get separated. (I Don’t go 48!)
My cardiologist recommended against angio and said continue treating your cholesterol, keep a good eye on your normal blood pressure, eat healthy, and keep up the exercise. I think your doctor gave you very good advice.
My CAC is 1100 and I also have very high LPa - I've been prescribed statins but I'm worried as I understand this will increase my arterial calcification.. Would appreciate if Dr Barlis could advise next steps 🙏
I asked my GP for a Coronary Calcium Scan. I don't have any symptoms. My calcium score was almost 4000! I went to a cardiologist who sent me for a nuclear stress test which came out fine. Then he sent me for ct Angiogram with and w/o contrast where my calcium score was just over 4000 but the heavy calcium buildup blocked the view of the arteries in many places.
What to do now?
54 year old with 10.5 CAC score all in LAD. Cholesterol ~200 total. Normal BP and no family history. Does this call for a statin? I am an endurance athlete, and statins seem to affect performance. Depending upon ASCVB or MESA scale, my risk is 3-5%. Diet has been pretty bad the last couple of years but is cleaned up now since I got my bloodwork a couple of weeks ago.
Score was 4800. Did Angiogram. RCA WAS 90% clogged rest of arteries normal for my age 61. They put 1 stent. With that score thought it would be a much worse story.
Decades ago, my father was standing behind a man waiting to pay his bill to the doctor's receptionist. He heard the man brag to the receptionist that he had a full physical including an EKG, with the doctor concluding he was in excellent health. As my father was paying his bill, he saw the man step out of the door and keeling over. He died on the spot.
He presumably had an exercise treadmill test and that could have provoked the fatal heart attack. It can happen.
I'm 52, super fit. I came in at 140.36 and am scared sh*tless now. Always had high cholesterol no matter what I eat. I'm now thinking I'm gonna drop dead any time.
I tell my patients to never be dictated to by a number. It is all about managing all risk factors and reducing future risk of bits of plaque breaking off and causing things like heart attack.
140 is not high at all.
Stop fretting. The heart is too important an organ to be left up to a cardiologist. Keep up your healthy habits and stop looking for trouble. Over testing is more dangerous than under testing. It’s a uniquely American/for profit problem. Bonus tip. Don’t retest your cholesterol! It’s like like a finger print-it doesn’t change unless you have followed a very strict diet and likely proven by a 15 lb weight loss or begun moderate dose statin. And if you are on a statin you don’t have to”check it. The only reason perhaps to do annual tests on statin takers is to document they are taking their statin. I don’t recheck as I know I’m taking my pills.
@@tube.brasil anything over a 0 means there is plaque. Take K2 M7 with Vitamin D, lemon juice/green tea, red yeast rice and Nattokinase
@@serapheum CAC does NOT measure deadly soft plaque. Hard plaque on outside is ok
So the calcium detected is on the outside of the artery, not on the inside where the blood is flowing? I've seen many videos on CAC. Why was this never mentioned?
Calcium builds up in many locations, inside and out but the resolution of a calcium score tests are limited and is not able to detect 'blockages'. There are people with scores of more than 2000 who don't have any major blockages on the inside of their arteries. However, as I mentioned in the video, heart attacks can happen in people who have low or zero calcium scores, so essentially calcium is only one piece of the puzzle. Thanks for taking the time to give your feedback.
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Mine is 106 in one artery..LAD... What does this mean?
What is the difference between CT angiogram vs Ct angiography with dye /calcium score ? Are they the same ?
A basic calcium score test requires no dye. A procedure such as 64-slice CT angiography does require an infusion of dye (contrast substance), but is otherwise non-invasive. When you undergo this procedure you will obtain images of your arteries and you will also obtain a CAC score. A conventional angiogram requires the use of a contrast agent and in addition it is an invasive procedure because a catheter is inserted into an artery (usually via your wrist or your groin) and "threaded" into your heart to evaluate your coronary arteries. This procedure does not give you a CAC score.
My husband had a total occlusion (100%) in the RCA and a 99% blockage in the left circumflex artery, a interventional cardiologist opened it up and put two stents. My husband could let them attempt opening up the total occlusion if he chooses but he was told no more damage could occur there. And he has a 50% blockage in the left anterior descending artery but I don't think they ever determined his calcium score. Not sure. I myself watch a lot of these videos. Very interesting.
Thank you for taking the time to reach out and provide your feedback. A 100% blockage or chronic total occlusion (CTO) is common and does not necessarily improve outcomes if a stent procedure is attempted. I will prepare a video on CTO management.
Thank you.
I ‘m 67 with high blood pressure, need to lose 20 pounds, workout regularly, non-smoker and cardiac score of 142. I was told I’m in the 85% percentile. My total cholesterol is 238, my ldl-c is 55, ldl-p is 2008, ldl-c is 156, triglycerides is 149, small ldl-p is 1074, HDL-p is 36.7. I also had a carotid scan done. It said “No hemodynamically significant stenosis. All values are consistent with a less than 50% stenosis in both ICAs.” As much as I didn’t want to I just recently went on Crestor 5mg 3x/week. Do think a statin is necessary? No history in family of heart disease. My cardiologist said I wasn’t here yet but my pcp and my hormone doctor wants me on the statins. I’m so confused and frustrated!
At 83, my CAC was 129, I think I am in trouble. What can I do?
I am confused by what Prof. Barlis means by on the inside vs outside. I am just missing something. Does anyone have another source for this?
Calcium scores do not use any dye and, therefore, cannot tell you if an artery is narrowing. I will prepare another video to show some internal pictures and examples of how the arteries are structured and the various layers of the artery wall that may help you better understand. E.g. the arteries have 3 main layers in the wall, the intima, the media and the adventitia.
Interesting perspective but there are tons of anti-statin videos out there, mainly due to the side effects. Good video though. I hadn't realized the calcified calcium could be on the outside of the artery.
The arteries have multiple layers, (e.g. the intima, media and adventitia). I will work on another video to give people a greater insight of the arty anatomy. Essentially the inside is where blood travels (the lumen).
Vry concise simplest bust of vry complex cac score advise don't get it let dictate & do ur daily chores walking meds lifestyle changes
I could not tolerate statins, so I am now using Repatha. Do you have any views on that drug?
Repatha = Shorter life (= my opinion, you can take it or leave it). Cholesterol is essential for life so bringing it down to absurdly low levels makes no sense.
Beautifylly said
I just have a CT scan yesterday and My Calcium score is 2200 but I feel fine. Should i be worry? Thanks!
i would not worry about it, start exercising and remove preocessed sugers and seed oils from your diet
One would have to know a zillion more things about you before they could answer your question, beginning with how old you are.
Can you tell me if the calcium score is read by a human radiologist or do they use a computer to come up with a number?
I ask because I wonder if two radiologists reading the same patient’s results would come up with the exact same number.
Very disappointed on how this video does not address how to prevent further built up of calcium in the arteries. It is incredibly frustrating to me that very few in the international cardiology scene even address this with patients. It is still scary because Dr Barlis you did not address to the public how to keep calcium out of the arteries when there is a plethora of knowledge and information about this in the literature. Also there is no need to wait to do a calcium score in ordwer to do a LPa and Apolipoprotein B. In fact these are not expensive tests and they give a great amount of information about lipid metabolism and possible CV risk on a patient. Why is no one talking about the benefits of vitamin K2 ??? It is very well documented that vitamin K2 or MK-7 helps route calcium via GLA proteins into the bone and therefore not to accumulate/deposit in joints or blood vessels. Yet I have not heard one cardiologist recommend this to any of my patients. I am convinced that cardiologists believe in the gospel according to statins . I know that you do not practice in the US but the cardiologists in this country are of the same practice. Please try to give a complete picture of prevention via nutrition lifestyle and vitamins than just statins and blood pressure meds . thank you Stelios Viennas MD FACR FGP Rheumatology NYU Langone
Dr Ford Brewer addresses all those topics as he did clinically reversed his CAC score with evidence.
I take Vitamin K2 as well as D3 but I'm not convinced that the K2 is going to magically save me.
Thank you. My father had a calcium score of 1000, but when the cardiologist performed invasive angiography, no blockages were found in his coronary arteries. Despite my father being an athlete, and with no blockages, we went through tough moments, concerned about a potential problem. I believe that while the calcium score may be an indicator of heart attacks, it is not 100 percent accurate. Through my research, I've found a relationship between using statins and vitamin K2 deficiency, leading to increased calcium levels in arteries. Dear doctor Barlis, could you please explain the relationship between vitamin K2 deficiency and calcium levels in arteries?
I IAM in a similar situation.
I can out walk most people my age (60) uphill.
My doctor send me for an ct calcium test only because my cholesterol was high and I was reluctant in taking statins.
The GP continued in stating that I had a score of 802 on my left anterior descending artery and would need stents and that I had a heart that of 4% of people have in my age group.
As the professor states that this is possibly only on the outside and not within.
Can you give me please some references on vitamin K.
Thanks Joe
Great question, I will address this too in a Q&A, I usually advise patients who are taking Vitamin D3 supplements that adding K2 can be useful at better directing where calcium goes. E.g. we prefer it to help support our bones and increase strength there rather than building up too much inside the arteries of our heart.
@@HeartMatters
Thank you for your response.
@@HeartMattersnatto with high K2
Natto is effectively anti-fribrogenic [ like a natural 81mg baby aspirin w/o side effects see low cardio issues in Japan ] - blood thinning, where Vitamin K2 [ variety mk7; menaquinone 7] is a co-factor for the body to redirect calcium away from coronary and into the bone/muscles within the body, due to missing co-factors in food. One of the reasons after 50 yrs of statins heart attacks are bigger than ever and osteoporosis is also huge. Google pubmeb mk7 calcium heart for relevant studies. As an aside nattokinase/bromelain can dissolve the spike protein from infection of the shot, studies show... the effective mechanism it is able to break down the lipid sorounding the spike protein....from a heart transplant patient post congestive heart failure...Things doctors don't tell you. Magnesium so needed and only get the correct level via a RBC magnesium test, not the ones done in general as those only tell you bllod magnesium, not bone/tissue levels.
Can you have a high calcium score and still have no blockages?
Yes you could have a high calcium score and no blockages. The calcium score itself does not show blockages. But on a population basis, statistically speaking, a higher calcium score will predict future risk far better than say your cholesterol levels.
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im a little worried my score is 3200 hoping to be able to reverse this.
You can reverse it, I had a 30% reversal in 20 months using the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. Cardiologists will tell you it's not reversible, but there are people such as myself reversing it.
@@SET12DSP How do you know you are reversing it? How do you know how much SOFT plaque you have? Soft plaque is not part of the calcium score. Just because your calcium score starts lowering does mean plaque is going away, the soft is there and hiding.
@danc3746 Thanks for asking! My last CAC was done with contrast, so with that, they can see plague. I also had an ultrasound echo tee, and with that, they see everything very clearly.
@danc3746 What do you think would be easier to desolve? Calcium build-up, which is actually bone with bone marrow, and yes, that's right, bone marrow or soft plague also composed of at least 20% calcuim.
I'll tell you what my former cardiologist said! "You might be able to get rid of some plaque, but you'll never be able to get rid of the calcium!" Evidently, he had that wrong.
In the eyes of Linus Pauling, Dr. Mathis Rath, cardiologist, and Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist, it all starts at the injured site with Lp-a. The Lp-a goes to the site because of a vitamin C deficiency. Restore the deficiency, and things start to reverse, as in my case.
It really makes more sense that the soft plague is the first to go... leaving the artery stable.
So, with the CT with contrast and the ultrasound echo tee, my cardiologist expressed no worries....