Is a coronary calcium score of 0.4 risky?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 47-year-old male who has been hypertensive for the past seven years. I take daily medication to control my blood pressure, and I do not have any other health problems. I visited my cardiologist last week for my yearly medical checkup. My LDL level is 170 mg/dL, HDL is 41 mg/dL, the ECG is normal, and my blood tests came back normal. However, my calcium score test result is 0.4 (with minimal plaque on the LAD), which is defined as minimal risk. I do not clearly understand this calcium score test result. Do I have any risk? Should I use statins to reduce my cholesterol levels?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A calcium score of 0.4 indicates no identifiable disease, while a score of 1 to 99 suggests mild disease. A score between 0 and 1 indicates minimal disease. This is considered near normal, and there is no significant risk associated with it. However, I recommend that you consider taking statins, as your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) level is quite high. Statins play a preventive role in reducing the risk of blockages.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should follow these guidelines:

Avoid a diet high in fat, oil, and calories.
Follow a low-salt diet and monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Engage in regular exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, according to your capacity.
Consume plenty of green leafy vegetables and fruits, and include fish in your diet once or twice a week while avoiding meat.
If you smoke or consume alcohol, it is advisable to avoid these habits.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.