I had CAC score of 0 thru my 50’s. Went up to 150 by early 70’s. Passed a nuclear stress test and got an all clear. Then suffered major MI while on treadmills at the gym. Always in good cardio/ resistance training shape. I had a ruptured plaque in a major cardiac artery. Being a retired firefighter/paramedic I got my ass into the ER within 10 minutes. Only thing that saved my life

@jeannepeters8836

Ай бұрын

Would you please share how the ER docs treated you. Was it just rest, medical pharma care, stents, or bypass surgery? Thanks much.

@spudbono5747

27 күн бұрын

Good for you. I think so many people have them and think they will just sit it out or "it will pass" and don't get themselves to the ER. I hope this inspires you: my mother had emergency bypass surgery in her 70's, and a valve replacement at age 93. She just turned 100! She was fishing, driving, gardening, etc. well into her 90's, and lived alone until 97. The only time she goes to the dr. is once a year to the cardiologist and opthamologist.

@panlasanitisoy

19 күн бұрын

I'm glad you're good, brother. Stay safe

Family history of heart disease. Calcium score and my father (5 stents) asking me to get checked out led to a calcium score test recommendation from my primary care (Dr. Adam is awesome btw) and it likely saved my life. I had no symptoms and had the truck packed for a camping trip. CACS score was 1,441 (! Yes out of 0-400), stress test mild blockage, heart cath showed 3 blockages (100/80/50), and now I am in cardiac rehab from a triple bypass and I’m doing well thanks to the love and support of so many people. Several colleagues have gone for calcium tests and all have come back good - God bless. Please do this test if you have a family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or any concerns about your heart health - I had no symptoms (age 53).

@EEEBA1

5 ай бұрын

I am glad you are doing great. But this videos is saying that the CAC test doesn't' tell us enough so I am confused. Thank you.

@neatengineering

3 ай бұрын

​@EEEBA1 zero score doesn't mean you are safe, but that you are more likely to be safe. High score means you definitely have a problem. Although, you'd find out just as easily from a stress ECG. (I did, and only with 40% blockage.)

@vincec2112

2 ай бұрын

@gineering I had a Calcium score of 1400 a few months ago ordered by my primary. I had a CTA done last week of my heart and a ultra sound done a week earlier. I have no coronary blockages. Echo Cardiogram showed no issues with blood flow either or the structure or mechanics of my heart. I was shocked. I dont think my cardiologist was shocked but I think he was not expecting those results. He said my calcium is there but distributed through my heart and he talked about other things etc concerning calcium. Im 59 years old.

@sascha6176

2 ай бұрын

@@vincec2112 have you managed to reduce your Calcium score or what?

@vincec2112

2 ай бұрын

@@sascha6176 Hi, I have not had a calc score done since that first time several months ago. I am seeing my cardiologist in about 3 months. I will bring this up. I have a feeling he will say there is no need for another one. But I have lost about 30lbs since that calc score and i am eating better and exercising. It would be interesting to see what it is at this point.

61 YO. Had a test done at 58. Score - zero. Had the test done on a road trip 500 miles from home. Was on a bicycle vacation. The techs weren't supposed to say anything but they were chuckling and told me nothing to worry about. Got the official results a few weeks later. Best $100 I've spent for peace of mind. Probably do it again one of these days.

So much time spent on zero CAC I just learned I have 612 at 72 years old 5'9" and 155 lbs never smoke or drank or drugs - but cheese chocolate and ice cream

I had a score of 1188, mostly in the widowmaker artery, and was sure I was going to die any minute. That was 11 years ago and so far I’m still alive and no “events” but the day’s not over yet.

@patrickbercini2718

Жыл бұрын

Did you ever find out how much blockage you had? Did you go on a statin, or have a stent put in?

@gabymalembe

Жыл бұрын

@@patrickbercini2718 They put me on a statin. and a blood pressure med. Many years later I had a doppler ultrasound test which they said was normal. For what it’s worth, I take two kinds of vitamin k2, one from natto and one from animal sources, and ride my bike most days.

@creativesource3514

Жыл бұрын

@@gabymalembe Get a CT angiogram.

@carolr.556

Жыл бұрын

Wow.. so you may have a protective HDL factor..

@sixpackbinky

11 ай бұрын

@@gabymalembedo you still use a statin?

I doubt if many docs explain this as thoroughly to their patients as you guys have done.

@osirzz

10 ай бұрын

Saying that CAC is not accurate is enough you don’t need a whole lecture and a lot of technical details while patients are waiting

@ChristopherCologneASMR

3 ай бұрын

I haven't found a Dr that explains a thing.lol. KZread Drs explain things way better than any of the multiple Drs I've ever seen.

@sharonmiller1200

3 ай бұрын

We pay the doctors, but they can’t explain it like this. I am on my third doctor only because I’m looking for a doctor to explain to me like what I just heard on this video.

My health has greatly improved since switching to less (unhealthy) carbs, more ( healthy ) fats and (least toxic) fruits , but this video is a home run that we all needed when it comes to knowledge of cardiovascular health. Bottom line is, health is all about balancing your diet that is based on organic and least toxic whole foods and exercise. Like they say, " you don't stop moving when you get old, you get old because you stop moving".

This is absolutely the best lucid explanation I have seen on KZread!

This is the best explanation of calcium score I’ve ever heard. Thank you so much for your service to humanity. Keep up the good work:)

How this man doesn't have millions of subscribers is beyond me...

@marynoonan6111

8 ай бұрын

I agree

@dan-qe1tb

8 ай бұрын

People would rather listen to quack chiropractors.

@user-gi2qz1ez5l

4 ай бұрын

Because it’s easier to believe doctors that tell you there’s nothing to worry about.

Awesome video as always.. Great work doc!! 👌👌

Thanks Gil - for a wonderful explanation. I have a friend who is on a keto diet (long term) , heavy smoker but also exercises regularly - at 57 years - has a CAC of 0. On the other hand, I , also 57, a vegetarian, with normal TRGs and lipid profile, but overweight and don't exercise regularly, have a CAC of 10. I guess, both of us have to make lifestyle changes and not rely exclusively on the CAC. Thank you very much - I really like your channel and explanations. I am a neurosurgeon and deal a lot with brain haemorrhages and similar conditions - the most common underlying theme I find amongst affected patients is a combination of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and lack of exercise....and, increasingly encountering patients in their early 40s with brain strokes...

@mrlacksoriginality4877

Жыл бұрын

There was a recent study showing a big link between diabetes and heart disease. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from heart disease.

@chewiewins

10 ай бұрын

But is your Keto friend normal or raised LDL? Alas I am 40% which on Keto has doubled LDL, so need to stop Keto

@Mike-01234

9 ай бұрын

I lost weight on Keto but it really shot my Triglycerides up I usually run in the normal range and even have over cholesterol around 180. LDL always been 75% of it which isn't good. That Keto diet sent my triglycerides from 120-130 to over 300 so I cut high saturated fats from daily to every few weeks at most.

@skidjs

9 ай бұрын

Coloestetol numbers mean nothing by themselves. Also, arteries must already be damaged for plaque to accumulate. So a high ldl is not a lone indicator of issues.

@Caladcholg

7 ай бұрын

Ldl alone isn't a concern, dawg.

Great info, thanks! Always enjoy your videos.

Excellent analysis and explanations...thanks.

You are doing a great service with your videos. Keep it up :)

What an extraordinary presentation & service you provided to those of us laypersons who want to better understand the distinction between obstructive & non obstructive CAD, the role statins play as well as their overall understanding of risk assessment of adverse events over time. Keep up the effort because you should be seeing an increase to hundreds of thousands of subscribers. I’m certainly one. Thank you.

this videos are so SOBER!!! thank you!

Learning new stuff all the time with you, thx!!

Great information on value of calcium score ...lots of thanks from Chennai India

i dont know anything about this so i like that im learning high quality information for my first understanding of the topic of calcium scores Thanks Gil

Excellent video. Very informative. 👍🏽💯🔥✔

Excellent video. Thank you so very much.

This is an excellent video Dr Carvalho! My cholesterol levels though in green (all total, LDL, HDL, trigylcerides) I still went ahead and got my CAC done. I am not over 40 yet. But I don't want to a CT Angiogram given the risks of radiation (price is secondary). But without CTA as I understand we can not mark ourselves lower on the risk levels. The only thing additional I thing I can do to get a truer sense of my cardiovascular risk is to get an apoB test perhaps. If you could do a video as to the different tests and holistic analysis a person can do to get a true risk score for their heart it would be great. Thanks for all your videos doc!

Thanks for the excellent explanation.

Retired physician here. About 15 years ago I had depressed ST in my inferior leads on a stress test. The nuclear scan showed decreased perfusion at the apex. Based on that, I underwent a heart cath. It showed my LAD sort of dwindled down in the distal artery. There was nothing to stent. Since I had no symptoms nothing was done. About 5 years ago I saw the same cardiologist because I wasn't happy with my BP management. He talked me into a repeat stress test and nuclear scan. The ST depression was not present. The nuclear scan was negative. He ordered a CAC, but Medicare didn't cover it. I deferred the test and did some research. To summarize, it looked like no matter what the CAC was the recommendation was to counsel diet and exercise. In over 4 decades of practicing medicine I had a rule about ordering tests: I'd ask myself "What will I do if it's positive and what will I do if it's negative?". If the answers were the same I didn't order the test. I never did the CAC and remain blissfully ignorant at the age of 70. I think I have the best prognostic test of all. My parents lived to be 92.

@TheRealJBMcMunn

5 ай бұрын

One more thing. Statistics apply to groups of people, not individuals. If studies show that 75% of patients respond favorably to treatment, that doesn't mean you have a 75% probability of successful treatment. What it means is that if you treated 100 people, there would be roughly 75 successes. However you cannot determine which specific individuals would respond. You can only estimate how many would respond. This is why you can't get rich flipping coins. You know the odds are 50-50 but you have no way to predict the results of the next toss.

@1faros

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm going through something similar. I had an angiogram which revealed dwindled LAD. Like you, nothing was done. The cardiologist wants to put me on aggressive statins, beta blockers, and aspirin. I'm 67, swim 10,000 meters per week (mostly intervals), lift weights, and play tennis. Never had any symptoms and blood pressure is good. What is your opinion of statins, etc.

@Kiskassklan

Ай бұрын

I'm 70 and took the CAC and it was 264. I'm Glas I did cause it made me change the way I look at carbs and sugars which I keep low now and also lowered my saturated fat intake plus added some supplements like niacin and high K2. Doc wanted me on 20mg Crestor but I am trying 5mg to see how my blood work looks later.

Thank you 🙏🏻 such a precious and clear info!! Bless you 🤍

Thanks Gil.! My girlfriend and I watch all your videos. We really appreciate your unbiased, scientific, and thorough research. As "Cutabove" commented below, why not get a cimt test? It is has no radiation and also shows soft plaque. How does a cimt test compare to the CAC test? Thank you!

Excellent video with very important/relevant- information for people worried(or interested) about cardiac health and how to gauge it correctly! 👍👍👍 So many "youtube doctors" are spreading mis-information on this topic, that it makes me sad....glad to see you don't seem to fall into that group of people! 😉👍

@supercal333

Жыл бұрын

Look at all cause mortality. That is not affected by high cholesterol in people on low carb diets and in many cases falls as cholesterol goes up. Go figure.

Excellent! Loved the idea od 30 year view of risk. BTW, angiography is better than calcium scorebut still an image of the lumen, not the arterial wall. Many open arteries have soft , vulnerable plaque burden only visible via intravascular ultrasound.

Great video! Is there a way to reduce your calcium (score) if it is already higher than your age group? K2?

Thank you. Very informative as usual.

Fantastic explanation! Thank you!

I feel much better after watching this video. I am a 65 year old male and have been on a statin for 20 years. I had a CT scan last week and my score is 1350. I am headed to the cardiologist in July. I would prefer a lower score of course, but it is good to know that this could be a good thing in my case. Hard stable plaque. Thanks.

@SET12DSP

Жыл бұрын

I'm removing mine and without statins help. 660 to 458 so far!

@penaeusmay07

11 ай бұрын

High calcium low magnesium and vit b1.. or acv…just do your research…there’s chronic deficiency of other nutrients to balance body function…change diet

@SET12DSP

11 ай бұрын

Yeah, like vitamin C deficiency for me. The plaque may be hard and stabilize, but I don't consider it a good thing. It's still narrowed. The damage is covered up by calcium instead of repaired correctly with collegen made by vitamin C. Dr. Thomas Levy Cardiologist "Stop America's # 1 Killer" Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. 67 year old male CT scan 660 now 458. No Statins.

@thomasryan5681

10 ай бұрын

I've always had good cholesterol levels and I'm now 68. My intake of sodium was above normal but doctors always said that since I didn't have high blood pressure it was fine. Last year my doctor came out of the blue and recommended a CAC just to see where I was at. The score came back over 500 and I immediately went on a statin. Now that I've done some research, sodium also appears to be a big factor with getting calcification. I now feel that all those years that I was being told not to worry, I should have been taking steps to reduce my sodium intake. Now I feel like I'm in a could-a, would -a should-a situation. I had a treadmill stress test and blood flow was good. Now I'm really confused. How can I have a high CAC but with good cholesterol levels and blood pressure?

@debbier9555

6 ай бұрын

​@@SET12DSPWonderful! How are you remodeling your plaque?

Tysm for the detailed info abt clogged arteries test vac that o knew ZERO abt. My cardiologist last week explained little to none what a score 105 meant for my 138 lb 78 yr old meant …this helped so much !

I had my CAC taken 3 years ago when I was 56 years old and I had a score of 390 while my LDL was 145 so this worried me. My cardiologist put me on statins and 3 months later I got a CT angiogram taken. On that 3 of my coronary arteries where blocked 35% and the plaques where already hardened which was good news against rapturing. So now I take my statins and every year go for Echo Stress cardiogram in order to understand if there are any issues. So actually knowing your situation helps you better manage your risks

Thanks, very informative video!!

Thank you very much for this video. I am almost 70 and I had a calcium score done recently, which came back 0. My cardiologist had said that this was a good score but I could still have plaque. I'm actually pretty low risk, I was seeing her because of a heart murmur. But thanks to your video I understand much better what she was saying, and I also find it reassuring to be my age and have a zero score. Really appreciate your information!

@NutritionMadeSimple

Жыл бұрын

congrats!!

Thanks so much for this informative video!

Very educational. Thank you.

Thank you for great information!

I believe what most people would be interested in is a inexpensive and reliable way of judging and following their heart health over time. The only way I see of doing this is with a CIMT test repeated every few years. It's cheap, no radiation, isn't intrusive and available everywhere. How about a video discussing how people can track their heart health using inexpensive tests? And in particular the benefit of the CIMT over other tests.

@lorinichols9996

Жыл бұрын

CIMT is available everywhere? I had to drive over an hour to the only place I could find that did it, and my doctor doesn’t even give it much consideration.

@cho7707

10 ай бұрын

Cardiac cath test is best. CIMT just checks the neck.

Thank you for a great explanation!

Thanks, Gil, this was very helpful. My brother is 2 years older than me. We both had a calcium study when each was about 57, so his was done about two years before mine. His score was high, something like 580, most of that in the so-called widow-maker coronary artery. Two years later, at the same age, mine was 42, 40 of it in that same artery. I remember being very relieved by this ... as well as surprised. I was then distressed that my cardiologist seemed to be quite concerned by my score and was impressing upon me the importance of continuing statin therapy. "But my score is so low while my brother's was so high." "But yours shows that you are developing plague and you may have soft plaque that is more threatening than measurable hard plaque." I didn't understand but think I do, now. BTW, I've followed his advice on statins in spite of my low score. Hopefully, we caught it early enough and progression will be minimal and, hopefully, what is there will calcify into solid plaque. I've been on an anti-inflammatory med for about 22 years for an autoimmune arthritis. Is it possible that the difference between my brother and me is less inflammation on my part due to 20+ years of this medication? Honestly, when my brother received such a high score, I was afraid to have it done, worried that, surely, 35 years of an inflammatory condition would mean that I was in much worse condition than my brother. Thanks, again, Gil. I always learn a lot from your videos. Alex

@NutritionMadeSimple

Жыл бұрын

hi. interventions lowering inflammatory markers have been shown to lower risk (at least using monoclonal antibodies against IL-6 in people with high inflammation at baseline) so it's possible it plays a role

@mongofan1

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Gil.

@okamsug

Жыл бұрын

I thought anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs raise the risk of having heart attack and stroke?

@NutritionMadeSimple

Жыл бұрын

@@okamsug look up the CANTOS trial, I don't remember off the top of my head which anti-inflammatories they used. lmk if you have trouble finding it

@NutritionMadeSimple

Жыл бұрын

oh nm they used a monoclonal antibody against IL-6, I´ll edit my replies above for accuracy. thanks!

Dr Gil ,I had a CTA Angiogram and it showed a calcium score of 127. BTW I am a 61 y/o male with no medical hx. The test also showed that I had focal calcification of the LAD(left anterior descending coronary artery) with an estimated stenosis of less than 15%. My cardiologist didn't seem too alarmed by those results. He said less than 15% is fine for my age group. Reason for the test was that my ApoB came back at 150 and LDL 193. Did a follow up nuclear stress test and passed it with above average for my age. Now i am on 10mg crestor with a change in diet.

Great talk much appreciated

Dr. Gil, can you consider doing a video addressing whether the presence of the "Frank's Sign" crease on the earlobe is a valid physical marker of heart disease?

A great video. At 64 my score was zero. It made me feel good, but now I am so much more informed as to what this means now and in the future. Thank you so much for this info!

@petercyr3508

10 ай бұрын

If you are a male, zero at your age is very good. If female zero is normal until mid 70s. It can change fast. Check every 2 years.

Preposterously informative

thanks so much for this explanation

Hopefully you’ll have a podcast with Dr. Ford Brewer.. great discussion

@Hanover-ek4jy

Жыл бұрын

I absolutely agree!

Excellent video

My is 1025 and my doctor put me on a statin. I had a stress test and it was fine. I have no exercise restrictions. I’m 70 and work out about every day.

My father in law had a CAC two weeks ago on a Monday. That day they scheduled surgery for Friday based on his CAC score. His widowmaker was 85% blocked, they put one stint in and he said he feels the best he's felt in 15 or so years. My mother in law on the other hand had a score of almost zero but is still very unhealthy. Her doc reiterated she still needs to make lifestyle changes even though her CAC score is almost zero.

@efanjul5768

Жыл бұрын

How can a score of almost zero be unhealthy? Her doctor should be telling her to keep doing whatever she's doing, IMO.

@colinf2316

Жыл бұрын

@@efanjul5768 Sorry should have added that, she is diabetic and severely obese. Good genes I guess? Her heart tests always come back normal though and she eats similar to my father-in-law, yet he isn't diabetic but has heart issues. Her health issues aren't really heart related, they're insulin/diabetes related.

@efanjul5768

Жыл бұрын

@@colinf2316 That's interesting. One would expect arterial damage from the high blood sugar. It may be not a bad idea to get a CIMT to see if she has any soft plaque, as the Calcium score test doesn't show that. I know women are more prone to decalcification, and maybe that translates into less calcium in their arteries? I don't know, but sure would be interested in the results.

@bettywhill

Жыл бұрын

The advice of life style change is 👍

@jerseytony1

Жыл бұрын

@@efanjul5768 Its the soft plaque CAC is not useful to see that

Great work👍👍👍👍

Great info. Many thanks Dr Carvalho. I think Science And Research struggles and continues to struggle to reconcile things that at times seem contradictory and in conflict with one another. Sometimes even when you follow converging lines of evidence and look at the herarchy of evidence, things are not as clear cut, with more questions being raised than answered. As it relates to the topic at hand, I have seen it said that high endurance athletes are known to have higer levels of calcification in there arteries. This can be protective and marker of soft plaque calcification. However, I have also heard it said that there have been studies on extreme marathoners and endurance athletes showing higher rates of cardiac arthymias, and higher rates of afib. It is said that they have more dilated heart chambers, mainly due to their hearts having to adapt to higher endurance resulting in bigger hearts and chambers. Their CAC scores tend to go up sometimes being 27% higher. What is not clear is if this is a marker of a protective effect much like increase in soft plaque calcification resulting from statins or increased production and subsequent increased calcification of soft plaque. This could result from shearing and rapid inreases and decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Older athletes, whose arteries may not be as compliant (elastic/pliable) compared to age matched cohorts who go overboard may be at higher risk of this. I am not discounting the cardiometabolic/cardio protective benefits of exercise. There is no definite studies done to speak to the unknowns. In fact, not to confuse the matter, but as you are probably aware already, while some cardiologists recommend steering clear of H.I.I.T type workouts for their patients, a paper published in 2018 in The Journal Of The American Heart Association, titled “High Intensity Interval Training For Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: Is It Safe, A Systematic Review”. In that systematic review, they looked at 3 controlled trials involving over a thousand subjects with cardiovascular disease. While the number of subjects may not be high, it should be noted this was a contolled trial and not population study. The main takeaway from the paper was that H.I.I.T is relatively safe for people with cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease and heart failure within tertiary care cardiac rehabilitation settings.

A helpful video indeed. The current problem is that cardiologists (and most doctors) do n ot take the time to educated the patient as thoroughly as this video. My calcium score is zero at 75 years old, but the cardiologist has prescribed a statin due to high cholesterol. I'm told I need the statin if I want to live to be 90 years old. So, now I have urination side effects. Maybe my body likes high cholesterol? Or maybe Zetia is a better alternative? So many questions with so few answers.

Thank you so much for what you are doing! I’ve been binge watching your videos for the last couple of weeks, and I have learned a ton. I will be forever grateful as I journey down the path to better health. OK for my question! I keep hearing Apo B over and over. Six months ago my apo b number was 101 and now I have gotten it down to 79 with diet. However, I don’t really understand what number I should be aiming for. Is there an optimal number? I also brought my LDL down from 126 to 101. Yay! I’ve been doing the Mediterranean diet. Thanks again!!

@carolr.556

Жыл бұрын

I did too.. My LDL was 127.. They said it’s 99 now.. Can you share your diet? What did you eat to bring it down?

Wish I could like this multiple times!

Fantastic video

Another great video. Clear and useful information. Thank you!

This was nice explanation of possible interpretations of CAC score. I would say that the rational strategy for patients could be if they have high LDL to look first into other markers like Trigs, HDL and CRP. If those are really good then ask doctor for Apo B test. If Apo B is not high, you are very likely fine, else you have a problem. If Apo B for some reason can not be done, ask for CaC test. If that is not zero, you might have a problem. In all case when you might have a problem you should try to change your diet and lifestyle first. For me it was enough to switch from butter to olive oil and coconut oil and my LDL dropped 50%. So fortunately I did not have to take statins even though that was the first thing my doctor wanted to put me on without even suggesting any other tests like Apo B or CaC score. Statins should be the solution of the last resort. I do not know how expensive Apo B test is, but I doubt that more than all the statin people have to take for many years. So it is not clear to me why doctors do not want to order those tests or insurances do not want to pay for them.

@wildtetonman

Жыл бұрын

Apo B is about 25 bucks. It is the single most important metric. Trig to HDL is good, but none as definitive as APO B to identify ldl particle count risk. NMR will provide a ton of info on particle counts and size, as well but more expensive.

@carolr.556

Жыл бұрын

My Apo A was 177..Wouldn’t a higher Apo A indicate a protective factor? I mean the same as HDL Triglycerides ratio? How about the Apo B/Apo A ratio?

This a really good explanation of CAC

Can we have some episodes for exercise, weight lifting, HIIT,cardio...for optimal health, what's best exercise type for what situation and similar... ?

Do you have a video on when/if to stent?

CIMT Test( cardiac intimate medial thickness) was not discussed here. Do you have a podcast discussing that ? I would be very interested in what opinions and assessment Thomas Dayspring MD as of CIMT Test.

I am pretty sure that many studies have shown that some statins increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, contrary to what seems to be "suggested" in this video. That of course does not mean that statins overall are not beneficial, but claiming that they should definitely be prescribed for diabetics raises questions in my mind, given the association of taking statins (some of them) and increased risk of developing diabetes.

@NutritionMadeSimple

Жыл бұрын

hi, we covered that in detail here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y3x4yNx6Z8ivobQ.html

Thanks for the info, but here's my confusion. I have a calcium (coronary) score of 150, but I have zero other issues that typically correlate with coronary disease. I can get my heart rate to 160 with no ill effects. I'm 77, active and not remotely overweight. My diet is good and my bloodwork is exemplary. So what do I do - behaviorally -about the CAC score? My doc pushed statins, I said nope.

@NutritionMadeSimple

9 ай бұрын

the elevated CAC indicates substantial existing plaque. with elevated CAC lipid-lowering treatment is indicated not because statins lower calcium (they can even increase it as covered in this video) but because they lower risk of a cardiovascular event. the goal is not to lower calcium. the calcium is just a signal that plaque is there, and has been there for a while. hope that makes sense

@pstock49

2 ай бұрын

Q. If drfrank's calcium score is 150 but a stress test indicates good heart health...rise in heart rate is sustainable and return to normal is relatively quick...then is it likely or possible that the soft plaque has been significantly reduced or even completely eliminated, and what remains is only the calcified plaque which would not be a problem?

@pageleftblankintentionally

12 күн бұрын

@@NutritionMadeSimplestatins do mot lower risk. They increase it.

Another valuable vid.

Hi Dr Gil, What is the optimal number of Apo B and Apo A1?? Thanks as always

I had a calcium score of zero and a heart age of 39. My arteries were clear and I am super healthy and workout strenuously. I was 70 when I had the scan. My heart is strong. I am strong and fit and healthy. There are no guarantees in life but I know my body and how it functions. I am very slim and muscled. Bye.

thank you. I needed this

I think it would have been helpful to just SUMMARIZE the CAC as a risk factor stuff, and then go on to explain what ApoB is, explain Agatston scoring, talk about Vitamin K2, etc. What you have here is quite helpful, but leads to other questions and related issues.

@tracysmith245

10 ай бұрын

k2 is good but not when on certain medications blood thinners. I have a low calcium condition and limit bad processed foods like anything in a tin even tinned soups, tinned fruit have syrup, Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners, Baked Products, Tea, Coffee, Fizzy Carbonated Drinks even Sparkling Water, Tonic Water, Spinach bad high Calcium, Kale Protein Powders, Cakes, Pastry, Pasta, Sweeet Potatoe. Calcium pulls Calcium from Bones. mines not absorbed.

Very interesting - thanks

Thanks for the info. I took a CAC test 3 months ago at the advice of my dad's Dr. Im 59yrs old. My dad passed away last year at age 89 had heart issues along with diabetes. My mom is 90 and still with us. I've been fighting triglycerides for the last couple of years; in the 350 range. Work out 4 days a week for the last 27 years. Didnt want statins so I tested. My CAC was zero. My APOE B was 111. Lipo (a) 14. Ldl calc 85. HsCRP 1.0. I also did a test using sonogram on my legs and carotid to check for PAD and checked out normal. I now understand the whole age concept regarding the development of calcium. I guess I will check in another 10 years.

@patriciaboies8298

Жыл бұрын

Get your carbs down

@efanjul5768

Жыл бұрын

A low carb high fat moderate protein (keto) diet will bring your triglycerides down. Tri/HDL matters more than cholesterol, or your calcium score. Your Tri/HDL should be below 1.5.

Great video and clear explanations, especially of the myths interpreting zero CAC scores. What about the combination of these factors: a) age 60 -70, b) CAC score above 100 (moderate risk category), and c) history of statin use? Given that statin use may have contributed to elevating the score, how would you evaluate the risk associated with a score above 100 for this age and history of statin use? (Asking for a friend) :)

@bscsmscs1578

10 ай бұрын

If U R 60-70 & have been using statins, taking CAC test is useless unless somehow you get a CAC score of zero

@chewiewins

10 ай бұрын

Over 100 is not good and if me, I would get CT Angiogram, with contrast. Then sort out any disease this detects

Hope you get this. What is the link to the one page primer?

What I love about Drs like Dr Dayspring and Gil, is that they ultimately dont have a dog in this fight. You can tell how much they just care about the facts. If something were to change in our understanding of heart disease tomorrow, I can easily see Dr. Dayspring changing his mind to match the evidence.

@alexwood1390

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!! Contrast with cholesterol deniers like Paul Saladino who makes a fortune selling his animal organ supplements. Or more generally anyone who has made arguing for low carb, pro saturated fat etc a core part of their brand

@ianatureisathingofbeauty5528

Жыл бұрын

@@alexwood1390 you need to dig deep , don’t just miss judge Paul salandino, you wish to have healthy markers like he has , lol

Awesome Video

Had read if gene is 9p21 that statins can make worse , is there info on what may behelpful (also Lpa ). Appreciate this information on Ca score and age. Would a INTIMA (neck artery ultrasound) be useful and you mentioned legs can have clogging ?

My cac test several years ago: zero. Late 60's age. Apo b low range. Finally with help good Lord got my Lpa low acceptable range. Later I was diagnosed with DVTs and take warfarin. How best to manage or prevent calcification?What better test are available other than the invasive one mentioned? Thanks

Excellent!!!!

As someone who was very tempted to start the carnivore diet and ditch my statins, thank you for explaining the situation so simply and effectively. These influencers (some of whom are Dr’s) should be ashamed of themselves.

@gracepiercy5699

8 ай бұрын

I did exactly that, based on information provided by YT “doctors” and my LDL went up to 229 😩. Back on Mediterranean way of eating, daily exercise, stress management & statin, LDL now 74. All other cholesterol markers safely back within normal limits. Lesson learned for me - strong family history of CVD is nothing to play around with… should have known better! My plan is to continue healthy lifestyle and eventually (hopefully) discontinue or reduce dosage of medication.

So to your points 3 and 5, I'm 78 my CAC is 1054, yes! but all other factors (wt, vo2 max, bp, etc), good or great. Radiologist told me the calcium is on outer layer of thearteries, not the interna so it's stable, basically no problem, so no statin. Thoughts? Great videos, thanks!

I had a score of 0 on the cac but the report stated "punctate calcium noted in aorta" as a sidenote. I wonder why they didn't make an issue out of this. It doesn't sound great to me unless I'm missing something?

Thank You!

Thank you

Very clear thank you

Good info 👍

Great video: 100% blockage of my LAD and 90% blockage of RCA, per angiogram. Per all my consultations with surgeons for my bypass, ive had this for years and the extreme calcification, as video points out, saved my life. Because calcified plaque is unlikely to break off. Two weeks ago I had minimally invasive heart surgery to bypass lad blockage and then a stent of the RCA. I'm recuperating now. Had hardly any prewarning signs. My take away: seems only the CTA test can show soft plaque build up (proactive) and CAC test is reactive just to show calcified plaque already built up. Tread mill tests, angina-pain in chest, CAC, cholesterol numbers, etc...wow, the medical industry encourages non proactive methods to see early signs of plaque build up. Very troubling!

Excellent!

Thank you!

I’m 27 and I’ve had episodes of palpitations and left arm, left shoulder and back pain. My ECG, 2D echocardiogram and treadmill ECG were fine. Would I benefit from a CAC test? I want to get CTA done but my cardiologist says I’m too young for it. My ApoB is 90.

👍👍 - great vid. Thanks.

So appreciate the solid and up-to-date scientific information you share here. If anyone knows of lipidologists or cardiologists in NYC who are also up-to-date on ApoB/LP(a) as key risk markers to address, and whose practices are informed accordingly, can you share their names with me? Most I have found so far are patronizing about it and are not convinced it is important. It is hard as an active and informed patient to find doctors who are too!

@RobertMcEntee

Жыл бұрын

Curious if you ever found any? IM on Long Island, Dr wants to put me on statin for 330 CT score but LDL was only 95. So far Im resisting. Thanks for any info.

Thank you...

Hey Gill, big fan of the channel and your clear and concise information. As a reasonably fit guy in my early 40s i just found out i have FH-and a correspondingly high ApoB. However my ApoA-1 is also high. I've seen studies suggesting that ApoB/A1 ratio should be used for future CHD risk, so do you think having a high ApoA-1 offsets a higher ApoB in any way??

@NutritionMadeSimple

Жыл бұрын

the strongest evidence points to ApoA-1 being a marker of other risk factors but not protective per se (similar to HDL-C). They don't offset risk per se. There is substantial heterogeneity in FH depending on type of mutation involved. Medication is indicated, and I imagine your other family members are also looking into their own status? With proper management the prognosis is much better now than a generation ago

@carolr.556

Жыл бұрын

Exactly my question..and that answer was not as strong.. APO A is an HDL component of APO.. so the ratio is important! also the oxidized LDL particle test is crucial..

Brilliant!!

Would have liked to have listened to you talk about the Lp-Pla2 blood test

Thank you for all the great videos. Could you make one about alzheimers being type 3 diabetes please?

Pricing of CTA as mentioned @ 11minute mark. Dr. Dayspring says the CT Angiogram test is 10x priced higher than the CAC test. In my area, Jax, Fl., the CAC test is $99, while the CTA scan w/ CAC score is $350. I checked with my insurance company and found that the CTA test would cost $380 as a deductible.