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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I just got the news that my Calcium is 1197. I'm waiting to hear back from my doctor about scheduling a stress test. I got the test because I have a family history of heart disease and I had some episodes of SVT. My LDL is 6 and my cholesterol is

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.

My daughter told me to watch this and I'm so glad I did. You calmed me down a lot! Thank you!

Thank you so much for your balanced information !

Thanks Professor - the best explanation I have heard

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!

Thanks, doctor. Very educational. Feel better now.

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!

excellent video, thanks

Thank you! This helped me understand.

Very thorough and well explained video. I've learned a lot thank you.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 for encouragement, I just have a result on CT Scan with calcium in my arteries.

Thank you !

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".

Good balanced advice.

Thank you. Really relieved my stress. I have an appt with my cardiologist in a week. Will take it from there.

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 INFORMATIVE. THANK YOU.

Thank you. 1500 following modern med. over 5 yrs it went up to 4100 even thought I lost 80lbs. I am asymptomatic

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.

Excellent explanation thank you😊

Fantastic. Wish my doctor said some of this.

Very useful and appreciate wise, calm demeanor! 👍👍

Excellent video

Very helpful. Thanks for educating me on this topic. I have been depressed after finding a high calcium score.

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.

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):

Thank you. Subscribed

Thanks

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!

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

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?

Thanks ❤

Thanks for helping me understand this situation I face much better...

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

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.

That would be me! I was a little worried

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.

Good Man. Bless You.

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.

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.

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?

Thank you for the information at what numbers is classed as high number thank you

Thank you. You have given me a balance I was missing.

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.

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.

Thanks ❤Venkatramana Awaru.

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.

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?

Thoughts on K2 to slow /reduce atherosclerosis and what is the optimal dose ?

I had a 1750 mostly LAD. I then got an NC stress test which showed no blockage, heart muscle strong.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Testing for lp-pla2 is getting very popular here (USA) … thoughts ?

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

What is the difference between CT angiogram vs Ct angiography with dye /calcium score ? Are they the same ?

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.

Mine is 106 in one artery..LAD... What does this mean?

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.

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?

At 83, my CAC was 129, I think I am in trouble. What can I do?

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!

😊🙏👍

I have watched dozens of videos regarding CAC scans and this is the only one that stated the calcium measured on the CAC is on the OUTSIDE of the arteries. All the others say it is the inside. I am confused....who is correct??

I could not tolerate statins, so I am now using Repatha. Do you have any views on that drug?

Beautifylly said

I just have a CT scan yesterday and My Calcium score is 2200 but I feel fine. Should i be worry? Thanks!

😊

Vry concise simplest bust of vry complex cac score advise don't get it let dictate & do ur daily chores walking meds lifestyle changes

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?

Can you have a high calcium score and still have no blockages?