coronary calcium report usefullness as predictor

[shlomo]

Dear Doctors:

I recently had a Coronary Calcium Report(image) performed at our local heart center.  A nurse discussed the results with me for 5 minutes.  My doctor said it was useless, and to lose weight.  The doctor gave me an EKG and said it was normal.  The nurse alluded to the fact that EKG's are not the "gold standard" of diagnosis.

The Docotor asked for $300.00 worth of blood tests that provided no new information. He did not ask for the heart specific blood tests just normal cholesterol.  I was disapointed.

He increased my blood pressure medicine.  But, we've made no progress on the chest pain.

WHAT RELATIONSHIP MAY I DRAW FROM THE CALCIUM SCORE OF 4.13 AND CALCIUM VOLUME OF 4.98.  AS A FEMALE AGED 59 IT PUT ME AT 50% AND 75%.

WHAT TEST,SCAN, OR MRI WILL ALLO ME TO KNOW WHAT ELSE IS IN THERE BESIDES THE CALCIUM, AND WHAT TO DO OTHER THAN LOSE WEIGHT, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE IN MY AGE GROUP.

THANKS IN ADVANCE

          

[va_tony]

Thanks for setting a great example for the rest of us.  I would love to do as well as both of you... not ony by taking it off but keeping it off.  I'm hoping that by the end of the summer, I will be down about 60 pounds (from 295 to 235, I'm 6' 4"). But it's definitely a challenge.

[erijon]

Same here, Vytorin dropped my TC from 219 to 151 with an LDl down from 134 to 51. Also, with a few lifestyle changes and some exercise I've lost 60 pounds in the past year. I'm a youngster at 50 compared to Flycaster, just kidding there, but's he's right the weight can come off!

Good Luck with it!

Jon

[Flycaster305]

Tony, I have dropped my total cholesterol using Vytorin about like you.  Good show regarding your weight, my friend!  You and Vienna are right, those of us who have become a bit long in the tooth can indeed loose weight!  I've lost about 35 pounds, but it took me five years.  When I was prescribed Coreg I had a relapse, but it was temporary, once I was used to the drug the weight flew off.  Well done!

[va_tony]

I had similar testing. From my understanding, a calcium score of only 4 is fairly low and indicates that your risk of a heart attack is relatively low (although any non-zero score is something to take note of and to watch in the future).  The 50% and 75%, I believe, represents that 50% and 75% of women your age and race have lower values of calcium score and volume, respectively.... so you're roughly normal for your age.

My calcium score was 720 and that's worrisome (90% of men my age have lower scores)- - a couple of blockages of 30% or less were also detected. Even so, my cardiologist didn't seem too concerned. The recommended treatment (assuming the condition is asymptomatic as mine is) is to take an aspirin a day and to bring ldl cholesterol down below 100 and lose weight.  I take vitorin daily which has lowered my total cholesterol from 220 down to 104 (ldl is 41).

As for losing weight, it is possible if you are motivated. In my case, I'm 65 and managed to lose 20 pounds in the last 7 weeks (6% of body weight) by dieting and exercising (it's helpful to have group support --- I'm in a "biggest loser" contest at work.... there are 33 of us competing for $$$).

[vienna13]

"WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE IN MY AGE GROUP."

are you 59?

It is NOT impossible !!

[Pointman]

I think first yuo need to consider  a new DR. and probley should see a good carologist.
yes the nurse told  yuo rigth EKG isnt teh gold standard. This 50& 75& are  yuo refering to a possible blocage? if it is yuo def better see a cardoogist. it doesnt sho a lot of things.
and i have heard that excuse to many times or rather my wife  has loose weigth, first find  yuor problem if there si one, tehn if yuo choose to, then loose weoght.
hope thsi helps