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What could cause a high calcium score?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 39-year-old male. I weigh 185 pounds, my height is 5.7 feet, and my BMI is 29. Recently, my primary care doctor performed a calcium score and stress test on me. The calcium score (using the Agatston method) came out to be 34, placing me in the 96th percentile. My stress test results were normal. He suggested that I should take a statin and Aspirin daily. I am worried about the situation.

Could you please provide some suggestions?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Since your stress test is normal and your calcium score is only 34, one thing is certain: there is currently no significant blockage in your coronary arteries. I was wondering about the need for a statin, as you have not shared your lipid profile report with me. Is your cholesterol high? If it is normal, then I would not advise taking a statin. As far as Aspirin is concerned, there is no harm in taking it for primary prevention.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

My LDL is 104 mg/dL, total cholesterol is 174 mg/dL, the Chol/HDL ratio is 3.7, HDL is 47 mg/dL, and triglycerides are 115 mg/dL. They also said I was in the 96th percentile. Does this mean that a score of 34 is higher for my age? What level of risk am I at, and what calcium score is considered high for my age?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) level is marginally high, but that does not warrant any statin treatment. Instead, consider increasing your exercise levels and reducing fats and meat in your diet. Relax; you are healthy and do not require any further cardiac workup.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Do you see patients my age with this score? I am not sure how I was profiled at the 96th percentile. It also looks like this calcification is in the LAD. Does this put me at a higher risk?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

We regularly see younger patients with calcium scores like yours or even higher. A calcium score above 400 is considered abnormal, so there is no need to worry. Follow a healthy lifestyle and work on reducing your BMI (body mass index).

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At April 25, 2018
Reviewed AtOctober 28, 2024

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