Why did my plaque double?

[Joed9]

Two years ago I had a heart scan that indicated I had heart score of 18.67 in my left main.  I underwent an angiogram and the doctor said I had 10% luminal irregularities there, no significant coronary disease.  Now 2 years later I have another heart scan that shows the plaque in my left main has more than doubled to 38.06 and there are other smaller numbers on my RCA and LAD.  I was thinking I was doing everything right, diet(I am 10 lbs overweight), vitamins, Crestor,(20mg) fish oil, aspirin.  My lipids are Chol(143), LDL(50), HDL(95), Trig(59).  My real size pattern is A. My TSH is 1.37, My CRP is zero.  I just found out my vitamin D was borderline low.(I have stated to fix that)  What am I missing?  My father died at 54 of heart disease and I am 57.  How do I stop the plaque from multiplying and what do you think the cardiologist should be asked.  Thank you so much

[mammo]

I understand your frustrations, but keep in mind that heredity also plays a role in this.  Have you been eating correctly, and exercising?  These also play a huge role in this.  Your weight doesn't matter if you're still eating all the wrong foods.  I would ask your cardiologist exactly what you just asked here...How do I keep plaque from building so quickly?  Diet and exercise are so very important.

[ed34]

Do you tend to get stressed out easily? Stress does the body some good in short bursts, but prolonged periods of it cause a lot of harm. When in rehab we had a relaxation nurse attend for a couple of days. She asked me if I felt relaxed, and I thought I did. Without realising it because I had become so used to stress over the years, I was showing classic signs of a stressful person. For example my shoulders were not down and relaxed, they were up and tense. My jaw was more tightly together than it should be. It was also explained how my breathing was all wrong. I tended to breathe in the upper part of my chest instead of the lower part. You would see my chest going up and down, but not my stomach going in and out. Apparently this form of breathing causes the body to release extra adrenaline and other chemicals associated with stress. I realised none of those signs for years and it actually all felt normal to me. After having relaxation classes, I have found a huge difference. My disease actually seemed to finally stop growing after those classes. Like you, I had reduced my cholesterol to the minimums, eaten healthy foods and exercised.

[Joed9]

I think you may be the first person who has said that to me.  I do think I have developed into a person who feels stressful.  I told my doctor the last time I saw him that in the last 2 years(after several very stressful situations) I find my anxiety level going from 0 to 10  much faster.   He gave me some anxiety pills.  Perhaps I need to learn relaxation instead.  I can also say that I do have that pattern of breathing that you describe.  I've questioned myself about whether there was something wrong with my lungs since I felt I was never breathing deeply anymore  (giving me one more thing to fret about).....Yoga here I come!
Thank you for this information

[Joed9]

I do try to eat correctly.  I haven't had junk food or fast food for 2 years.  I started different kinds of eating, mediterrean, vegan, etc.  but am finding the most success and the most enjoyment from weight watchers.  I've never been obese but I've always been about 10-15 lbs off what I want to be. Exercise is another area where I need to improve.  I walk 2 miles 3 times a week and I go to a trainer for another 2.  and then it seems I sit down for the day..LOL.   Thank you for your advice.