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What can be done to reduce the CAC score?

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

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 38-year-old male, very fit (competitive athlete), with a height of 6'0" feet and a weight of around 185 lbs. Out of curiosity, I got a coronary calcium score 18 months ago. Surprisingly, it came back with a score of 25. I have no family history of heart disease. Assumed it was diet-related, so beginning 18 months ago, I went plant-based. My cholesterol levels have always been low (total below 130). The latest results are similar to my regular results (total 128 mg/dL, LDL 55 mg/dL, HDL 58 mg/dL, triglycerides 77 mg/dL).

I just got an updated CAC score and assumed it would have stayed at 25 or gone down after being plant-based. Instead, it came back at 65. That is an increase of almost 300 % in 18 months. I do not know what else to do and do not want to start getting on statins for the rest of my life. What is causing this to go up, and what can I do about lifestyle changes to make it stop going up? I do not have any symptoms (no chest pain, etc.), but my calcium score keeps increasing. A few years ago, the first calcium test score returned 25. Since then, I have been plant-based, but my score keeps going up. I am currently taking Finasteride and Testosterone. Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay is an experienced Cardiologist with advanced certifications, including DTM&H, Diploma in Cardiology, and PGDCHC. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, offering patient-centered care with a focus on heart health management and lifestyle modification. With his extensive expertise, Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to delivering comprehensive cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your over-risk factors for coronary artery disease and your coronary calcium score are low. Here are the suggestions to reduce the risks. If you are a smoker, cessation prevents further damage to the internal lining of the arteries. A balanced diet with all essential nutrients. Reduce your sodium intake daily. Add more green vegetables to your diet. Foods high in vitamin K are beneficial in blocking calcium buildup in the arteries. Exercises which you are already doing. In your case, the status of lipid profile and CAC (coronary calcium scan) score has no role of statin.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At October 18, 2022
Reviewed At October 14, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay is an experienced Cardiologist with advanced certifications, including DTM&H, Diploma in Cardiology, and PGDCHC. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, offering patient-centered care with a focus on heart health management and lifestyle modification. With his extensive expertise, Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to delivering comprehensive cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay
Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay

Cardiology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amiya Kumar Chattopadhyay is an experienced Cardiologist with advanced certifications, including DTM&H, Diploma in Cardiology, and PGDCHC. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, offering patient-centered care with a focus on heart health management and lifestyle modification. With his extensive expertise, Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to delivering comprehensive cardiac care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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