Question 1

no evidence of calcified plaques in coronary arteries or thoracic aorta.therefore, the calcium score is 0."how reliable is 0 ct score in predictin mi?

Accepted Answer

Need risk factors.: While a high coronary calcium score (CCS) is helpful (in the sense that it virtually guarantees that you have heart disease &amp; need treatment), a low CCS isn't very helpful. It's better for you to decide based on traditional risk factors: age, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, etc. At your age, even a CCS of 0 can be a false negative. TTYD or use HealthTap Prime to discuss

Question 2

77yrs. cabg-'98, ef-lv 52%, mild copd-'12. treatment/stable. hdl/ldl, bp, spo2   normal. carotid doppler-hemdynamically signifc calcific plaque, 75% ?

Accepted Answer

Stroke history?: Hi. I assume you've not had a stroke or TIA; please clarify if you have. That's what you want to prevent. Regardless of your LDL and HDL, you should be on a high dose statin. Regardless of your BP, you should be on an ACE inhibitor. You should be on some anti-platelet agent (e.g., clopidogrel). You should absolutely NOT smoke (I trust you've quit!). Good luck!

Question 3

what do you think of the track your plaque website?  and the protocols they suggest?  can calcification on ebct regress with diet, exercise and drugs?

Accepted Answer

Caution!: I am concerned about any website and procedures that generate money and information without attention to the context of the patient. Many tests are being done that patients do not need and that trigger other tests or at least worry. Checking for coronary artery calcium has a place but it is not appropriate for general screening! good diets, exercise, healthy living can help prevent heart disease!

Question 4

plaque on the aorta...what treatment is reccomded?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: At  75 yrs really common to see some plaque (atherosclerosis) in aorta. Small plaques need no treatment,but if severe enough to cause symptoms it could benefit from direct treatment. If more than minor, with or without symptoms, NEVER smoke, treat BP &amp; diabetes if needed, consider daily aspirin and statins, exercise, all to slow progress of atherosclerosis in aorta and throughout the body.

Question 5

if x-ray shows abdominal aorta (enlarged) does that mean plaque problem?

Accepted Answer

It might: Typically an enlarged aorta is due to an anuerysm.   The anueysm may or may not contain cholesterol plaque.    Aortic aneurysms are repaired once they reach a certain size due to the risk of rupture.  People with aortic anuerysms should follow up routinely with a vascular specialist for ongoing management of the condition (cardiologist or vascular surgeon).

Question 6

had ct scan of abdomen. found some soft plaque and minimal hard plaque in aorta. have since drastically changed my diet. should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

Young: You're pretty young for that - you're wise to change your diet. If you smoke, that needs to go too. Try to exercise 30 minutes every day. Get that cholesterol under control.

Question 7

is it normal to have minimal plaque in both coronaries and aorta in the heart at 54 years old?my cholesterol is 170 triglycerides 53. i walk 30 minutes a day every day. stress test normal. whats going on? i do have hereditary hemachromatosis.

Accepted Answer

Great job!: Minimal plaque is normal or even better than normal given most people’s diets and activity levels today. Your numbers and walking activity are excellent and your risk of CV events is very low. Keep up the good work!

Question 8

x-ray of lumbar spine shows atherosclerotic plaque in aorta.lipids, lft's, a1c ok w/meds - trigs slightly up.does this plaque guarantee future problem

Accepted Answer

No: Trusting you're not a smoker, or that you will quit on getting this news. The plaque's a marker for problems elsewhere more than a danger itself. You've done well so far. Why not give yourself a fantastic gift -- get back into that fitness-focused lifestyle you enjoyed as a teen, and drop your risk even further? I've seen women of every age accomplish this -- wouldn't it be wonderful?

Question 9

ct scan indicates mild to moderate arterial vascular plaque within abdominal aorta. should i seek treatment before it worsens.

Accepted Answer

This is a common: finding DEPENDING UPON YOUR AGE!

Follow the advice of the physician who ordered the scan

Hope this is helpful
Dr Z

Question 10

during non-invasive ct cardiac calcium (agatston) scoring scan is one more likely to find calcium (plaques)deposits in thoracic aorta or coronary arteries in 68 year old men? why?

Accepted Answer

: NATURALLY, atherosclerotic vascular disease (one of the manifestations is calcium plaques by X-ray studies) progresses with AGING, worse in patients with history of uncontrolled hypertension and hyperlipidemia, usually more pronounced in men than women at the same age and same risk factors.

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Doctor answers about:

Calcified plaque along aorta

A member asked:

No evidence of calcified plaques in coronary arteries or thoracic aorta.therefore, the calcium score is 0."how reliable is 0 ct score in predictin mi?

A member asked:

77yrs. cabg-'98, ef-lv 52%, mild copd-'12. treatment/stable. hdl/ldl, bp, spo2 normal. carotid doppler-hemdynamically signifc calcific plaque, 75% ?

A member asked:

What do you think of the track your plaque website? and the protocols they suggest? can calcification on ebct regress with diet, exercise and drugs?

A member asked:

Plaque on the aorta...what treatment is reccomded?

A member asked:

If x-ray shows abdominal aorta (enlarged) does that mean plaque problem?

A member asked:

Had ct scan of abdomen. found some soft plaque and minimal hard plaque in aorta. have since drastically changed my diet. should i be worried?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have minimal plaque in both coronaries and aorta in the heart at 54 years old?my cholesterol is 170 triglycerides 53. i walk 30 minutes a day every day. stress test normal. whats going on? i do have hereditary hemachromatosis.

A member asked:

X-ray of lumbar spine shows atherosclerotic plaque in aorta.lipids, lft's, a1c ok w/meds - trigs slightly up.does this plaque guarantee future problem

A member asked:

Ct scan indicates mild to moderate arterial vascular plaque within abdominal aorta. should i seek treatment before it worsens.

A member asked:

During non-invasive ct cardiac calcium (agatston) scoring scan is one more likely to find calcium (plaques)deposits in thoracic aorta or coronary arteries in 68 year old men? why?

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