Coronary Calcium Scores with Dr. Arthur Agatston - Diet Doctor Podcast
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- Coronary calcium scores are one of the most important tests for assessing cardiac risk. But it isn’t always straightforward how to interpret them or what to do about them. Dr. Arthur Agatston and I discuss the details of calcium scores and help you better understand how to use the test and what you can do to help lower your cardiac risk.
Table of content
0:00 Introduction
2:53 How the Agatston score came about
15:15 Interpreting the different “zero CAC scores”
19:06 How to reverse a high CAC score
24:18 Understanding the plaque density
28:50 CAC and its radiation dose
31:09 Statins, LDL and CAC score
39:05 About the craft test: specifics and advice to people
45:27 Pillars of treatment: diets and exercise
54:27 Spreading the message and educating future physicians
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I can remember in some comment sections that several people have had several CAC scores done. They said that the score was reduced so those placks were new. The goal is to not increase the number of placks by changing lifestyle. I informed my overweight physician about the keto/carnivore woe. I even gave him a list of physicians who advocate for keto/carnivore. He threw it in the trash wanting to put me on a statin. My CAC score was 32. He didn't know what to do with the score. It was meaningless to him. Yet, he raved about my low blood pressure. He's not willing to learn. I hope my lifestyle and its effects on my overall health will eventually convince him, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm 70 years old and do crossfit. I"ve eaten carnivore for 4 years.
Have you considered another doctor?
That score at your age puts you what, better than 95% of men your age? You need a statin like another hole in the head.
Find another Dr.
Good for you!
I procrastinated in firing my vegan doctor. Accidentally ended up with a PA who follows keto. She had me do a calcium score due to my history of high cholesterol which came in zero. Keto brought my lipid numbers well within normal which was reassuring.
For God's sake, please just post a document of all lab tests needed yearly and what the readings should be and what to do if they are bad. I'm tired of listening to these podcasts all over the place, but grateful, and trying to piece it all together. You're making it to darn difficult to know what is needed. !!
We have those resources in this guide.
www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/for-doctors#clinician-resources
@@dietdoctor We live in Baltimore ,MD. Is there a medical professio al that can help me with keto diet and gut health? Please advise.
Dr Berry has a book that explains blood tests. He is carnivore so should apply to keto as well.
Does the CT show whether the plaques are proximal or distal in the coronary artery? Does it show a “lumpy bumpy” coronary?
@@JJJ54321
Yes. But if you want to differentiate between soft and hard (calcified) plaque you will need a CTCA (CT coronary angiogram).
Through diet changes, including only non-inflammatory oils, my Calcium score was reversed from 40 to 4 over a 2-year period. While heart motion does add uncertainty, I am convinced that my LCHF strict way of life has reversed my coronary condition. Hoping for Zero in 2024 ☺️
What are these non inflammatory oils please?
Non inflammatory oil ?????
@@nayanmipun6784 Butter, Tallow, Lard
@@sarwarfaradi2666 Butter, Tallow, Lard
Look into vitamin K2 to get your score lower.
I had a score of 25 at 64 years old (2 years ago). My newest CV doctor at NY Pres. in Manhattan insisted I go on a statin. Suggested I don't need another calcium score test if I don't want to follow the protocol. She said "what's the point"? Heart doctors (most doctors) really dislike know-it-all- patients. Especially ones they can't put on a lifetime of drugs! Time to look for another CV doctor.
Omg, for a second I thought we had the same doctor, lol. I’m 66 and my C score was 34 couple years ago and my doctor told me the same thing - “statins and what’s the point”. I told her don’t bother, I’ll work on it myself. Well that “working myself” didn’t work as good as I was hoping and part of it was eating out a lot and having a husband that’s not on board or I should say “on board” when we talk about it, but after the “talk”, it all goes out the window, lol. Anyway, the last month or so I’ve decided - no more sugar, slowly becoming keto-vore, been walking 2+ miles almost every day and doing intermittent fasting plus resistance training exercises. So far I’ve noticed that my stomach is much calmer and flatter then before, I also noticed more energy and more clarity in my head. Hope I’m not imagining. Took lipid test as I’ve always had high cholesterol numbers and to my surprise my numbers went down a little except for my HDL which jumped to 70, which made me happy. My triglycerides went down some but are still borderline, probably due to all the carbs I’ve been eating before in form of bread, pastas, rice, sweets, etc. I do take extra D3 with K2 among other supplements. Hoping to improve even more soon, but we shall see. Will try to repeat my C score and lipid panel again in the next month or so.
@@krissto22 I actually have been very low carb for a few years. I am probably less than 30g daily (sometimes 0) of carbs except for my occasional chocolate binges. I eat NO GRAINS at all. Just because you start to eat correctly doesn't mean the weight jumps off your bones. But eating high protein and fat means that when I plateaued 20 lbs. lighter my body composition was still noticeably changing for the better. When you reach your later years it should be understood how long it took you to get "this way". It only happened a pound at a time over decades. It will only disappear a pound at a time as well. I just know that less carbs makes me feel so much healthier and if I stick to it my body will respond favorably as it was suppose to.
Of course I still need to find a new cardiovascular doctor who will work with me and not just for the drug companies!!
@@ny10980 I noticed that I’m not feeling as bloated as I previously did when consuming carbs in form of bread, snacks, potatoes, pasta especially and some vegetables. I like the way I feel. My stomach is much calmer and I can sleep better. I just hope I will stick with it.
@@ny10980 I also did low carb, but hit a stall. Then I changed to make sure my fat grams were at least as high as my protein grams and am now losing again. I do about 20-40 g carb, 50-70 grams protein and then 50-100 g fat per day. I also do not eat before 12 noon or after 7 PM. I hope you can find what works for you.
@@debinnashville2009 Thanks Deb. What I found out is everything works to some degree. Fasting sometimes...or not. Sometimes eating zero measurable carbs for a couple of days helps too. The days that I physically work harder also helps as opposed to when my work is mostly from the sitting position. Eating 60+ g protein is hard to accomplish daily without eating a lot of fat anyway. I use plenty of olive oil and butter everywhere I can, but I never try to measure it. I also seldom look at the scale. My clothes usually are as accurate as a scale. Sometimes I think as awesome as I eat, I may be eating too much. Of course the original thread was about calcium scores...lol!
This is absolutely fantastic information, and I applaud you for spreading this to the public. I wish this was reported in mainstream media, so that the uninformed masses could get this vital info. Right now it’s just a few of us on CZcams getting this valuable, and frankly, lifesaving information. Everybody else is clueless unfortunately. Thank you!
Brilliant. Every MD should see and understand this. Thank you so much Bret! 🫶
This interview was so powerful and informative. I’ll need to listen again because there were so many details. It also helped with interpreting a family members CAC. Thank you so much. If I could give 10 👍I would.
Brilliant. This is a vid worth going through several times over. Thankyou🙂
This is the best interview with Dr Agatson I've ever seen. It's worth watching and taking notes of the entire discussion.
What a great interview. Tons of great information here. Thank you!
Excellent video. Thank you Dr. Scher and Agatston.
Every primary care doctor should be required to watch this video. Great interview, Dr. Scher! 👏👏👏
I had my first calcium score at the age of 78 and was shocked that it was 400. The tech frightened me to death. I made an appointment with supposedly a confident cardiologist I was concerned about the score. I could not get him to explain if the score meant had calcium buildup in my arteries? I also had high cholesterol to which he said,, You are 78 years old so go home and eat your shrimp! I never went back to him. 12 years later I noticed this cardiologist is still practicing. I feel sorry for his patients.
EXCELLENT discussion - thank you. This contextualizes so many things for me.
Fascinating and informative discussion. I live in Canada where the Kraft test and the CAC are practically unheard of. When requested doctors routinely refuse, even for a simple fasting insulin test. We’re flying blind up here and suffering the consequences. It’s almost like they don’t want us to know.
Back in the day, I used to eat me a bunch of Mac-n-Cheese and Poutine! Of course, it was killing me ... so I stopped. I miss Canada - used to frequent Dundas St. W. for Chinese food back in the '80's! Loved Toronto!
I did get my doctor to order a fasting insulin test and CRP and other inflammation markers. Got me off the hook for statins, which I do not want. I might have educated my doctor a bit.
Pretty well impossible to get a CAC test.
@@Billy97ify If you have your fasting glucose and insulin, run your HOMA-IR ...
Use this formula: Fasting Glucose TIMES your fasting insulin - ALL DIVIDED BY - 405.
E.g., mine is 74 X 3.2 = 236.8 - THEN - / 405 = 0.58.
If your number is 1 or less, than you are optimum and insulin sensitive. If not, head back to the drawing board. Probably go ful-blown carnivore till you settle out.
If you have your HbA1c, then you can get your Ave. Daily Glucose by the following formula:
(28.7 X HbA1c) - 46.7
E.g., my HbA1c is 3.82, so 28.7 X 3.82 = 109.634 - THEN - subtract 46.7 = 62.9.
I would imagine if your Ave. Daily Balance of glucose is within the normal spec of about 80, you're probably in excellent shape. Mine's super low, yet I have ZERO hypoglycemic symptoms - quite the opposite, in fact; so I imagine to each his own.
If you feel great; you are most likely great!
Be well!
@@thomashughes4859 I got 1.9 after converting to US units. Repeating the tests might give different results. I was dry fasting fairly long time for those tests, a bit dehydrated.
I have been carnivore for 3 years and keto a year before that. I really doubt that I have any insulin issue.
Lab results just confirmed that what I have been doing is working.
@@Billy97ify Great!
Very informative and balanced.You should produce more episodes with Dr Agatson
this interview is so fascinating and eyes opening!!! Thanks.
This is amazing information
Thanks to you both.
Whatva wealth of knowledge you have shared. Thank you so much!
i very much appreciated this podcast. made a list of tests to have my cardiologist order for me. he thinks i’m crazy btw so i also appreciated how you mentioned we can educate the doctors as well. just wish they weren’t so stubborn. i personally love learning new things and having my mind changed.
After 3.5 years of eating carnivore, I had a CAC score done. 32. My overweight physician has always wanted me to take a statin and aspirin. I always decline. I workout 5 days a week for 2 hours a day. I think I'm fine now and will be 20 years in the future. I'm 71 years old.
Excellent interview. So much great information and insights. Thank you
I just got my first CAC scan. I like having information!
Hii there i hope the scan went well
Great insights provided by you. Thanks so very much.
love this podcast. Very interesting about possible insulin finger sticks in the future. That can be a real game changer for people to see that insulin is the big elephant in the room that needs to be addressed and not wait until the glucose is elevated.
👏👏👏 outstanding interview!!!
Great discussion. Thank you. Im 42 yrs old female and scored 1 on my CAC. My primary md is worried esp my Ldl is 282. I eat low carb, keto or carnivore some days. Im very active and eat healthy. Have a great day
This is gold
Thanks for the very interesting interview. It is a pity you didn't discuss how intermittent fasting could play a role in decreasing chronic diseases and atheroscleroses. Thank you!
Excellent!!!
Thankyou for this very helpful and lifesaving podcast. I think I am gonna have problems with my doctor ordering this test so am gonna order Dr Agastons book and see if I can solve my issues with the book instead.
I think there are places in the US that you can get the test without a doctor. Not sure, my lchf doc did it for me.
I do sincerely agree with Dr. Bret Sher, MD. I live in Hyderabad, Telangana, State, India. During the year 2021, based upon the advice given by my treating doctor, when I approached many diagnostic centers, here in Hyderabad, most of them were clue less about craft insulin assay and CT Calcium Scoring - Heart. After a consistent effort, at last I got it done from AIG Hospitals, Mindspace Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, wherein I got a sigh of relief as far as my medical reporting is concerned. Of course, I was ready to make little changes to my diet plans and lifestyle functioning as suggested by my treating doctor.
Contrary to conventional treating methods, both craft insulin assay and CT Calcium Scoring are a boon to the mankind for getting out of the vicious cycle
Please share with group what your CAS score was
Great interview
It really is a good interview
I did the south beach diet years ago. One shortcoming was ever coming off phase 1 and eating high sugar fruit. It was a good start.
Thank you!
I remember an article by Dr. Agatston in which he says that those with the APOE4 allele should be on a low saturated fat diet as well as low carbohydrate diet.
Fantastic interview. Exceedingly informative. Thank you both. I realize time is limited but in the future would love to hear your thoughts about the 2 hour vs 4 hour Kraft test. I have taken the 4-hour Kraft Insulin Test from Meridian Valley. My doctor thought my insulin was too low (due to a compromised pancreas) but I thought it was due to very low carb (
Great information. My cac score is 21. I have been on lchf/keto x 5years. Low fasting insulin level, low triglycerides, 300 tc, 200 ldl. 80 hdl. Exercise cardio and weights 5 x week, 57yof. I am 40 pounds lighter and feel the best i have ever felt. No statins for me.
You can’t ignore feeling good. Doctors ignore weight loss, normal Bp with no meds for once and ignore the patient saying I feel young again. Pure hubris for them to tell me I’m not doing the right thing because LDL is high. Weight and BP is a much better predictor or heart problems. LDL isn’t important or dangerous on keto/carnivore. Never going to convince puffed up doctors of that.
I found this interview because I just got my cardiac calcium score. Thank you so much Dr. Agatston for such details. I will follow up with my cardiologist soon.
I have lost 65# on low carb and have kept it off 2 years. But my LDL Is 332.
I'm researching as well. We have been keto for 2 years and both husband and I have lost alot of weight. My numbers are good, but his cholesterol has skyrocketed. His LDL is over 350 and total is 437, where before he was below 200 total. His tryglycerides have gone down to 98 but his HDL is 55. HBA1C is 4.8. His blood pressure is mid 130s/80, which might be do to a very stressful job. We want our doctor to do a CAC and a NMR profile to check for calcification and to see exactly what particle size proportions he has going on.
Best wishes to you both. Get those labs. But find the person that reads them. I had a NMR and still am not sure what it means.
That's the beauty of keto/carnivore diet. Shoots the LDL and heart risk to the moon
12 years ago we reversed diabetes and high blood pressure with a *mock * South Beach diet after my hubby's Dr handed us a note with the book title. The night before we had been in ER with high glucose and high blood preasure. The mock up was easy, Hubby didn't enjoy veggies.. Lol. So a list was made of 4 that he liked and then we focused on the fat and protein split into four meals a day with high fat protein the first week with one of the green veggies as a side for each of the four meals. And each week after that we reduced the protein still kept the fat high and we added extra veggies and each week he got better until we finished the protocol reversed the conditions and then he went back to eating *normally * because it didn't sink in* that he was insulin resistant and carb intolerant... But we literally learned lots and 12 years later as of a year we instintively pursued keto carnivore to heal a wound that wasn't healing and he had diabetes and high blood preasure again. Now he eats mostly carnivore and maybe a potato salad or a broccoli.. Thanks to #dietDr #adaptyourlife
Instinct to heal the wound and pursue the alternatives in the healing process
I loved it when he said a CAC Score is not reversible. As I have had 3 CAC's performed. My first one 299 then 5 years later 660 then 20 months later 458 which is 30% down. Dr. Agatston said in his video that it is not possible. But through Dr. Linus Pauling's heart protocol it certainly was. Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner as well as being awarded 48 PhD's over his lifetime.
How you managed to reduce your CAC to 458? Please share. Thank you!!
@easyacademy8110 The Linus Pauling Heart Protocol.
The Protocol uses 3 supplements high dose vitamin C, Lysine, and Proline amino acids.
I take 30 grams of Vitamin C in divided doses per day with 8 grams each of Lysine and Proline. The Lysine and Proline are Lp-a binding inhibitors that neutralize the Lp-a while vitamin C is used to build collegen to repair the artery wall 🧱 that is deficient in vitamin C
I use these 3 in powder form.
I would suggest Dr. Thomas Levy's book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. Dr. Levy is a board certified cardiologist.
There are other supplements that enhance the Pauling Protocol one is magnesium glycinate 800mg. When magnesium goes up in the body, calcium goes down.
Good luck 👍 💓
I have a similar story. November 2021 my cardiologist told me I have a CAC of 286 . He wanted me to be put on statins because of my "high" LDL. I refused, and I started taking vitamin K2 with D3. After 18 months, I did a test again, and the score was... 183. For record, I was on statins between 2013 to 2016
@morselligianniluigi8375 That's a 36% reduction more and even faster than my 30% over 20 months my K2-MK7 some is 2400mcg with 5000i.u D3 summer and 10,000i.u winter. My Lp-a level is 20mg/dl.
I'm on high dose vitamin C with Lysine and Proline. Also, using magnesium glycinate 800mg per day.
I'm 61, I got a CAC last summer, and my score was zero.
@Pete The Medic Thanks! I hope so :-)
@@williamdahl3318 ARE YOU A CARNIVORE, If not, what diet do you follow?
@@dianneharris2870 I eat low carb (100 gram max), moderate fat / protein (1 gram per 1 lb. lean bodyweight). I'm slim (5'11", 165), fit, and no blood sugar issues, so I can eat more carbs when I feel like it. At the time of my scan, total cholesterol was high 200's, mostly LDL (HDL & tri's were normal). I'd like to try carnivore one day, I'm intrigued by it.
@@williamdahl3318 on December 1, I decided to do a 30 day Carnivore challenge because I, like you, was intrigued and wanted to see if it could help my digestive issues using it as an elimination diet. Well after 30 days I felt so much better, I never looked back. It turns out I am extremely sensitive to fiber. Not only had my digestive issues and bloating cleared up, but my BP was normal, my joints had stopped hurting, I had tons more energy, brain fog gone and started losing weight I needed to lose. It has changed my life!
@@cathiemcginnis3997 That’s awesome!
Two brilliant Dr's! Unfortunately, the only things that many PCPs, or for that matter, any Dr thinks about is LDL, crestore, and metphormin...
REFUSE TO TAKE THEM, I DO!
True how about natural diet.
My CAC was zero. Im 59yrs old . Took it cuz my dad had the problem when he died at 90 yrs old among other things. My fasting insulin was 13.9 last September. Last week 7.1. I restrict my food. Stop eating at 6pm and eat again after my workout 10am next morning. Im sure this has helped. A1c 5.4. Fasting glucose 94. But always have my triglycerides at 200 to 400.
Triglycerides are tandem with high sugar/ carbohydrates in your diet. I would suggest stopping processed foods and going low carb as a first step.
I had a CAC of zero and CIMT was excellent (I’m 56 and it was that of a 38 yr old). Lean, fit, low-ish carb, and normal BP and Ha1c. LDL typically 110-130 with 1:1 HDL/TG ratio. But - a couple minor plaques were found during ultrasound so my doctor started me on a low dose statin to stabilize.
I’m conflicted on the statin with the 0 CAC after watching this, but I’d rather be safe than sorry as I’ve fortunately had no side effects. But point is - CAC may not be enough…
I was sent for a scan three years age at the age of 55 after I had a very high cholesterol score. I was diagnosed with a form of hypercholesterolemia but not the classic kind where your cholesterol is high from birth. My calcium score was zero but the specialist still put me on a high statin dose just to be on the safe side. I was surprised but the doctor, I presumed , knows much more about blood lipids and heart risk than me. No after watching this I'm wondering whether I need a statin at all.
This podcast makes me want to ask my doctor to do my CAC score. You mentioned at the end that it's difficult for a patient to talk to their physician regarding such things and you are spot-on because they often get angry or dismissive and they really don't listen. IT'S sort of a futile effort. I was a little confused because I thought an a1c score of 5.2 was okay yet I believe he indicated it wasn't the best.
Recently when I had my a1c score tested it was 5 something and the other score was 101 which means it's one point over the maximum allowed for glucose tolerance but the indian-american doctor said the a1c score was more important & that mine was fine. SO now I'm a little confused and I'm going to try to do more research and see if it really is fine.
WHAT has occurred to me is that I'm at the break-off of what's considered ok and yet I eat a vegetarian diet and am also pescatarian so I don't know how to change my diet to improve those scores.🤔 I do not eat sugar; I've never bought sugar in my life and I do not eat pastries and breads. I try to do intermittent fasting & it's definitely helped in terms of my weight although I did it to rid myself of the spike protein by creating autophagy and I think I succeeded although of course the spike protein is probably still working away in all of us who got the vax unknowingly. 😢
I am flirting with the idea of keto or carnivore but my doctor I found out just yesterday is actually a vegetarian and an advocate of Dr. Esselstyn & Dr. Campbell who are vegan & obsessed with saturated fats and eating a low-calorie diet which I've come to realize r completely irrelevant after studying many doctors online. HE was opposed to my idea about introducing meat.I thought to do it because all of the people speaking about carnivore and keto indicate that their blood work is excellent and he's always complaining about my cholesterol which I think is fine but he doesn't. 🎉 I'm more concerned about this glucose resistance which I'm on the borderline of in my opinion and I might very possibly be on the borderline with insulin resistance but I don't think the craft test would ever be done. THE hospital is into speed and would have no patience for such a test.
I was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur and the doctor thought that would be from calcification. BUT then he said that my arteries were fine and I said how do you know and he said because of your symptoms which did not indicate any blockage. I had an echocardiogram done and it seemed to indicate no calcification of the arteries but again I don't know if that was revealed by the test which was too hard for me to read. I'm very displeased with the doctor's inability to communicate with a patient, so when I see the PA I am going to try to have her speak to me in normal language if she's able to decipher whether I actually have calcification of the arteries or not. I do not actually think that the echocardiogram revealed whether there was or wasn't calcification of the valve tho the GP still contends that's the cause. I tend to think that when I got the vax & later felt a pain in my heart, this was a result of vax induced inflammation & damage to the valve.
My sense is I have no calcification of the valve just as I have no calcification of the arteries. I tried to force my doctor to describe in simple language the valve status and he simply said it was mild and should be followed.
I was so impressed when you said that even if cholesterol is high, if the CAC score was zero, not to worry due to THE POWER OF ZERO. WHEN I see the PA, I'm going to ask her to do a CAC score. I hope I can convince them to do it. MY triglycerides were excellent and my HDL was excellent hence I can only assume the ratio between the two is excellent ( I'm not quite sure how to figure it out). THEY don't like the LDL being high but I do because in my family we live to be a hundred and they have found anecdotally that people that live into their hundreds have high LDL which is of course used by the immune system to fight off disease and used by the hormonal system for tons of things that have to occur in the body to maintain good health. Ergo, I want my LDL to be high. WHAT I would like to know is whether it is large & bouyant-- which I gather is good-- or small and dense-- which I gather is NOT good. I read IF your ratio of glycerides to HDL is excellent, you have large buoyant LDL which is great. THERE seems to be a one-to-one relationship between a good ratio and a good type of LDL and that's the science!😊
Although this doctor did not get into the advantages of statins very much-- except there's a momentary advantage if you've had a heart attack from a clot having broken free-- I have decided, based on other doctors' analysis, that statins are simply a money-making drug for the pharmaceuticals and for doctors to get a kickback by be prescribing those drugs. Re the risk- benefit analysis, the risks outweigh the benefis, as we all know statins create Alzheimer's and they also create muscle weakness and lack of energy due to interfering with the co q-10 creation in the body.
I hope I've understood correctly and analyzed correctly the whole situation. IF not, please correct🐞😊👍🦋
Doctors do not get kickbacks for prescribing statins--they are generic at this point. Pharma isnt involved at this point.
Interesting Dr Agaston's view on zero CAC score being correlated with zero risk/events (or maybe I misinterpreted what he was saying). My understanding was that some (I think around 5% of MACE) occur in pts with a zero CAC...soft plague rupture.
This podcast should be a CEU
There are details in this video that are very enlightening for example there’s a group of or subset of humans that do not store fat on the outside they only store it in the organs and they need to be tested for insulin resistance because they look healthy on the outside (if I got that right?) wow blew my mind. There is complexity and many levels to all this and reliance on one score is dangerous!
I agree! Great one to share!
My God -- sure hope I have a mind like that when I grow up!
My post Chemo CT scan show severe Calcification. I've been on Lipitor since my first mid RCA MI in 1995 @ 40. Then distal RCA MI in 2017. Now 70.
What about calcium oxalate deposits in the coronary artery? I saw a study saying that calcium oxalate does accumulate in the coronary artery. Personaly I have eaten about 30g of raw cacao powder which is extremely high in soluble oxalate for 10-15 years, and my calcium score is 0. I was wondering also about chandra piedra plant, aka the 'stone breaker' for decaclifying the coronary artery. Studies have shown it works to reduce the number and size of calcium stones in the kidneys, and I believe IIRC it worked even on non oxalate stones.
When I started battling prediabetes my A1C was 6.2; all my other markers, except LDL of 170 were normal, no HTN, no overweight. I always ran a moderate lifestyle and even avoided sugars. I guess I was a toffee. I went into LC moderate fat/protein diet, increased my activity, and my A1C started to drop. My dr wants me on statins from the start, but I have always had high LDL but good HDL and triglycerides. My LDL went even higher with the diet but my other # looked even better. Dr got upset at my statins refusal, and I decided to pay for a CAC; the result was 0 with normal cardio/vascular performance and image. I am 66 years old, with little hereditary cardiac risk. My dad had HA at 86 but he had a poor lifestyle choice (smoker and drinker). My mom has had HTN for a long time and just recently at 83 had a TIA, no other problems before. She does, however, have the tendency to become prediabetic. Diabetes runs in her side of the family heavily.
How can we lower high apob? Would welcome a video as most recommendations urge us to decrease intake of sat fat...
My calcium score (Agatston CAC score) was 1030 in July 2023 with a very high risk of events. I have elevated lipoprotein (a) level, too, due to genetics and currently, there is no evidence-based medical treatment.
This video seems to be about warning people to not underestimate low scores. I recieved a 1240 score 3 years ago. I went into a depression over my death sentence. I would like to hear about what a high score means. I have not had a heart attack. My stress test was not abnormal.
Keith, It's only a death sentence if you do nothing.
They didn't even explain the score to you...that doesn't surprise me. They didn't with me either. I had to do my own research just as you should!
That score is compounding meaning that at a growth rate of 15-20% a year it can double in just 5 years as mine did!
There is hope! Check out the book by Dr. Thomas Levy Cardiologist "Stop America's # 1 Killer" Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy.
I have lowered mine by 30% you can too.
❤❤❤❤keep going
I"m 76, one heart event 6 yrs ago with stent added, on Keto diet (now carnivore) for almost 3 years, and lost 65lbs. I take 5-10mi hikes with sometimes extreme hill climbing, with zero heart issues. I recently had my CAC score with the following results: Left main coronary artery 58, LAD 945 - unable to differentiate calcified plaque versus coronary artery stent, LCx 29, and RCA 21. I'm taking some liberties with interpretation: Ignore LAD and instead for LAD, I'll take the average of the other three = 36 --- so, add 36+58+29+21 = 144 total CAC. I'm going back to my doctor to ask for number of plaques and density. He wants to put me on statins. My LDL=178, HDL=55, TRI=97. From everything I've read, I'm not a fan of statins. Am I wrong?
One year after starting a low carb diet I had a lipid test. My triglycerides went from 175 to now 74 but my LDL went from 130 to 370. My Dr is freaking out and wants me on statins stat and wants me to get a CAC score. They do not understand that In one year I have done one of the best things for my cardiovascular heath that I can do. Another thing which is huge the very Dr that invented the CAC recommends a low carb diet 😹
In my Drs defense they are trying to get a bigger picture of what’s going on and I get that. The problem I see is that they don’t recognize the elephant in the room-TG going from 175 to 74!
Introduce your drs to Dave Feldman
Check the particle size of the ldl
Once LDL goes below 70. Plaque regresses.
A CAC Score, is not that expensive. I would get it, for peace of mind. Having high triglycerides for a number of years, may have giving you some plaque buildup🤔
Better safe, than sorry.
@@anthonyshaw8698
Yes, I did it and my score is 50
I am a big fan of both of you guys. :-) My wonderful doctor, Dr. Michael Hirt in Los Angeles California puts more emphasis on the CIMT score. Any thoughts?
CIMT is ultrasound , no radiation .
I had both done this year. CIMT was low < less than 10% buildup.
CAS was 0. I am 63 yo male with controlled diabetes with Metformin and Ozempic . Working on losing weight. I have heard of Dr Hirt, I would have the CIMT first as suggested, so easy to do.
@@jameskantor0459 I had a calcium score of zero as well - CIMT showed excellent thickness (that of a 38 yr old and aim 56) but a couple areas of minor soft plaque. Despite being fit, good BP, normal A1C and CAC my Dr suggested a low dose statin to stabilize it. I started it - and haven’t had any side effects - but I question it and agree both tests should be performed
I heard the longevity gain of using statins over 5 years is a mere hours. Statins don’t work in the long run.
CAC score of 114, 57 years old eaten average most my life have now cut sugar for 12 months, low carb high fat diet, lost 18 kg now ideal weight.
I’m on 5 mg crestor and low dose aspirin never felt better.
Not at all concerned with my cac score also take a bit k2 d3 tablet and COQ10, my bloods are great compared to 12 months ago too.
Alt was 40 now 20 which is an important marker for health.
Yeah, crestor, that's why you are taking COQ10?
@@btudrus Don’t need to take it, only take it as a health thing
@@robertspinks835 Dr. Ben Bocchicchio says if you are taking a statin you should be taking Coq10 and or SOD , toward the end of this talk czcams.com/video/GX5s3mESIAM/video.html. Sod is superoxide dimutase, a good chaga extract has high amounts of it
My score total was 913. I already started exercising and eating low carb Mediterranean. My cholesterol is normal across the board. My a1c is 111 and my bp low normal
I need to know know about aortic stenosis and why the calcium buildup around the aortic valve and shrinks it down they're opening smaller
Calcium scores do reverse.
Mine did...and now it is 0
How did you reverse?
The pioneer of the score just stated it impossible to reduce you score. If you get a reduced score it’s because of your position to the X-ray beam or scanner differences.
I have heard the Scans are very accurate, 15% you say! Well mines 30% from 660 to 458. I heard Dr. William Davis talk about a patient of his that completely irradicated the calcium in his heart valve.
So I believe it's possible. And furthermore according to Dr. Thomas Levy high dose vitamin C will desolve calcium easily as magnesium does as well.
Dr. Levy has the proof and I believe him. As he says there are conditions to be met but it can be done Dr Linus Pauling Nobel Prize winner was correct!
Please comment on CPIR and beta cell dysfunction
Very informative thank you. I have just had a calcium score taken . A copy letter came to my home from my cardiologist. He has said he will be calling me in for a chat in the very near future. I have a calcium score of 233 but there is also a score shown that in the 3000 figure what is the difference. I am a type 1 diabetic and have been for about 30 years. My last hba1c was 52. However I was having a lot of hypo’s so my endocrinologist suggested I may be keeping my figures a bit low he would be looking for my averag readings to be between 7-10. I have been trying to do this and feel anxious if it’s to high. Hypos are not good for you either. I also have a thyroid issue on 175 mcg d of thyroxine and aneamic even with iron meds. I also have chronic kidney disease. Sadly very overweight, but find it impossible to loose weight. Even after I had a gastric band no weight loss. Even not eating I will still gain weight. Find this part a really distressing thing. Both my parents had heart issues. Is it safe to try a keto diet. I have arthritis badly so find getting about fairly difficult and painful. Thank you. Just want to get sorted very soon and feel well again.
Please make sure to work with a doctor with this many variables. If you need assistance finding a doctor familiar with low carb, we have a directory on our website.
www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/doctors/
Low carb, prolonged fasting might be what you need. I would find a diet doctor to assist situation like this. Best luck!
I have had 2 CACs. One in Sept. 2020 (after being on a low carb diet for 10 months to reverse my diabetes - which I did) and my score was 1-ish. My doc let me go off the statin I had been on for more than 30 years (did it cause my gradual pre- and diabetes?). My lipid panel has continued to improve in terms of triglycerides (50ish) and HDL (high) but my LDL is now elevated and total cholesterol. I realize that alone is not a whole picture. So my doc had me do another CAC recently and my score was 26 (in 3 years). My doc is freaking out and wants me on a statin! Her argument is 2/3 of the people in my age group etc are below me. I have an appointment with them next week. I am going to arm myself with as much info as I can as I do NOT want a statin. I am also going to modify my low carb lifestyle with more fish and chicken (vs. red meat) and healthy fats - like a "keto mediterranean" thing. This is a very informative podcast. I wish we had great and informed docs around here.
26 is nothing! Mine was 255 and I have literally exercised every single day for 31 years, have never had high blood pressure or cholesterol and no family history and am extremely in shape and have never been overweight. The CAC scores make absolutely no sense. I have read that athletes have more calcified plaque, which is good because the exercise is helping the body stabilize soft plaques.
Could be your diet is the problem. Maybe too many carbs, or the wrong carbs.@@Pat7629
Your doctor is probably right. I am reading comments like yours from people who are not understanding what Dr. Agatston was saying. Statins convert dangerous soft plaque to high density, hard, calcified plaque. That is how they prevent heart attacks. Your doctor knows this and is right to recommend a statin.
@@Pat7629They have more calcified plaque because they are simply more vitamin C deficient because of the mechanical stress placed on the arteries. My score before last was 660 now 458.
Any opinion on Caldwell Esselstyne diet?
"CONNECTING THE SILOS" is what the internet is best at
Why is my MD and Cardio worried about cholesterol, but not giving me a CT, Calcium Score Test?? This so pisses me off, they whine and whine that my cholesterol is too high but have not yet ordered me a Calcium score test. Incompetence, they LOVE BIG PHARMA 🤬 and act like they don't even want to mess with me because they see my Trigs are good ratios, and I am doing a lot more activities like working out and taking walks and I lost the weight I needed to on a keto diet, and no high A1c's for 2.6 years, and I am 70 years old!!
What about a low LDL with a 665 calcium score? My doc wants to put me on statins, but my ldl is already low.
Its interesting Dr Angostan said they watch people for heart attack with zero calcium score who have Diabetes or Insulin resistance, what causes the heart attack ?
Is Kraft an improvement over HOma-IR? Or are they comlementary?
I'm confused. The mediteranian diet is low inflammatory but the keto diet is less carbs? Which should we use if we have a high CAC score? I just got mine and it was 817 but my FFR was good?
My was 1240! 3 years ago and I am still alive. Yes, I wish they would address high scores and what they really mean.
I'm 56. My CAC score is 86. My LDL is 177, HDL 56, Triglycerides just 52, and VLDL is 10. All those numbers except the HDL are good. I got put on a Statin, is that because my CAC score? I'm 6'2, 180 lbs, exercising regularly and diet is healthy for the most part. I don't want to be on a statin.
Where can I get information on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol that’s been mentioned in the comments? Is it a way of eating? Supplements? I appreciate it.
if you are under 45 and have 3 CACs, all a ZERO from age 39-44 but a CT angio shows soft plaques. What does that mean? I have been carnivore for the past 3 years and keto for 3 years prior to that. But in my younger days I ate horribly. My cardiologist said not to change my 65% fat carnivore diet. My fasted insulin is a 3.7. It seems I had a stress induced "heart attack" when I was 20 years old and the trauma of that is what led to the soft plaque seen in the CTA. That's what my doc says. Would love to hear your opinion. How do I get a consult with you?
The heart attack won't cause plaque.
Whats happening with the calcium? In Ivor cummings videos they show the dissappearance of the build up. Patrick Theut seems to have reversed his as well. Many have 'cleaned up' their vessels but if it is not gone where did it go?
A lot of foods on a low carb lifestyle are high in vitamin K2-4. Cheese is very high. This vitamin sends calcium to your bones and teeth. Without it calcium can end up anywhere. People with high calcium scores have taken k2 to help clear their arteries faster, as well as low carb lifestyle.
So you clear your arteries and improve your bone health.
I recommend reading The Calcium Paridox to learn more.
@@dawnelder9046 I eat a lot of cheese, I wonder if this is a factor in my CAC score of 0. I also eat too many carbs (carry excess fat is how I know). It's just store bought cheese, not raw.
Great interview, but what is the "craft test"? I can't find anything that seems relevant on line.
The Kraft test is an OGTT that measures both glucose and insulin levels. As Dr. Joseph R. Kraft showed, abnormally high insulin responses often occur years before abnormally high glucose responses, thereby allowing us to identify those at risk for prediabetes and diabetes much sooner than by waiting for blood sugars to climb.
www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/carb-tolerance
try looking up the "Kraft Test."
Can someone 0lease elaborate on diabetics rusk? Insulin resistance ...how it correlate to cac and heart attack risk?
I trust that he might update his diet. Doing stage 1 minus the "several meals" and legumes for the rest of your life plus fatty meat and eggs sounded about right. Essentially, it's a "keto" diet, and the lowered insulin causes the diuresis, which gives this "tremendous" wieght loss. Not opposed to this; however, forget the subsequent stages. Reintro of carbs is not going to be beneficial with all due respect to the good doctor.
I asked my doc for a craft test and she told me insurance won't allow her to order it. I'm hypertensive with a family history of heart disease. I think its time to find a cardiologist who is willing to order the craft test and who is interested in finding the root cause of my hypertension. I'm keto and I fast, and I eat a low uric acid diet, and I still require BP medication.
Stress???? Ashwaganda / Magnesium / Black Seed Oil /Serrapeptase all help. Namaste 🙏
The medical profession is geared to keep you sick not prevent you from becoming sick.
Same here
Try carnivore for a little while.
A lot of people pay for it on their own without insurance. It is an inexpensive test. My hospital charged $50. Some only charge $100. You may need to get a doctor to order it for you though.
Twelve years ago at the age of 66 I had a calcium score of over 2400,which resulted in me having 6 stents fitted. My cardiologist said it was the highest score he had ever seen. I am in good health at 78 but are there any protocols you think I should be following?
Bill. I would suggest the David H Leake book "A Patented Heart Disease Cure That Works" second edition. What your doctor may not know. What big Pharma hopes you don't find out!
This man is your age and has several stents.
I follow his advice as well.
did he explained how does the calcium get into veins and why? if yes plz write a minutes for me, ...
So, just to make sure about something. If I have these results from a CAC scan (CORONARY CALCIUM:
Le! main coronary artery: 0 Le! anterior descending: 384 Circumflex: 0
Right coronary artery: 58 Total Agatston score: 442 MESA database percentile: 71), are the numbers 384 and 58 the number of plaque particles you are referring to? Also how does one determine the density from those numbers? That was all that was reported on my test. Thanks! (ps. age 73). Scan was from 2 yrs ago
Brent, as usual you did your homework for a very though, do I call it an interview.
I hope he explains the proper use of statins... what is goal of using statins, the different types of statins, so far, I'm not convinced
My research says statin for stabilising soft plaque and helping calcified plaque and you only need a very low dose, don’t need them unless there is evidence of plaque.
Diet first though always
@@robertspinks835 so, the main point (for me) of statin use as short term/ temporary use is lost because they assume that the plaques continue to form; therefore continuous use of statins is indicated? still not convinced this has long term benefit as the damage/ risks may be greater....
Every doctor I have listened to on CZcams essentially says statins are a complete and utter waste of money and do more harm than good. I watched a video with Dr. Ken Berry the other day where he said he would never ever take a statin. Plus, the research is saying that LDL and overall cholesterol don’t matter. In fact, lower LDL is associated with more cardiac events and deaths (in a video with Dr. Mark Hyman where he interviews Nina Teicholz about the history of fraudulent cholesterol research and how three Harvard researchers were paid off by the sugar industry to say the reason for heart attacks was cholesterol, not sugar).
I came to carnivore via Dr Paul Saladino and unfortunately take his Beef Organs and Fire Starter capsules. I'm 80 years old and have dreadful diahrrhea, and have to take Immodium AD every other day. About to give up on carnivore when I saw your video. Any advice for us 80 somethings, less or more protein or fat? I was eating about 50 grams protein and the same amount of fat and stopped losing weight. Net carbs are under 7-8 daily. What am I doing wrong?
First, stop with the pills. Most long term carnivores do not eat organs consistently and take no supplements (check out Kelly Hogan. She interviews 10+ year carnivores, asking them these questions). Diarrhea usually means too much fat, and constipation is too little fat.
Are you working out? as best you can at 80? czcams.com/video/GX5s3mESIAM/video.html, getting a good full body burn change my gut. You need more protein as you age so maybe add a little more and see how it goes. you might get some useful info here czcams.com/video/mW-kq-92DzU/video.html
If you still have issues with digestion you can try ox bile that will help with fat digestion. Helped me a lot when I started out. Now I don’t take them. After a long time of low fat diet your gallbladder gets sludge and ox bile clears that up. Just keep taking it and after some time skip them and if you have no diarrhea you are good 🎉
Eat more protein.. I think.. watch some of dr. Berry's videos about protein.
I am 71 with a calcium score of zero. My father had bypass surgery at 70. I must take after my mother.
There are programs that recommend any male over 65 should take statins....I am not a fan those programs.
I am a diabétique. In 2018 i did a cac résultat was 0. The 2nd of october 2023 i did another scan and the resault was also 0. I am careful with my diet. I excercises. I am 69 years old.
What is your unstable hot soft explosive plaque level?
At about 21 minutes, Dr. Agaston speaks of those Individuals who do not want to take statins and that there are other medical procedures he uses. What are these medical procedures, please?
@@DPost-bx6jv Thanks of the response and most of what you specify is doable. Can one really go to zero sugar?
@@marciandjohn6320 at least no added sugar and low carb. Don’t think we can be 0 sugar. Veggies have sugar in it too:)
I've been able to reverse my CAC by 30% but even armed with the CAC their not buying it. They believe that a CAC can not be lowered. They practice standard medicine which is procedures and medications. There's no money in reversal with nutrition!
I got a CT Scan of the heart two months ago all arteries were 100% clear, Is there any need to get CAC scan? Any input would be appreciated
It sounds like it is the same test with different names.
@@debinnashville2009 Thanks,Deb
Every 5 years
@@SET12DSP Thanks Dan
Now I’m really confused. I’m going in to the doctor in 2 days to try to get the cac score test. I’m 76 with heart disease in the family so I thought this would be a good predictor of me having a heart issue. Not sure what to do because I feel like my doc will think I’m crazy.
Yeah, it's even more confusing than before lol.
Go for it.
My CAC score was 0! Wow!
Dont go
@@anitaprzygocki9350 Aren't you glad you know!
65 year old male calcium score of 1080! All other markers in normal range. Scared to death. Want me on Statins, Eliquis! 60-80 pounds overweight at 275 pounds. What do I do
I was diagnosed with early stage CAD at age 32 via heart catheterization. I'm worried about progression and if CAC monitoring would benefit me or not with already knowing I have CAD at a young age. I'm just not sure what is the best approach going forward.
I have had the CAC score test and feel better knowing. You might feel relieved too. I have had (in the past) doctors tell me I was going to have a heart attack (due to weight and HBP). Now I have my score, I know it is unlikely.
Skip all carbohydrates! Doing LCHF/ Carnivore. This is a testable hypotheses. Try it for at least two months . Get a blood test before then afterwards. See VIRTA health for > 6000 studies on the LCHF diet . See Nina Teicholz, Gary Taubes , Dr Ken Berry and Dr Tim Noakes .
Hello. Did you have some symptoms for the cardiac Cath being done? What was your calcium score?
@@billdublewhopper3064 yes I started having sudden very frequent palpitations with chest pain, pressure, cough, fatigue. I had an abnormal stress test and was postpartum so enough for the doctor to be concerned and recommended heart Cath. Since CAD was mild, it was labeled false positive and palps unrelated. Diagnosed mild CAD and bigeminy. Haven't had CAC yet but probably will this year to track progression.
@@everydayhomelife8697 I also have mild non obstructive Coronary artery disease.
Whatvdies it mean please " treat aggressively"
My cardiologist told me a CAC would not benefit me since I have 19 cardiac stents that would cast shadows. Any opinions?
I’m a critical thinker so I’m always challenging him because I want more information. Having had 4 MI’s I’ve now taken back my own health responsibility via keto & intermittent fasting but STILL he’s not happy. I’ve gotten off 17 Rx three years now and reversed metabolic markers… he’s STILL not happy.
If you’re not on a statin that’s why he wouldn’t be happy, with that many stents I would be on at least a low dose statin like crestor and low dose aspirin.
Your diet is most important though.
@@robertspinks835 yup agree 100% and I stick to organic produce and grass finished meats, wild caught fish. No grains m, seed oils or processed “foods” He offered a statin & aspirin but I said no and that topic is off the table. I told him he was so old school and I’m not listening to it.
In fact I was in the hospital 3/2 for angioplasty on my right calf and I refused to eat the Frankenstein food the hospital called “heart healthy “ which was an outrageous lie. I’m too educated to fall for that. I know how to fast but of course they freaked out but I don’t care. It’s MY life & health.
How old are you? What was your cholesterol levels?
@@billdublewhopper3064 soon to be 68.
Told my PCP I’m not discussing total cholesterol because if he doesn’t stratify the components it’s irrelevant. I would want it to show Apo A , Apo B. & glycated /oxidized data. I will NOT discuss “total” cholesterol.
Perhaps HDL to VLDL (triglycerides) but he looks only at total- which is waaay old school.
CAC score has been successfully reversed with the use of vitamin K. I first learned this from the sapiens podcast.
Which is why the test itself is worthless. There, we just saved everyone an hour.
How much K2 per day?
@@CZcamsr-ep5xx No mention of serrapeptase enzyme??? Namaste 🙏
Learned about Vit k on a Ivor Cummins podcast with a scientist who developed his own brand. Sorry don’t remember his name. In my second month. Healthy active 74y/o, follow Keto/carni. Recent CAC score in mid 550’s :(
@@jlkhawaii8542 300 mcg k2(mk7) look for the brand thorne or jarrows
I am 58 with a family history and high total Cholesterol-275, LDL-187, and HDL-75, and low Triglycerides-73. I have been on a low-carb diet (not continuously) for several years. I just did the CT-Angiogram and my Calc score is shockingly 119 (was expecting zero); I have a 70% blockage in my main artery; NON-STENOTIC ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE on other arteries ranging from
I'm now 55 but when I was 40 a blood test picked up high cholesterol and my father had already had a heart attack (at age 52) - so I was put on 40mg statin to try and prevent the same thing happening to me. I've just recently had a CT-Angiogram & my CAC score was zero with very minimal arterial narrowing - the cardiologist was convinced that my 15 years of statins kept my heart in good shape - so I'm glad I'm on statins, I've never had any side-effects .. but I'm not a doctor so .. (I've been vegetarian since I was 18 but not sure that means much)
@CornishColin Wow CAC of zero and that much of a statin. Usually, it's just the opposite, where the score climbs.
I've managed to lower my CAC by 30% with no statins. I am not a vegan.