Calcium scan

[THC]

Hello TRF brethren,

Not sure if this subject has been broached here, but here I go.

I am a nerd regarding preventive maintenance health wise. I get my blood work done every 6 or 7 months, colonoscopies every 5 years and at almost 63, I decided to go see a Cardiologist. (We all know someone who had a very early heart attack). I have no family history of bad hearts, so I was just happy to draw a line in my sand, that I went to one.

My last blood work showed my overall cholesterol number at 160. Good, right?

Not no, but F no. My Cardiologist ordered a calcium test on me that took 3 minutes to do. Just lay on a table for a CT scan (only cost 70 bucks, most ins does not cover it)
0 to 100 is a good score, 100 to 300 commands monitoring, over 400 says you are in 3 to 5 year trouble of an attack.
My score came back at 1090.

To say I am freaking out is an understatement. I had a cardio ultrasound yesterday and am now awaiting the call I may need a stint or two. Waiting is hard. I have no symptoms, so this thread is simply awareness to everyone to get this easy test done if you are over 50. Here is but one link of many out there;

https://www.capitalcardiology.com/ch...el-not-matter/

[CalSRQ1]

Wow - good for you being proactive! Hope they are able to treat without too much intervention and you’re back on the mend quick. Thanks for the info on this!

[Aquaholic_user]

Would definitely like to hear an update on what they have to say. 1090 seems far off from what scores are stated to be. Maybe its just an error. I'm sure you'd like to hear that more than I, but for someone on top of their health. That score doesn't look right. Hope all goes well!

Did they give you a time range with a 1090?

SM-N960U

[THC]

Thanks Rich, Chris...my doc said he has seen 4 thousand scores but false positives are everywhere in tests, so yes great point

[Razorsedge1]

Thanks for sharing. I was not familiar with calcium scan. Since your other tests and history are good maybe your risks aren't as bad as you think. Best of luck.

[RW16610]

Oh man, I'm so sorry to hear that. Albeit not the greatest news it's incredible how proactive you're being. I'm so glad they caught this early, Tom. I'm confident with a healthy lifestyle and the care of your specialist you can prevent this.

Thanks for sharing, I really appreciate it. Health is no joke and something all of us take for granted at one time or another.

A few years ago during routine blood work they discovered my white blood cell count was a bit low and sent me to a hematolagist. He determined it was benign Neutropenia for now but it's still scary. I've had 2 infections before and one was viral meningitis that had me in the hospital for the better part of a week. My point to sharing all of that is its good to get checked as you did and be aware of things early to prevent future problems.

[THC]

For sure Rommell .. great reply, thanks

[George Burdell]

First, I'm very sorry to hear about your score - I know thats disconcerting. However, early detection is the key, and they can do fantastic things with both medicine and lifestyle. Dr. Esselstyn's program in Forks over Knives illustrates several success stories. You're out in front of it and that's great.

Second, those scans are a fantastic thing. Everybody should get one. Its shocking that insurance won't cover a $100 non-invasive, 10-minute test that is so effective, but will gladly pay to keep you on statins for life.

[locutus49]

Wow. I saw my cardiologist yesterday - I have an aortic aneurysm - and he never mentioned a calcium scan, only an echocardiogram to see if my aneurysm has grown. Maybe I'll ask him next time.

[THC]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Wow. I saw my cardiologist yesterday - I have an aortic aneurysm - and he never mentioned a calcium scan, only an echocardiogram to see if my aneurysm has grown. Maybe I'll ask him next time.

would be curious what your Doc or any Doc here has to say about this topic

[1st amg]

Wow, thanks for sharing this. Really opens my eyes Tom. Amazing that you caught this and now you need to do a little tune up and you will be fine.

[THC]

Thanks Nick

[othertbone]

If you have no symptoms, I'd get a second opinion of all the test results before you do anything drastic brother.

[THC]

Originally Posted by othertbone

If you have no symptoms, I'd get a second opinion of all the test results before you do anything drastic brother.

Only one test, but the more research I am more I am seeing how new this screening is.

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by THC

Only one test, but the more research I am more I am seeing how new this screening is.

Best wishes my friend!

[THC]

Originally Posted by othertbone

Best wishes my friend!

Thanks man

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by THC

Hello TRF brethren,

Not sure if this subject has been broached here, but here I go.

I am a nerd regarding preventive maintenance health wise. I get my blood work done every 6 or 7 months, colonoscopies every 5 years and at almost 63, I decided to go see a Cardiologist. (We all know someone who had a very early heart attack). I have no family history of bad hearts, so I was just happy to draw a line in my sand, that I went to one.

My last blood work showed my overall cholesterol number at 160. Good, right?

Not no, but F no. My Cardiologist ordered a calcium test on me that took 3 minutes to do. Just lay on a table for a CT scan (only cost 70 bucks, most ins does not cover it)
0 to 100 is a good score, 100 to 300 commands monitoring, over 400 says you are in 3 to 5 year trouble of an attack.
My score came back at 1090.

To say I am freaking out is an understatement. I had a cardio ultrasound yesterday and am now awaiting the call I may need a stint or two. Waiting is hard. I have no symptoms, so this thread is simply awareness to everyone to get this easy test done if you are over 50. Here is but one link of many out there;

https://www.capitalcardiology.com/ch...el-not-matter/

Thank for the link Tom. I am going to send this to my Doctor and see what he says. I have heart disease in the family and my father died at 66 and his father at 56. I think I am healthier and have been on cholesterol drugs for 10+ years now. My blood test numbers are good but I think this is a good test I am going to look into soon. Thanks again, best wishes .

[Urosfan]

Best wishes going forward ����

[THC]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

Thank for the link Tom. I am going to send this to my Doctor and see what he says. I have heart disease in the family and my father died at 66 and his father at 56. I think I am healthier and have been on cholesterol drugs for 10+ years now. My blood test numbers are good but I think this is a good test I am going to look into soon. Thanks again, best wishes .

knowledge is power, even if the knowledge scares the heck out of a person for a few days... stay well Jim

[THC]

Originally Posted by Urosfan

Best wishes going forward ����

Thanks, going in Monday

[M45]

Agatston score that high is "off the charts" for just about every age group.

I'd get with a cardiologist and see what to do next.

[THC]

Originally Posted by M45

Agatston score that high is "off the charts" for just about every age group.

I'd get with a cardiologist and see what to do next.

I did, he suggested the scan, but am going back tomorrow.

This thread is for everyone over 55, getting this done. Test is extremely cheap with no prep, just lay there for 3 minutes

[TheVTCGuy]

I had mine done a couple years ago, family history of heart disease, came back at less then 5. I was elated. Do what the docs say, continue to take care of yourself and you will be fine. It is the people that ignore things like this that have serious problems, you absolutely did the right thing and tested early, thus avoiding a very difficult (if not fatal) situation later. Take solace in that and again, best wishes for a healthy future!