I guess in-between stuff I missed out on something (like I did the watch) what scan is being done on the 18th? Calcium?
What did the doctor says when you saw him last month?
Glad to hear the update though.
CT Coronary Calcium Scan
- Thread starter Donald
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What did the doctor says when you saw him last month?
Glad to hear the update though.
Time to revive this thread. I forgot to post it in here. My history is I have plaque "all over the place" diagnosed by my cardiologist 5 years ago. Method was an invasive cardiac angiogram. This is where they run wires up to your heart through the artery in your groin. (some methods use a wrist vein) Mine was the artery in the groin. Good news was plaque was at levels of around 20% way below the roughly 70% that a stress test can detect even though I have it "all over the place" (doctors words)
So anyway. For those that dont know I have been very proactive. Also had what must have been my 4th or 5th cardiac echogram fall of 2025/ Heart function is literally perfect EF score always runs around 60
Trying to stay proactive ...
1. In Jan I Had my first CAC Scan. Paid for it myself, very inexpensive $125.00 I want a reference point for myself to get a rough idea with my eating habits, exercise, metabolic health so I can get another one in a year or two, maybe three and see if the calcified plaque is still increasing. I suspect my diet should have stopped it but I also underwent prostate cancer treatment in 2025 which messed me up a little.
2. I also believe that MAYBE my cardiologist might be able to (and I am hoping) to further use my CAC score, family history (train wreck) and past invasive cardiac angiogram 5 years ago to order the non invasive CT Angiogram as a follow up this year. I would like to know if I stopped the progression of plaque buildup as a CAC will only show the older calcified plaque, not the newer soft. SO I figure at 5 years later this should give my doctor a clear idea if any blockages are building up. I am going to insist on it. I know others who successfully was able to get it done and paid for by insurance. I think I have a very strong case.
So anyway. For those that dont know I have been very proactive. Also had what must have been my 4th or 5th cardiac echogram fall of 2025/ Heart function is literally perfect EF score always runs around 60
Trying to stay proactive ...
1. In Jan I Had my first CAC Scan. Paid for it myself, very inexpensive $125.00 I want a reference point for myself to get a rough idea with my eating habits, exercise, metabolic health so I can get another one in a year or two, maybe three and see if the calcified plaque is still increasing. I suspect my diet should have stopped it but I also underwent prostate cancer treatment in 2025 which messed me up a little.
2. I also believe that MAYBE my cardiologist might be able to (and I am hoping) to further use my CAC score, family history (train wreck) and past invasive cardiac angiogram 5 years ago to order the non invasive CT Angiogram as a follow up this year. I would like to know if I stopped the progression of plaque buildup as a CAC will only show the older calcified plaque, not the newer soft. SO I figure at 5 years later this should give my doctor a clear idea if any blockages are building up. I am going to insist on it. I know others who successfully was able to get it done and paid for by insurance. I think I have a very strong case.
This was my CAC score Jan 2026 - not pretty but, this is the older plaque. I want my doctor to order a new CT scan (in the post above this one) so see if any large build ups and to compare to 5 years ago. My score is 477
Calcium score charts are easy to find in a search. I just offered my son to get one and I will pay. With our family history (and the typical American diet) I rather he find out now, so with his doctor they can move forward with a plan before it becomes excessive.
Calcium score charts are easy to find in a search. I just offered my son to get one and I will pay. With our family history (and the typical American diet) I rather he find out now, so with his doctor they can move forward with a plan before it becomes excessive.
In the last month, I asked my wife's new cardiologist whom she saw for high blood pressure that her Apple Watch alerted her to.
I wanted her to see a cardiologist instead of a primary doctor. After all cardiologist is the speciality.
He prescribed a lower dose blood pressure pill and she is now in the good zone for BP. While we were in his office I asked him to send a referral for a CAC Scan (calcium scan) Which he did, literally 2 hours ago we just got back form the hospital where she got the scan. It takes about 10 minutes and her results might even be in by now.
ANYWAY - THIS IS A GOOD READ. I also contacted my son, now almost 40, I hope he takes me up on my offer to pay for him to get a scan. I rather he find out now, then with his doctor see if anything is needed to be proactive.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/is-a-coronary-artery-calcium-scan-right-for-you
...
I wanted her to see a cardiologist instead of a primary doctor. After all cardiologist is the speciality.
He prescribed a lower dose blood pressure pill and she is now in the good zone for BP. While we were in his office I asked him to send a referral for a CAC Scan (calcium scan) Which he did, literally 2 hours ago we just got back form the hospital where she got the scan. It takes about 10 minutes and her results might even be in by now.
ANYWAY - THIS IS A GOOD READ. I also contacted my son, now almost 40, I hope he takes me up on my offer to pay for him to get a scan. I rather he find out now, then with his doctor see if anything is needed to be proactive.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/is-a-coronary-artery-calcium-scan-right-for-you
...
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Wife's Calcium Scan is in.
The result is - 0 ( zero) No calcified plaque.
The good news is, if you can call it that @jetman who was able to get a CT Angiogram.
I think I am going to try to move up my fall appt with my cardiologist or maybe my primary doctor?
I think fully justified after having the invasive cardiac angiogram 5 years ago that I am entitled to a CT angiogram fine years later. Im sure it wont be a problem and part of being proactive if a doctor doesnt bring it up, that you do.
Based on my wife and I health own network test results it says that I should undergo further testing, possibility of a blockage of 90%
FULL disclosure, I tell my cardiologist every little thing. I see him annually. In both cases we asked them to order the CAC scan both for my wife and I.
I dont hide anything from any doctor. Make sure in their busy day that you don't slip through the cracks.
My score is 477 done in Jan 2026
"Greater than 401: Plaque is extensive, which means there is more than a 90 percent chance that plaque is blocking one of the patient's coronary arteries. The patient's risk is high. Schedule additional testing.”
Source is our medical network test results.
....
The result is - 0 ( zero) No calcified plaque.
The good news is, if you can call it that @jetman who was able to get a CT Angiogram.
I think I am going to try to move up my fall appt with my cardiologist or maybe my primary doctor?
I think fully justified after having the invasive cardiac angiogram 5 years ago that I am entitled to a CT angiogram fine years later. Im sure it wont be a problem and part of being proactive if a doctor doesnt bring it up, that you do.
Based on my wife and I health own network test results it says that I should undergo further testing, possibility of a blockage of 90%
FULL disclosure, I tell my cardiologist every little thing. I see him annually. In both cases we asked them to order the CAC scan both for my wife and I.
I dont hide anything from any doctor. Make sure in their busy day that you don't slip through the cracks.
My score is 477 done in Jan 2026
"Greater than 401: Plaque is extensive, which means there is more than a 90 percent chance that plaque is blocking one of the patient's coronary arteries. The patient's risk is high. Schedule additional testing.”
Source is our medical network test results.
....
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I submitted my name to a drug trial testing company this morning. Lipo "a" drug trial. All was required was my name, phone number and email and they will contact me. I dont expect much or wonder if I will even hear back. Sometimes you find these trials are already filled and the advertisement outdated, though this is the first I am taking more serious and gave all my contact into. If I do hear back I ace the requirements they stated. However Im sure if they call it will be much more specific. Such as what my exact Lipo a number is. They may have a cut off and I am only at 116.5 as of 2 years ago.
I had this done last year and also received a score of 0.
Lucky you! God bless!
I got the family gene Hi Lipo "a" and that 477 score and invasive cardiac angiogram 5 years ago, low level plaque "all over the place"
Im sure smoking at a younger age didnt help, though I did not smoke a lot, never ever at home etc.
My dad died heart attack at my current age decades ago had the quad bypass. My brother has been fighting heart disease for gosh 30+ years, diabetes for 40 had a quad by pass and now an internal device controlling heart rate and also between chambers with also an internal AED.
I have avoided both but have significant arterial disease with perfect heart function so far. Why I am into the subject and I want the procedures to know where I stand and what I need to do.
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Yike! Both my grandfathers died in their 50's from heart attacks however both were smokers and drinkers of which I'm neither. My father (RIP) was a heavy drinker and smoker until his mid or late 30's made it to 78 but he suffered from COPD for the last 10 or so. We'll see what I'm in store for.
You're off to a good start at least. Key is also blood sugar to watch... Im sure you are aware on the other threads in here.
I also go for a CT lung scan every year. I started that about 5 years or so ago. That is paid for by insurance. My lungs are good, ironic, in every report it mentions moderate amount of arterial plaque.
So was another reason to get the scan in Jan 2026 for that specific purpose this time. Hope to use it to my advantage for the CT angiogram later this year, unless I get my cardiologist appt moved up and then ask. Im sure I "qualify" with that score, plus family history and past invasive angiogram
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I have heart disease health issues in my family.
my father died 4 years ago age 92. He had numerous health issues, including one stroke/heart attack/open heart surgery.
My Three older brother : second oldest (smoker/unhealthy eater) age 64 last year had a heart attack. No lifestyle change/even worse then before/very overweight.
Third eldest brother, now 64 (smoker/very unhealthy eater/probably undiagnosed high diabetic) had his heart attack about 8 years ago. No lifestyle change.
Eldest brother now 68/no heart attacks but lately all sorts of health issues.
My mother's mom died at age 57 (I think, I never met any of my grandparents)..heart attack.
My father's brother died about 10 years ago. He had heart attacks/open heart surgery.
So now I'm in decent health at age 58, I figure maybe I should ask my family doc for this CT Coronary calcium scan....I just googled it.
Cost Breakdown & Locations
In Vancouver, BC:
The scan is not typically covered by the BC MSP, so it requires private pay.
Canada Diagnostic Centres
my father died 4 years ago age 92. He had numerous health issues, including one stroke/heart attack/open heart surgery.
My Three older brother : second oldest (smoker/unhealthy eater) age 64 last year had a heart attack. No lifestyle change/even worse then before/very overweight.
Third eldest brother, now 64 (smoker/very unhealthy eater/probably undiagnosed high diabetic) had his heart attack about 8 years ago. No lifestyle change.
Eldest brother now 68/no heart attacks but lately all sorts of health issues.
My mother's mom died at age 57 (I think, I never met any of my grandparents)..heart attack.
My father's brother died about 10 years ago. He had heart attacks/open heart surgery.
So now I'm in decent health at age 58, I figure maybe I should ask my family doc for this CT Coronary calcium scan....I just googled it.
Cost Breakdown & Locations
In Vancouver, BC:
The scan is not typically covered by the BC MSP, so it requires private pay.
Canada Diagnostic Centres
- $700...some say $495 to $700
- some advance scan over $2200
- Well, so much for you Americans thinking CAnadians Get FREE HEALTH CARE! we only get so much covered under our health plan/we pay taxes so nothing is free. There can be very long wait times for certain health procedures (like months/year(s)..or a shortage of specialists. Often, some Canadians , who can afford it, skip the line up wait and travel to the USA to pay for whatever procedure/specialist they need..
I have heard things from some people regarding what you posted.
AS far as the CAC Scan in the USA, many companies wont pay for it. In fact it's assumed. I had my cardiologist put in the referral for one and my wife the same. The cost here where we live is very reasonable. $125. USD. Some more expensive areas may go up to $200.
You can also get your own scan without a Dr referral. Those places are for profit business and not a medical facility. Typically you have to pay for 2 other scans along with the CAC to make it worthwhile for them. The cost closer to $250. I like my DR referrals because we have a nice shiny new Hospital and medical center with nice new machines
Consider risk / benefit before exposing yourself to X-rays. Scans that you don't want or need should be avoided.
The nice new machines use less radiation and also produce a clearer picture.
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So yesterday, after posting my little rant, I tried calling thru to my family doc.I have heard things from some people regarding what you posted.
AS far as the CAC Scan in the USA, many companies wont pay for it. In fact it's assumed. I had my cardiologist put in the referral for one and my wife the same. The cost here where we live is very reasonable. $125. USD. Some more expensive areas may go up to $200.
You can also get your own scan without a Dr referral. Those places are for profit business and not a medical facility. Typically you have to pay for 2 other scans along with the CAC to make it worthwhile for them. The cost closer to $250. I like my DR referrals because we have a nice shiny new Hospital and medical center with nice new machines
After 16 consecutive attempts to get thru, I hung up and booked an online appointment for....June 16th.
The online request form wants a ''reason for visit''.....I put down '' Intermittent cough/request for a Ct coronary scan.''
My family doc is pretty reasonable . She actually called me at a few years ago, I guess she was going thru her patient files and noticed I had not gone in to see her for over 6-7 YEARS...she was concerned by that and advised I should come in for a general checkup.
I had no reason to go see my family doc, I was just healthy. Maybe a rare cold or upset stomach, nothing worth wasting a doctor's time. I think I was age 51 when the doc called me at home. Anyways, did the check up, doc sent me to LifeLabs for blood tests, etc. A week or so ;later, back at my doctor's office, nothing too concerning, just watch my blood pressure and cholesterol , lose a few pounds. We discussed my father's past health history and we agreed I should be on guard/ take better care of myself to avoid repeating history, otherwise, relatively fit and healthy, bye bye!
When I go see her June 16th, I will bring up this intermittent cough (nothing serious, but I sometimes get some second hand smoke).
I mention the family heart attacks history ( I forgot, I also have a few close cousins with heart issues/one had a heart attack/bypass surgery 8 years ago). And if she feels it is warranted AND Free,she can book me a CAC Scan.
I don't have $500-$700 to spare right now and I'm not having heart issues, so I won't push it.
I have a hunch if I do get a CAC appointment, it will probably be booked 9 months or more into the future.
I definitely agree with you and very true with new machines.
As far as radiation exposure, Well, that boat has sailed for me maybe as much as 60 years ago when I had a ruptured appendix, went septic entire abdomen infected. Unconscious for days getting bathed head to toe in alcohol soaked rags that were in bins of ice. Unconscious for days ,, Doctor told my parents that only God knew if I was going to live.Two operations, second one was to try to keep clearing out I think all the infections. They never stitched me up, was in the hospital for 4 weeks and home care 4 weeks more.
The point is it was the dark ages back then and I remember being in an x-ray room for long periods of time while they stuck metal probes through the open wound in my abdomen and pushing around my organs taking x-rays. I remember the doctors at one point saying they didn’t want to expose me to any more radiation. I can’t even imagine how much I was exposed to because that was thinking 60 years ago compared to today’sstandards.
That all in the past except for one huge scar and one small. As we get older I am less concerned as I am fighting the family gene train wreck. I go for any imaging that I can, radioactive dye included. CT Lung scan every year (ex smoker) I mean, at this point in my life, I could not even guess how many anymore. Ironically I had a very healthy life after 9 years old. Then I retired and now all I seem to do is fight family history.
The biggest was 2025 prostate cancer though. Never mind the almost 6 weeks of 5 day a week radiation treatments. I think a total of 25 of them. Before each treatment was a CT scan! So throw on another 25 = 50 total just 6 weeks of that year alone. Plus pet scans, lung scan, so many in the least 5 years I can't wrap my head around how much.
What I am trying to say first listen to your doctor, second, once you get older like I am 69 I think more a concern about staying a live, vs a young person with many decades in front of them. Anyway, your point is definitely solid. Consider risk/benefit but do not use it as an excuse to avoid modern medicine. If in doubt get a second opinion.
I do have confirmed arterial (heart disease) in a perfectly functioning heart. I want to keep it that why and the only way to know I have stopped the progression is imaging. The only way to prevent a heart attack is by knowing how much blockage and if it is growing.
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I was just reading up on this CAC Scan, said sometimes a patient gets a false negative result. Or the scan does not show up soft plaque, other stuff.
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Risks
The chance of a coronary calcium scan causing a problem is small.
- There is a risk of damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to radiation, including the small amounts used in CTs, X-rays, and other medical tests. Over time, exposure to radiation may cause cancer and other health problems. But in most cases, the risk of getting cancer from being exposed to small amounts of radiation is low. It is not a reason to avoid these tests for most people.
- Plaque that is not hard (soft plaque) can't be found with a coronary calcium scan. Soft plaque is the earliest form of damage to the arteries of the heart. If you have soft plaque in your arteries, the test may give normal results, but this is a false-negative result. The buildup of soft plaque can also cause a heart attack.
- It is possible to have false-positive test results. This means that the test shows a high chance of plaque in the arteries of the heart when it is not true. People with a low chance of heart disease are most likely to have a false-positive test.
Yeah, there is something for everyone reading up on anything. Any imaging radiation carries risks. I have had a ton of it.
A Calcium scan is not for soft plaque so that discredits the statement you posted (nothing again you though), a calcium score does not show soft plaque and not intended too nor represented to. SO ahve no idea what this source is but it seems elementary.
Any test you read up on something can be found. I would suggest reading from multiple medical sources Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Yale like I posted and talking with your doctor.
None of this applies to me. I have a lot of it, found in multiple ways. Invasive angiogram, 5 years worth of CT lung scans noted is the calcium in my arteries and this CT scan. However the key here is, you can find anything you want on the internet, talk to your doctor.
BTW - I applied to be considered for a Lipo "a" drug trial, the main qualifier for me was my 477 Calcium scan results. Sadly after 15 minutes on the phone that the recruiter outlined 5.5 years of the trial and what was expected of me. The last question was have I had cancer in the last 5 years, bam, knocked down. No good, very disappointed, I wanted to be part of something bigger than me health wise. They accept up to grade 1 , I was labeled grade 3 at the time. Im just saying this because, you can find anything you want on the internet. Here I was going to participate in a 5.5 year drug trial and the main qualifier in my case was my high CAC score. Plus family history etc etc
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just off a local govt health website, current as off 2022/written up by doctors/specialists. I'm new to CAC scans, so i'm still reading up on it, learning as I go. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthwise/coronary-calcium-scanYeah, there is something for everyone reading up on anything. Any imaging radiation carries risks. I have had a ton of it.
A Calcium scan is not for soft plaque so that discredits the statement you posted (nothing again you though), a calcium score does not show soft plaque and not intended too nor represented to. SO ahve no idea what this source is but it seems elementary.
Any test you read up on something can be found. I would suggest reading from multiple medical sources Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Yale like I posted and talking with your doctor.
None of this applies to me. I have a lot of it, found in multiple ways. Invasive angiogram, 5 years worth of CT lung scans noted is the calcium in my arteries and this CT scan. However the key here is, you can find anything you want on the internet, talk to your doctor.
BTW - I applied to be considered for a Lipo "a" drug trial, the main qualifier for me was my 477 Calcium scan results. Sadly after 15 minutes on the phone that the recruiter outlined 5.5 years of the trial and what was expected of me. The last question was have I had cancer in the last 5 years, bam, knocked down. No good, very disappointed, I wanted to be part of something bigger than me health wise. They accept up to grade 1 , I was labeled grade 3 at the time. Im just saying this because, you can find anything you want on the internet. Here I was going to participate in a 5.5 year drug trial and the main qualifier in my case was my high CAC score. Plus family history etc etc
Being informed is good.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/is-a-coronary-artery-calcium-scan-right-for-you
