What can be done to reduce the CAC score?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.