Dr, another great topic I have ZERO fear commenting on! So my Cholesterol is 300 and my doctor is VERY concerned, and I am not. He didn't seem interested in the fact that my HDL and Tri are the same at 75. He also wasn't moved when my CaC was 1. He said "I need to see the stress test." Well yesterday I did that and guess what? The Dr wrote I had "Superior Exercise Capacity" and put my 5year life expectancy at 97%. The tech said I was top 1% for stress test. Not bad for a 51 yr old male who was afraid to run 2 years ago because my heart always hurt and my arms were numb! Now, 19 months Ketovore, 5'10" lost 55 pounds, High School/Army weight currently 165lbs, waist is smaller than leg length 30/32, BMI is 23. Feeling better everyday!!! Seriously, CaC check is 45$ at my hospital, find out what yours cost and get it done, AT LEAST to get a baseline! I knew the tech because I fix the machine and we went slice by slice, checked my lungs for tumors as well, and were both pretty damn happy with what we saw! So I just quit smoking as well, I really struggle with smoking/vaping, I have for 35 years. Happy to say I am smoke free again! Hopefully can stay here :)
My 5 yr cardio life expectancy is 98% based on Echo stress test-above average exercise capability. Cholesterol is about 100 (fluctuates up and down about 10 pts either, HbA1C is 4.7, fasting blood sugar was 82 all testing done about 3 mo ago. Looking at these test results in a vacuum are meaningless. I love how people wave their labs touting good health when they are not. CaC only shows calcified plaque. Nothing about other plaque. No way I'd continue with routine CaC testing, NFW I'd get a angiogram if I was asymptomatic. I am 67, eat a plant based diet, no meat, no dairy, no added oil. Every Dr. I have been to has praised my diet. They are not selling anything, they know what the data says and they don't have a YT channel.
Yes sir but can you get the CAC scan wuthout a dr of some sirt to set it up for you cause uve had three cardiologist to refuse me they say why do you want that done youve alrrady gotten a stent and you know you have a problem so why do the test????
@@brendaandrandyking4126 my doc did order mine, but I didn't use insurance for it. I think it cost under $200. Not sure if insurance would pay, but I didn't want to wait for authorization and then didn't submit the bill. Sounds pretty closed minded for your doc not to get that for you. My placed suggested that and then what a ultrasound on carotid arteries and legs, which were free locally.
Yes, he's pretty good at stopping the progression of heart disease. But I have never seen him reverse it like the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol that has already reversed mine by 30% verified by CAC.
63 year old male, totally symptom free, no chest pain. Keto since 2019. Since I had a high LDL of 200 in a routine lipid profile, my doctor ordered CAC scan ($130). It came back in the 900's so my doctor ordered a CAC test with contrast. I reviewed the films with my cardiologist and he explained what he saw. He then ordered and performed an ECHO cardiogram. Everything normal. He then performed a coronary angiogram to get a good look inside my coronary arteries and check actual blood flow. and pressure. Bottom line: my blood flow was over 90%, so he did not stent (he told me ahead of the procedure that he was not going to stent if the blood flow was over 90%). One coronary artery (circumflex) was completely blocked but collateral arteries grew around the blockage. All plaque was hard and stable and posed little risk. He cleared me to play tennis or any activity I desire. My cardiologist understands statin propaganda and big pharma. We discussed the statin studies and the difference between relative risk reduction and absolute risk reduction of taking a statin. I opted out of the statins. The coronary angiogram gave us the data we needed.
Thanks for sharing. My numbers are similar to yours, and my doc highly recommends a statin as they apparently help to calcify soft plaque and reduce inflammation.
I'm a 74 yr old woman, non-smoker, not diabetic, mostly low carb the past 10 years although I have "fallen off the wagon" with some sweets from time to time.Recent cholesterol was 412, HDL 104, triglycerides 76 (had been 46 a year or two ago but I knew I'd eaten more carbs). Previous cholesterol tests in 300's but HDL always around 100. Fasting insulin low (sorry I don't have test results handy), fasting blood sugar around 90, sometimes in the 80's. I refused statins for years & got doc to order CAC. Result = 0 Had a nuclear stress test a few years ago & that was normal. Get the CAC done! Gives you peace of mind, but also got my doc to stop harping about cholesterol and statins! My insurance covered it (I just paid a small copay) but I would've done it anyway. The imaging center told me the cost was $99 if I'd had to pay full price. Worth every penny if I'd had to pay that.
Triglycerides divided by HDL tells your realest risks. Your ratio value is well below 1. That value being above 1 raises your risks of heart events and strokes by 5 times. At one point years ago, in my inflammed fatty liver disease ( NASH) I had a total cholestrol level of just 211, but I only had traces of HDL or 0 and higher triglycerides..
My husband got a score of 14 at age 72, he is now 75. We kinda thought that was acceptable. We're both are low carb/Keto for about 7 years, work out with weights and RV travel across the country.
@@AK3lms "YorickJenkinstroll" is no answer. Is it the best your intelligence can reach to? I repeat the question, try to answer it please if you possibly can. Why should anyone be interested in the scores of complete strangers?
Ketovore for life comes with serious issues also. High Cancer & Alzimers rates at the population level. Vegetarians have 2/3 lower cancer rates & very low Alzimers rates
I have an amazing cardiologist. He said he would get me a cac test/score................... but there is nothing that can reverse a high score. I said, don't worry, I'm carnivore now so it is what it is. His response, keep doing what you are doing.
Yes, you can reverse a CAC score as I have reversed mine, and I'm not even a carnivore to speak of. I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. I have reversed mine from 660 to 458 so far....
@@SET12DSP iv been taking lysine, proline vitamin C, tocotrienols etc for years I have no idea if it has helped until I get my cac score done I suppose
It was because of that amazing individual and very great soul, Ivor Cummins, that I got a CAC 4 years ago...after having gone low carb in 2017 (no sugar, no grains, no seed oils), and I had a score of 6. What I really like about a low carb / keto approach to things is that you can see the results in your blood work. I consistently have HDL in the 70s, TGL in the 60s, Insulin down at about 2, HOMA-IR at 0.5 or less, and C-reactive protein (systemic inflammation marker) at a very low 0.47. My doctor still wants to put me on a statin because my total cholesterol is about 250 (Rob Lustig MD -author of Metabolical, says to throw that number in the garbage). No way in hell I'm going on a statin after seeing a family member go through dementia...no way, José. So many doctors seem to work for the drug companies -at least indirectly. At 72 I feel really good. I wish that I could have known this stuff 50 years ago...but nobody did.
Yes theres documented literature of a Banting man who was corportulant....thats old word for fat....doing an all meat diet or meat and litte veg high fats he lost a lot of weight too
I had bloodwork done this past summer, triglycerides 77, HDL 62, LDL 190, fasted insulin 5.2. I’m 62 very fit, weight training for 50 years. Started keto/carnivore this summer after being off of it for a while. My PA sees the numbers on my bloodwork and calls in a statin to my pharmacy without even consulting me. I just said no, from the numbers I appear to be metabolically healthy. Should I go ahead and schedule a CAC? I really don’t want to go to this PA again and it’s frustrating trying to find a competent doctor.
I’m 52 , and have been on a carnivore diet since May of 2023 . I’m currently down 80lbs and my BP is now normal at 110/68 average , A1C down from 5.7 -5.2 . My cholesterol has always been high at about 280 total but now my ldl is high at about 232 with slightly rising HDL at about 39-40 and triglycerides in the low 90’s . I had echocardiogram done , ekg , holster monitor and exercise stress test in September with my cardiologist and go back in a couple of months . Here’s the thing , I just got a new CAC done last month and I’m now 312 up from 72 in 2018 and I’m concerned . I’m strict carnivore and exercise usually three days a week now fairly intensely with resistance interval training . My primary wanted me back on a statin in December so I did at a lower dose of 10mg crestor per day and get new blood work next month . I’m praying I’m on the road to recovery of heart disease . I don’t drink and never smoked . HELP 😢
but...(re: CAC increasing)...did you get a cvd shot? Spike proteins are highly toxic to the vascular system. You didn't mention male or female.. if female, every on birth control? Any childhood trauma? Stress in life? Type A? It's way more than just "drink or smoke" thing. Do you exercise, weight train, go to sleep at a good time? Wake up at a good time? Get sunlight? Etc
You story is very similar to mine. 79 cac in 2019, 327 last week. No smoke or drink but poor sleep and high stress. Have you seen your cardiologist? What did they say about the rapid increase in cac score?
I am smiling not just because you joked at the end of the video but also because after our consultation I got nothing but great news about my health. Now I will be doing my CAC or CTC I don't know anymore, and hopefully I will be smiling a lot more after that. Do your consults with Dr Cywes, its worth it. Thank you Dr Cywes 💛
I'm 48. I'm also one of the "rare" ones who smoked most of my life and used vaping to quit smoking 10 years ago and still vape now, and I have a score of 0. Been carnivore now for about a year. Lost 65 lbs, reversed insulin resistance etc and feel better than I did back in my 20's.
@@brendaandrandyking4126 fasting insulin being below 5 is a pretty good indication but for non blood markers, when you lose weight and start burning fat for fuel instead of carbs, you have reversed insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is nothing more than severe insulin resistance that has been allowed to persist for many years. I caught mine before it developed into pre diabetes and full blown diabetes, thanks to these youtube keto/carnivore doctors/influencers. I had never heard of insulin resistance until then. Your standard doctors don't even know this much lol. It is sad honestly.
61 yo lean mass hyper-responder. Over 2.5 yrs carnivore. LDL = 566; remnant cholesterol < 14; triclyceride:HDL ratio = 0.79; C Reactive Protein = 0.7; Total Calcium score = 0
50yo carnivore. Not a hyper-responder. Total cho, 190. Triglycerides, 66. HDL,46. Triglyceride/HDL ratio: 4.8. LDL, 137. C-RP, 6. Total CAC, 118. What gives? I want my CAC = 0.
@@MrProphet469// your TG/HDL is 1.4, not 4.8. That’s pretty good. 60 and my CAC is 1120 so I understand something of what you are going through. Got mine down to about 1.1 on low carb. Over 4 years, dropped my Lp(a) from 92 to 42 (they say it’s hereditary and doesn’t change, my N=1 says hogwash). Lost 55+ pounds as well. Point is, you can do this!
@MrProphet469 Your score could double every 5 years as mine did. I used the Linus Paulings Heart Protocol to reverse my CAC from 660 to 458. Check out Dr. Thomas Levy's book "Stop America's #1Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy. Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner, and Dr. Levy expands on Pauling's work.
Im 64 just had CAC score of 800, pretty bad. Results of a life of stress and bad diet. I'm a Non smoker no diebetes, good blood pressure. Though I was previously overweight 40+ pounds and had a drink or 3 every day. So I changed my diet a year prior to getting the cac score and lost 40,lbs. Cut way back on alcohol to 1 or 2 drinks a month. Since I cant afford the battery of tests and specialist appointments my cardiologist recommended I decided to attack the problem with diet and excersize. Moderate keto with fish and omega 3s. I have already accepted the possibility of my own mortality so I dont live in fear of death, if it comes it comes, I've had a good life. I keep my stress low and enjoy every day. Life is way too short to be around bad people.
My hubs had his first heart attack ( the widowmaker)at 33 years old. He's 5' 9" and was 145 pounds. His next was at 44 ( again the widowmaker) . He has had 2 stents. His cardiologist has never given him a CAC test. He has started eating keto after watching me for the past 4 years but is afraid to get off statins. I love sending him your videos to listen to as he's driving❤
cardiologist do as little as endocrinologist as little as GI doctors, etc...... when you learn what we never learned in medical and nursing school, you'll be pretty disgusted.... like I was as a cardiac nurse, and a young patient who learned a lot on my own.
Astonishing, enlightening "food" for thought! So much complicated controversy. Very challenging to find and engage a keto-friendly medical "expert". Trying to be my own lab rat. Can overdoing calcium supplements exacerbate plaques? Ready to learn, rock and roll!!!
@@chriss.6526 I ended up getting open heart surgery, quadruple bypass and a valve replacement. A bit of a rough ride, but great results. Today I seem to be doing well, cycling and very active.
HI Dr. Cywes, I have found your videos very informative indeed being a T2 diabetic 20 yrs and have been fed meds/insulin!!! I tried keto 2 yrs ago. Happily Im off insulin and lost 15 kgs! I reside in Cape Town, South Africa. Please could you recommend any keto LCHF Docs that are like-minded? Thanks for the brilliant work you and similar Dr's in your space are doing to switch the lights on for us being treated by archaic Dr's stuck on solving health issues with meds only.
My triglycerides are 100 and my HDL is 66. My ldl is 219. A1C 5.4. My vitamin D was 74 my doctor said it was too high and stop taking it. My CAC was 509. I’m so confused. My BP is 120/78. Never ever smoked. The LAD widow maker had 400 From the CAC score. I’m going to see another cardiologist to give me the other tests. 32:27
MESA 10-year CHD risk calculator incorporates other variables to give a better risk estimates than just CAC score. For example, if you have moderately high CAC score, but otherwise normal cholesterol and TG levels and normal BP you’re at a lower risk than “20 %” (i.e., depending on your exact numbers, likely less than 10%) listed here that’s based only on CAC score …
My doctor put me on statins but they made me feel terrible. I told him I wasn’t taking them. I told him I wanted a CAC test. It was zero. No statins for me.
Hay... my wife of 40 years just had a terrible heart attack. She has had two CAC scores that were zero ! Had to have double bypass surgery. No symptoms or contributing factors. She had Covid late May early June. Her prior blood work was perfect !!! I think it was a hemorrhagic clot.... inflammation!!!!
Isn't it all about inflammation? I don't think I've ever had a C Reactive Protein done. Thinking about getting a Dr. Cywes consult to get on the right track w/ my PCP & likely new cardiologist.
CAC does not show the soft plaque which creates heart attacks. Her Apo(B) might have been elevated, most blood works don't show it. Many with a CAC 0 will have heart attacks. People should get a CT-Angiogram at 40 and forget about CAC, stress test. Good luck with insurance companies. We get cancer markers and preventive tests but nothing is done with the heart.
Great video. I've been on keto and IF for over 3.5 years and dropped almost 50 lbs and have been maintaining 150lbs at 5' 10" and I'm 58. I went on keto because I didn't like how I was creeping up on the scale and past dieting seemed to hit higher plateaus. For example, in my late 30s, I could diet a bit and get myself down to 170lbs, but by my late 40s, the new low was 175, then in my 50s, closer to 180. I also had been prediabetic for 10 years at the low-end of the scale at 101 fasting glucose but I never had my a1c checked. So many things I wished my doctor would have checked given my age but it wasn't until I was on keto that I took charge and had him order all my tests, including the CAC. Now before I started on keto my total cholesterol was 164, LDL 92, trig 72, hdl 40 and my bp fluctuated between 120/80 to 140/95. I was taking 100mg atenolol since my early 40s to address palpitations. Now my total cholesterol is 190, ldl 134, hdl 55, and trig 52 with bp at 120/80 most of the time. Keto didn't really change BP that much, if any. I take a calcium channel blocker now to address onset afib w/RVR back in late April. No new episodes since then. I did have an echo back in June to check the structure of the heart to determine if I had afib for a longer period and just didn't know it until I had the one in April. Everything looked good, had minimal calcification on the main valve, but nothing alarming for my age. So I went ahead and got the CAC just to know and it came back with a 3. 3.6% of a cardiovascular event over the next 10 years. My cardiologist said he doesn't recommend a statin yet, not until the risk hits 5%. He has also been pushing to get me off keto to at least a Mediterranean diet, but preferably plant-based. Unfortunately I didn't order up all these test before I went on keto so I could compare them 3.5 years later. There's no way to know what the CAC score was before I started keto, but I'll just use this as the baseline going forward and do it again in a year or 2. It's cheap enough and it's super easy - only took 2 minutes and even better, it's non-invasive.
I am 68 years old man . CAC score is very high 2157. No chest pain. No family history of heart attacks . I lost 30 lbs I exercise 4 times a week threadmill and weight lifting BMI is 23.5 my aic is 6.5. My pressure is normal range cholesterol is normal 75. HDL and LDL are normal range i dont drink alcohol for a year never smoked. But worried about my cac score 2157 which is high. I use to have high blood pressure befire but now it is nornal last 6 months and diabetes 2 is under control. Cac score is high and bothers me. This was ordered by my primary dr. I have a cardiologist appointment after 2 months . Long wait.What can I expect for treatment?
I had a CAC score of 1333 after eating SAD for 50 yrs. I quickly went on keto for a year then continued to eat 50gm carbs and do OMAD and extended fasting of 36 hrs couple times a month for 5 yrs. Now my score is 2533. I am still low carb 50 gms no statins or BP medicine because 5 different medicines didn't work. Any suggestions? I've worked so hard.
My wife is 80 yo and had a heart attack in 2018, widow maker 100% blocked. Stented at that time. Type 2 diabetic. On blood thinners, BP meds and a statin. What should she do? Had a CAC scan a week ago, waiting for the results.
There are too many lifestyle variables to assume any chart is going to be a good predictor of risk. I'm a former Marathon runner (30 Marathons between the ages of 17 and 43), current Triathlete, 65 years old, still competitive, low carb eater, and my CAC score has tripled in five years. I have yet to find a sympathetic cardiologist.
Seems like your training is putting a lot of stress on your pipes. Maybe it's time to hang up the shoes and find something else like weight training to fill the gap. Just a thought.
@@newunderthesun7353 My point was chronic cardio is bad for you. Most professionals marathon or triathlon look like sh** and don't' age well. Weight lifting as we age has obvious benefits including getting yourself off the ground when you are 80.
Dr. Cywes said ""You shouldn't have a CAC scan if you have already had a stent or coronary vessels it's a different test we do for that!" Anybody know what this test is exactly? Because I've never heard of this test before! And he never mentioned that in any of his previous videos that I watch!
Excellent video! I got my CAC test today after being inspired by your talk at the Hard to Kill Summit in Omaha! It was fantastic talking to you at the VIP reception and thank you for the shout out to “the rainbow people” 😂 Our support group has grown since last weekend! ❤❤❤ - Jennifer
When I have used coconut oil in the past, my bad cholesterol went up. My CAC was 175 last year. I try to be low carb but lately eating rice because I need something binding for digestion. I don’t like using meds. Also can't increase salt because of edema and kidney stones so can't use this protocol.
I won't even have milk in my house. Only heavy cream and butter..... discussion, then what to do - call to action, strategies you can do yourself: 25:00 get bloodwork done CAC score; therapy - low carb, high fat, increase salt, get A1c at 5.2 0r lower; some form of physical activity every day - frequency more important than intensity; No statins ; baby aspirin a day; antioxidants Omega 3 fatty acid, MCT or coconut oil, Vitamin D3 K2 and walks in the sunshine; Vitamin C; blood pressure control - monitor every day; stop nicotine products; correct insulin resistance; take care of your heart!
Hi Dr Cywes, just watch this. 7 months keto carnivore, 42 yrs old female. CAC is 1. Thanks for the information you shared. I wish i can get a cgm but if not diabetic it's hard to get one
@jac1161 BUT w/o good labs early (which we don't really get, do we?) seems like it would be immediately notification that whatever you're eating is jumping your sugar up -- like when Dr C compared the use of adding cream or milk to his coffee. If people could see immediate results, they could train themselves early not to develop the bad habit of ingesting foods that are really bad for them!
@jac1161 having the knowledge of how food spike you is wonderful. I don't need to wear the device forever. I could try it for 3 months. There are many companies making them now so there is no shortage. It's a good business since a lot of Americans are pre or diabetic.
@Hanover-ek4jy Linus Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner and was awarded 48 PhDs over his lifetime. He was a biochemist and considered to be one of the world's smartest men in the last 1000yrs. He worked with MDs and cardiologists, but because he wasn't an MD, cardiologists refused to believe that he knew anything. But Pauling had many interests, one of which was vitamin C and its use in the body, especially heart disease. As it was in the 1950s, it was discovered that heart attack victims were severely difficult in C in the arteries close to the heart, and the damage was quite evident. Lp-a, a sub-particle of LDL, was discovered to initiate the plaque process. Lp-a was found to be the bodies substitute for vitamin C. Every cell in the body needs C and, in large amounts, way more than the RDA. The blood holds very little in contrast to the cells. I never knew this, but you can have a thing called focal scurvy, meaning an area that is in short supply of C or completely deficient. I found out that the eyes require a huge amount of C. So Lysine and Proline, which are amino acids, are used to bind Lp-a in the blood and prevent it from starting the plaqueing process, allowing C to repair the damaged artery correctly. Repair the damaged Lysine and Proline exposed strands. Instead of plastering it all up and further calcifying the artery wall, which cardiologists call a healing process. Not in Paulings' eyes and surely not in a few cardiologists' eyes either. After seeing my CAC Score reversing, it was certainly not in my eyes. There has never been a study on this as there is no money in it! As you may know, statins are the most profitable drug in the pharma industry. The studies that were done were with hardly a gram. They would call 500mg a mega dose as 100mg is the RDA. As it turns out, the body uses C up rapidly, fighting any toxicity in the body, especially orally with bad root canals and implants. K2-MK7 fights bad oral bacteria, killing 95% of it, so I use high dose K2-MK7 with vitamin D3 as I have 3 root canals and an implant. I follow Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist author of the book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy And so far, he is right. One has to find their bowel tolerance of Vitamin C by taking it in divided doses per day till you get diarrhea and then back off till firmer. I find I can take much more at night. My dosage is 5 grams morning and 5 grams afternoon with 15 grams evening. Lysine is 6 grams a day, and Proline is 8 grams per day. All I know is there are no side effects, and it sure beats Statins and stents and many other medications.
So the real cause, as Levy points out, is sheer mechanical stress of the artery. It is quite well known that many endurance athletes often have high CAC's, and I have heard 40% of marathon runners have heart issues. I lost 100 lbs just from walking. I was also a former vegetarian on Dr. Cadwell Essyltyn diet. Now I'm basicly grain and sugar-free. Vitamin C has no toxicity, but too much water will kill you! I'm 68 yrs old. I walk 4-6,000 steps per day. I once heard that the Japanese are some of the longest lifespans in the world, I also heard they don't do marathons and they don't do gyms. I exercise for what I need no more, no less.
@@SET12DSP Japanese have long life span. This is probably due to that they eat tons of seaweed & fish giving them high omega3/omega6 ratio & this results in very low inflammation (hence low or less CALCIFICATION). Vita C is also good in reducing inflammation.
I had a cac test at 70, was in a bad way till 60. Improved my diet, have never smoked, perhaps a couple of drinks a year.😅ii do 6:11 exercises in the morning and go for an hours walk. To my surprise my score was zero. 6:04 i did have high bp 220/127 thought i was going to die but I didn’t. Have high cholesterol 6.7 , went on statins , nearly killed me , could not think, couldn’t do my exercise, went off it back to normal. I eat healthy and i feel good. I take d3 k2 for the last 2 years, perhaps that helped my arteries
My CAC score was over 1k! I did go to see a cardiologist and the only thing he did was prescribe a statin, crestor at a high dose, which I didn’t agree with. Even my PC doc said that was too high a dose. Plus the cardiologist set up an echo stress test which I easily passed with results stating exercise levels for my age (62) were excellent results. I’ve since had more testing done like Apob, particle size and number, all with good results. I’m taking the aspirin daily, but no statin. I simply don’t know what to do next. I’m doing a low carb diet and exercising more, but I’ve always been very active and never been overweight or smoked. Cholesterol and trig/hdl ratio are also good. I don’t get it, how did I get my arteries in such bad condition? I almost think they read my CAC wrong. Will be getting another one in October and I sure hope it hasn’t gotten worse.🙏 BTW, I asked the cardiologist about maybe getting a ct angiogram but he said that it was useless because the calcium would cause reflections, and therefore not be accurate, which sounds like garbage to me, but I’m not a scientist and I just don’t know.
Your CAC will do nothing but typically go up while on a statin because that's it job calcifying plaque in the name of stabilization in the cardiologist's eyes. The real issue is that the artery walls are deficient in vitamin C caused by mechanical stress of the artery next to the beating heart. Heavy exercise just makes it worse. Most endurance athletes have high CAC's. I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol and have reversed my CAC score from 660 to 458 so far. And I am not on a statin, nor will I ever be. I'm 68. 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. He has many utube videos, and I follow a lot of his advice.
I’m in the exact situation. My CAC score is 1995 too. My stress echo is normal. The cardiologist wants me on statins too. Ketogenic way of eating also.
Well my friend, we’re going at this together. I ain’t going with statins, but I’m definitely cutting carbs and sugar. There’s really not much info about our specific situation and none of these doctors will help, we’re on our own here. There’s so much bs about getting into this condition, but very little info about dealing with it if you do have some calcium buildup. Still no clue from all of our brilliant doctors 😢
@n2daair23 There's more information than you think! I have several books and have watched many videos of the authors of the books I have on u-tube. Not only that, but I have the Coronary Artery Calcium score to prove that what I'm doing does indeed work. Going from 660 to 458 in 20 months. Now it's a year later I expect it to be about 375 as it's regressing as fast as it progressed from 299 that I had 8 years ago. And that seems pretty fast. I learned one thing from Dr. Thomas Levy and that is if you have oral toxicity your fight against heart disease goes nowhere.
@@n2daair23 I’m going for a echo stress test next week. Shall see how that goes then see the cardiologist. Once I get all the results I will get an appointment with Dr Cywes online. I do take vitamin D 10,000 IU and 240 mg of Vitamin K2. I am ketogenic working towards carnivore. I am active for a 66 yr old and a stage 4 cancer survivor!🙏👍
I'm 68 years old, I smoke since I was 15, no proud of this bad vice, but my CAC is 0, my carotid ultrasound showed no plaque, my CRP is .7, I just wonder?
@@keithshaw3693 They are all the same. I went to the Mayo Clinic last week and same story….just take more pills. No emphasis on diet or lifestyle change. They all beat the same drum.
Hi Dr. Cywes! I have been on keto since 2019. My last labs have not changed total cholesterol 403, TG 80, HDL 109(decreased from 124), VLDL 11, LDL 283, hgb A1C 5.3, Lp(a)
73 yo male who had a CAC test (at my request and expense) in May. I scored a 429, a cardiologist contacted me wanting to follow up but we never got together. I don't trust most of these guys because they are all pill pushers. I would love to find someone who understands low carb diets and have looked at what Dr.Berry posted a while back but there is no one near Sioux City IA or my winter home in Lake Havasu City AZ. When I got my CAC score, I went from keto to carnivore. I am thinking more and more about contacting you so you can help me decide what to do. I have never smoked nor has my doctor ordered an A1c.
Houston based cardiologist Dr Nadir Mir Ali may jusr be who you are looking for. I believe he offfers telemedicine. He is low carb keto. Check out his channel and the many interviews where he is featured. The man is brilliant.
Thank you I just have my CAC scoring done I think the total is like $189 and there's in one part and the lower right-hand side is a zero 53....63... I guess all three areas equal up to I think 189 I was searching for more information from a knowledgeable source and I found this one of yours thank God that was the best information that I could get
I take Berberine. Whilst I don't have (pre)diabetes, I see very early signs of it. I've found that if you take Berberine with either capric acid or milk thistle; the effect is significantly better. My morning glucose is down to around 5.4 mmol/L whereas it used to be around 6.0, and HbA1c is down to 5.2 whereas it used to be 5.5 I haven't yet checked if it had any impact on my lipids, although that wasn't my concern because I already have higher HDL and low triglycerides because I've been low carb for a few years. I do have high LDL which I'm reasonably happy with, but if LDL lowers then great. Remember to stop taking Berberine for a couple of weeks maybe every 8 weeks, because it does impact the gut and liver. Just like metformin it can also reduce B12 absorption. Opinions vary on how often and for how long to cycle it. I'm typically taking 400-500mg Berberine twice a day, sometimes once a day, and none on Saturdays, when I do more exercise, skip lunch and my blood glucose stays lower the whole day. Edit to add that I've had zero side effects from Berberine. I get the impression that some people do get issues from it. Also, I'm not on any other drugs. It has a blood thinning effect, so be careful if you take any other supps/meds that also have that effect.
I had terrible headaches when taking berberine also stomach upset. Many get headaches and other side affects from it from my research. I have been taking chromium picolinate (colloidal) and it’s brought my morning BS down to average of 5 and slowly reducing fasting insulin level. Carnivore for 2.5 years and no weight loss, hoping that happens with time. I had pre diabetic morning BS levels even on carnivore
I'm a 74 year old female. Never smoked. Normal stress test EKG & nuclear test. CAC was 1700 in 01-24. I immediately stopped all grain, sugar & processed foods & started KETO. I've since lost 50# & still losing. Dr put me on a statin & got angry at my questions about fixing CAC. What should I do. Not diabetic, BP controlled by meds
is it to simplistic to say if your blood pressure is high odds are you have narrowing arteries or plaque build up. If blood pressure is low or normal there would be little plaque or blockage ?
Dr., thank you for this information. I recently got a first ever CAC score done and got a 578. One artery os over 300. How do I find a cardiologist who is not a “yahoo-cowboy”? I went to one that I found on a keto site and he was NOT supposed to be on there. I live just west of Orlando. I’m really struggling to find keto/carnivore friendly doctors. Thank you again!
Turning 60 in a month. - Just got my calcium score; 21. Thing is all of that number is in the LAD (aka "The Widow Maker.") A bit freaked out here. All of my other numbers are excellent save for my Lipoprotein-A which is 200 and my Apolipoprotein B which is 109. Triglycerides are 80 and my A1C is 4.9. - So the issue is the Widow Maker... not sure if this calls for a stent. I know my doc will want to put me on statins immediately. Grrrrr. --- Thanks for this info. Very, very informative.
Same here! Mine came 64 back and pratically all that # was in same location as well. Pending some more follow up labs. Did you ever get feeback regarding stent?
I urge you to look into doing a video on OMEGA 3 and it role in the hormonal balance.. I looked at your insulin vids. and this is important for the audience.
Hi Doctor Robert. I have been watching your videos over the last 3 days and found them fascinating. I am 72 years young and farmed all my life so am very fit and i have not needed ever to take medical drugs. 6 feet 3 inches tall and slim so I thought due to no sickness issues over the last 60 years i was bullet proof. However, I started to get ED, so thought i needed to get checked out. Well, my CT Calcium Score was 2293.5 is at the 94thpercentile. My tread test was, achieving heart rate of 148bpm which is 117% predicted. Blood pressure peaked to 164/68mmHg from a base line of138/72mmHg, no chest pain. I am on Aspirin now and booked in for an angiogram in August. Has anyone had a CT number that high and was able to bring it down?
49 top 20% fit for my age. Dont drink or smoke. Got a CAG of 76% percentile. It is on one spot above the LAD Rest of heart is clear. I beleive it scored higher because where it is sitting. Cardiologist prescribed 20mg statin. Said dont change training habits. Sent me on my way. Took statin for 6 months no real side effects, except my metabolim seems to be not working as well. I am nearly full carnivore for a month and given up statins. Also taking vit DK2 B3 daily.
Which test would my husband need ? In 2019 he had a stent placed in his LAD. His cholesterol was 218 so his cardiologist changed his meds to Repatha a two months ago. We have been carnivores for almost a year now. Last week his cholesterol was at 178.
I can garantee one thing, the need of stent has nothing to do with his colesterol levels(unless very oxidized) .Statins are maybe to lower inflamation?
@@jennifervitt7045 Ya... first visit i got the stern "If you dont trust me, maybe you should get a new dr" then second visit (sad face) "i hope you are still alive for the next visit" . I know its time for a new Dr. but i have been with him for YEARS!" And you never know if another Dr is any different
When I got my CAC score I asked what population of people have positive scores. They said diabetics. Interestingly, they see people who have scores in the thousands that are over 70 years old. They told me the highest score they have seen was 6000 in man who was in his late 80s!
There's a calculator online that lets you plugin in your CAC, age, race, and gender and then see where you fall relative to your cohort/peers, i.e. which percentile you're in. Search for "MESA CAC calculators"
That's me at almost 64. Last CAC score 4 years ago was 1143. I refused statin drugs. Currently Carnivore and exercising everyday. Saw a couple videos on Revera that a few people dropped, their CAC scores by hundreds of points on Carnivore. I also took up Sprinting after watching Dr Sean Omara videos. He says visceral fat is the number one cause of all diseases. My stomach size , has been plummeting after starting Sprinting, for the last two months. My cardiologist, said I killed the stress test. He says he thought my calcium was from the outside in. I have no blockages. Maybe all my long distance cardio caused the calcium built up.
@@kennethh4904 Huh? Very curious to know more about the calcium build up. Bracing myself for a barrage of "conventional wisdom" from conventional MD's/cardiologist. Appreciate any tips you can offer as I dare to request a CAC. Ugh!
I just had one. Never smoked eat keto diet. Only high ldl. It was 509. It rocked my world. Now I have a statin on my counter. Not diabetic either. Just worried. I’m 71. Metabolic health is excellent. Now I’m scared. Wish I hadn’t had the test now. I’ve had a lot of stress in my life. 3:10
Stress is a killer too!!! I don't have a CAC yet, non diabetic, same age. Thinking I'll continue to focus on inflammation until I learn more. Hang in there!!
@@glendaking5576 Right? Because you don't know where to go from there? I'm more a "moth to a flame" and want to be armed with knowledge. Unfortunately, I've to to research & learn a LOT going forward. Best wishes.
My score was 200. I was equally worried. Then, I realized that knowledge is power. I now have the power to do something about it. I've been Keto for 8 months, lost weight, and feel good. I have another CAC scheduled for Oct of 2024. Good luck!!
So, Dr. Agatston said that a statin can help stabilize the placque. Might a statin be worth taking for that? (husband's CAC score is 300 in the LAD with moderate blockage)
My CAC score came back at 65, I switched to a keto diet, cut back on alcohol consumption. My PC wanted to put me on a statin. My A1C was 5.2 on the blood test, my triglycerides were optimal, and my HDL was optimal. My LDL was 193 and that was another reason for the statin. I decided not to take the statin, hope I made the right decision, I'm 64 yrs.
I'd rather get another test and see what happens. Unless the score is over a thousand and I've had a heart attack I'd rather stay away from the statins even if it is low dose. Thanks for your input. @@DK-pr9ny
Keto/Carnivore contributes to oxidation of cholesterol which in turn causes inflammation. Why? Because cooking meat oxidizes the fats - simple as that! Now, people who eat a ton of sugar and bad carbs, overweight, diabetes, etc., do well on keto because they get rid of the junk. However, long term they are hurting themselves in another way. Also, have your physician check your Lp(a) numbers. That is a nasty molecule that is hereditary and if elevated can definitely contribute to plaque and unstable plaque, especially when eating keto/carnivore. BTW, I've been in healthcare some 30 years trained in integrative functional medicine. Take care.
I’ve listened to a few videos with Dr. Cywes, and I don’t hear anything about high blood pressure. It is my understanding that HBP can cause arterial damage, thus plaque buildup. Also, what about stress?
I am confused. I just had a CAC score of zero. However, it showed calcification in my thoracic aorta. 67 y/o female. My GP said to see a cardiologist. I have an appointment in a few weeks.
I'm also 59 and had a score of 209, double bypass needed and done, LAD was 90% blocked. I'm not trying to scare or preach, just letting you know what happened to me.
@@danc3746 Interesting. How did they find the Left Descending Artery at 90% blocked? Did your doctor recommend a contrast angiogram after your CAC score came back st 209? My LAD had a CAC score of 117. The other arteries were much lower and made up the rest of the remaining score to equal 183 total score. Did you have any other symptoms? Just curious as to what prompted the double-bypass surgery. Thanks for your time and answers.
@@MelloGee33 No...my cardiologist at the time did not recommend any further tests after the 209 score and a passing stress test, I pushed for more. My LAD score was 98. I had absolutely no symptoms but just wanted to know more about how much plaque I had. I first did the noninvasive cath which showed some "severe" flow issues, and then a full cath through the wrist and up to my heart, I never left the hospital that day. I was put on blood thinners and had double bypass surgery a couple days later. All I am saying is dont listen to doctors when it comes to tests, if you want to know demand those tests like I did. If I didn't I probably wouldn't have had much time left. The cardio surgeon told my daughter that I would not have survived a heart attack. All this from a simple and "moderate" 209 score.
What about soft plaque that isn't measured, is it more dangerous? Does being in Ketosis all the time make you more insulin resistant, so your body is unable to handle any amount of carb?
Soft plaque, particularly what they call hot (liquid) plaque, can be more dangerous, because it is more likely to rupture/move. You can measure soft plaque using CT angiogram and also other scans. You can estimate the presence of any sort of blood vessel narrowing using ankle-brachial index blood pressure test. Insulin resistance can be pathological (disease) or physiological (normal, expected). If you have beta cell loss (not enough insulin) or cells are ignoring the insulin (resistance) then that is pathological. If you consistently have higher blood glucose and either low or high insulin, that is an indication of pathological insulin resistance. If you are not producing much insulin because you don't have high blood glucose, then that is physiological. If you are low carb and suddenly eat significantly more carbs then the body may not respond as quickly with the insulin, but it will quite quickly start responding to carbs again and you can revert back to carbs. If you do that too much too often then it won't be good for you. Personally, I am keto most of the time and I can consume some extra carbs occasionally without any issues. Other people cannot do that because their glucose goes too high. Many people are carb addicted, so they cannot risk even occasional carbs.
sorry, wanted to say near neck artery which is a very big vessel although close to heart is an indirect measure and statically has not a proven method since people who have heart attacks have be shown to have CIMT of
Absolutely, NEVER!!!! do a stress test. I had a 209 score and passed a stress test with 90% blockage in the LAD. I needed double bypass after a full cath was done.
they do that to find any way possible to document an issue, so that they can prescribe a med or do a surgery. They are both at some points, necessary, but.....not in most cases.
Thanks so much for this….had a heart attack and a stint 4-5 years after going Keto/Carnivore and really questioned if I did the right thing….makes sense that the clot could have been from previous damage much like the pavement illustration. The week before my heart attack I was hiking in Colorado and asked cardiologist if this could have caused the blockage. He said it was possible but wanted to push it on my diet….since I already have a stint what is your suggestion for CAC in moving forward?
Keto/Carnivore contributes to oxidation of cholesterol which in turn causes inflammation. Why? Because cooking meat oxidizes the fats - simple as that! Now, people who eat a ton of sugar and bad carbs, overweight, diabetes, etc., do well on keto because they get rid of the junk. However, long term they are hurting themselves in another way. Also, have your physician check your Lp(a) numbers. That is a nasty molecule that is hereditary and if elevated can definitely contribute to plaque and unstable plaque, especially when eating keto/carnivore. BTW, I've been in healthcare some 30 years trained in integrative functional medicine. Take care.
64 year old with CAC at 590. Passed exercise stress test with flying colors. Low carb for last 5 years. Work hard to keep A1c low. Don’t know how to find an enlightened cardiologist in San Antonio or Austin TX. I fired mine who was LDlL centric. My statins sit in a drawer, unopened. Do take baby aspirin, nattokinase, lumbrokinase.
I've been carnivore for about a year. On fathers day I had a rupture. My cardiologist put me on all the medication you talk about. I've backed off all of them except the blood thinner. Now that I have a Stent, should I still get a CAC? You mentioned not doing a CAC after a Stent. The surgeon that put stent in said all other arteries are clear, but cardiologist said they still saw some plaque, so now wants a nuclear stress test.
As a physician myself in St. Pete Florida , I have recommended to my patients to follow your Chanel. You are the best on this topic for sure.
Dr, another great topic I have ZERO fear commenting on! So my Cholesterol is 300 and my doctor is VERY concerned, and I am not. He didn't seem interested in the fact that my HDL and Tri are the same at 75. He also wasn't moved when my CaC was 1. He said "I need to see the stress test." Well yesterday I did that and guess what? The Dr wrote I had "Superior Exercise Capacity" and put my 5year life expectancy at 97%. The tech said I was top 1% for stress test. Not bad for a 51 yr old male who was afraid to run 2 years ago because my heart always hurt and my arms were numb! Now, 19 months Ketovore, 5'10" lost 55 pounds, High School/Army weight currently 165lbs, waist is smaller than leg length 30/32, BMI is 23. Feeling better everyday!!! Seriously, CaC check is 45$ at my hospital, find out what yours cost and get it done, AT LEAST to get a baseline! I knew the tech because I fix the machine and we went slice by slice, checked my lungs for tumors as well, and were both pretty damn happy with what we saw! So I just quit smoking as well, I really struggle with smoking/vaping, I have for 35 years. Happy to say I am smoke free again! Hopefully can stay here :)
My 5 yr cardio life expectancy is 98% based on Echo stress test-above average exercise capability. Cholesterol is about 100 (fluctuates up and down about 10 pts either, HbA1C is 4.7, fasting blood sugar was 82 all testing done about 3 mo ago. Looking at these test results in a vacuum are meaningless. I love how people wave their labs touting good health when they are not. CaC only shows calcified plaque. Nothing about other plaque. No way I'd continue with routine CaC testing, NFW I'd get a angiogram if I was asymptomatic. I am 67, eat a plant based diet, no meat, no dairy, no added oil. Every Dr. I have been to has praised my diet. They are not selling anything, they know what the data says and they don't have a YT channel.
@@buckmurdock2500Indeed. Old calcified plaque means nothing. He lost me when he said he sent his patient for a stent.
Seriously, you have increased your life expectancy way past 5 years by ceasing smoking. Good for you!
Yes sir but can you get the CAC scan wuthout a dr of some sirt to set it up for you cause uve had three cardiologist to refuse me they say why do you want that done youve alrrady gotten a stent and you know you have a problem so why do the test????
@@brendaandrandyking4126 my doc did order mine, but I didn't use insurance for it. I think it cost under $200. Not sure if insurance would pay, but I didn't want to wait for authorization and then didn't submit the bill. Sounds pretty closed minded for your doc not to get that for you. My placed suggested that and then what a ultrasound on carotid arteries and legs, which were free locally.
IVOR CUMMINS is EXCELLENT. His research is SOLID. Everyone should be following him.
Yes, he's pretty good at stopping the progression of heart disease. But I have never seen him reverse it like the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol that has already reversed mine by 30% verified by CAC.
63 year old male, totally symptom free, no chest pain. Keto since 2019. Since I had a high LDL of 200 in a routine lipid profile, my doctor ordered CAC scan ($130). It came back in the 900's so my doctor ordered a CAC test with contrast. I reviewed the films with my cardiologist and he explained what he saw. He then ordered and performed an ECHO cardiogram. Everything normal. He then performed a coronary angiogram to get a good look inside my coronary arteries and check actual blood flow. and pressure. Bottom line: my blood flow was over 90%, so he did not stent (he told me ahead of the procedure that he was not going to stent if the blood flow was over 90%). One coronary artery (circumflex) was completely blocked but collateral arteries grew around the blockage. All plaque was hard and stable and posed little risk. He cleared me to play tennis or any activity I desire.
My cardiologist understands statin propaganda and big pharma. We discussed the statin studies and the difference between relative risk reduction and absolute risk reduction of taking a statin. I opted out of the statins.
The coronary angiogram gave us the data we needed.
Thanks for sharing. My numbers are similar to yours, and my doc highly recommends a statin as they apparently help to calcify soft plaque and reduce inflammation.
Did insurance pay for your additional testing? 5:03
Desperate for a keto-friendly cardiologist. RU from Boston area???? Would greatly appreciate name of your cardiologist!
So then im wondering if vitamin k2 is effective against only soft plaques ???? And what do you think of nattokinase??
@@DK-pr9nywait statins help to harden the soft plaques???? That diesnt sound good to me
I'm a 74 yr old woman, non-smoker, not diabetic, mostly low carb the past 10 years although I have "fallen off the wagon" with some sweets from time to time.Recent cholesterol was 412, HDL 104, triglycerides 76 (had been 46 a year or two ago but I knew I'd eaten more carbs). Previous cholesterol tests in 300's but HDL always around 100. Fasting insulin low (sorry I don't have test results handy), fasting blood sugar around 90, sometimes in the 80's. I refused statins for years & got doc to order CAC. Result = 0 Had a nuclear stress test a few years ago & that was normal. Get the CAC done! Gives you peace of mind, but also got my doc to stop harping about cholesterol and statins! My insurance covered it (I just paid a small copay) but I would've done it anyway. The imaging center told me the cost was $99 if I'd had to pay full price. Worth every penny if I'd had to pay that.
No one with a zero CAC needs a statin. If you're on Medicare, the 5 min test is covered. If not, it's probably less than $200.
Triglycerides divided by HDL tells your realest risks. Your ratio value is well below 1. That value being above 1 raises your risks of heart events and strokes by 5 times. At one point years ago, in my inflammed fatty liver disease ( NASH) I had a total cholestrol level of just 211, but I only had traces of HDL or 0 and higher triglycerides..
@@sixpackbinky Yeah, I like his Channel.
If it’s a 0 it gives you peace of mind. Just my opinion. Now I worry never even thought about it.
Did I miss your LDL values?
This was the best video I’ve watched on the subject, hands down.
My husband got a score of 14 at age 72, he is now 75. We kinda thought that was acceptable. We're both are low carb/Keto for about 7 years, work out with weights and RV travel across the country.
It's $99 - I'd so it again. the sitting can be a problem...
So what? Why should that interest anyone else?
@@MrYorickJenkinstroll
@@AK3lms "YorickJenkinstroll" is no answer. Is it the best your intelligence can reach to? I repeat the question, try to answer it please if you possibly can. Why should anyone be interested in the scores of complete strangers?
I greatly appreciate both you and Ivor. He's a truth teller. Thanks for your work!
I'm 64. A lean mass hyper responder, super high cholesterol,normal triglycerides, ZERO CAC score.
Ketovore for life.
Ketovore for life comes with serious issues also. High Cancer & Alzimers rates at the population level. Vegetarians have 2/3 lower cancer rates & very low Alzimers rates
@@bscsmscs1578 Don't belive that for a second
@@PaulBengtsson Just a matter of religion & pick your poison. I couldn't survive vegetarianism if my life depended on it.
@@MK-sc8md But you clever enoff to know that it was just BS what him or she claimed.
@@bscsmscs1578BS.
I have an amazing cardiologist. He said he would get me a cac test/score................... but there is nothing that can reverse a high score. I said, don't worry, I'm carnivore now so it is what it is. His response, keep doing what you are doing.
Yes, you can reverse a CAC score as I have reversed mine, and I'm not even a carnivore to speak of. I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. I have reversed mine from 660 to 458 so far....
@@SET12DSP iv been taking lysine, proline vitamin C, tocotrienols etc for years I have no idea if it has helped until I get my cac score done I suppose
@@SET12DSPwow that’s great!
Bull.....dr brewer....I think his name is Ford???....he has videos of himself reducing his
Look up this video its six years old dr Ford Brewer How i reversed 20 years of plaque.....he has many Premed short vi deos too
No BS. Just brilliant info. Many thanks
It was because of that amazing individual and very great soul, Ivor Cummins, that I got a CAC 4 years ago...after having gone low carb in 2017 (no sugar, no grains, no seed oils), and I had a score of 6. What I really like about a low carb / keto approach to things is that you can see the results in your blood work. I consistently have HDL in the 70s, TGL in the 60s, Insulin down at about 2, HOMA-IR at 0.5 or less, and C-reactive protein (systemic inflammation marker) at a very low 0.47. My doctor still wants to put me on a statin because my total cholesterol is about 250 (Rob Lustig MD -author of Metabolical, says to throw that number in the garbage). No way in hell I'm going on a statin after seeing a family member go through dementia...no way, José. So many doctors seem to work for the drug companies -at least indirectly. At 72 I feel really good. I wish that I could have known this stuff 50 years ago...but nobody did.
Yes theres documented literature of a Banting man who was corportulant....thats old word for fat....doing an all meat diet or meat and litte veg high fats he lost a lot of weight too
EXCELLENT, GOOD FOR YOU!!!! 🎉❤
I had bloodwork done this past summer, triglycerides 77, HDL 62, LDL 190, fasted insulin 5.2. I’m 62 very fit, weight training for 50 years. Started keto/carnivore this summer after being off of it for a while. My PA sees the numbers on my bloodwork and calls in a statin to my pharmacy without even consulting me. I just said no, from the numbers I appear to be metabolically healthy. Should I go ahead and schedule a CAC? I really don’t want to go to this PA again and it’s frustrating trying to find a competent doctor.
Shake the dust from your feet and don't look back. You don't need this doctor.
I’m 52 , and have been on a carnivore diet since May of 2023 . I’m currently down 80lbs and my BP is now normal at 110/68 average , A1C down from 5.7 -5.2 . My cholesterol has always been high at about 280 total but now my ldl is high at about 232 with slightly rising HDL at about 39-40 and triglycerides in the low 90’s .
I had echocardiogram done , ekg , holster monitor and exercise stress test in September with my cardiologist and go back in a couple of months . Here’s the thing , I just got a new CAC done last month and I’m now 312 up from 72 in 2018 and I’m concerned . I’m strict carnivore and exercise usually three days a week now fairly intensely with resistance interval training .
My primary wanted me back on a statin in December so I did at a lower dose of 10mg crestor per day and get new blood work next month . I’m praying I’m on the road to recovery of heart disease . I don’t drink and never smoked .
HELP 😢
but...(re: CAC increasing)...did you get a cvd shot? Spike proteins are highly toxic to the vascular system. You didn't mention male or female.. if female, every on birth control? Any childhood trauma? Stress in life? Type A? It's way more than just "drink or smoke" thing. Do you exercise, weight train, go to sleep at a good time? Wake up at a good time? Get sunlight? Etc
@@jac1161 I’m male and no on the 💉.
I weight train 3-4 days a week now
You story is very similar to mine. 79 cac in 2019, 327 last week. No smoke or drink but poor sleep and high stress. Have you seen your cardiologist? What did they say about the rapid increase in cac score?
I think I love this Doctor! However, I live in Phoenix, AZ
I am smiling not just because you joked at the end of the video but also because after our consultation I got nothing but great news about my health. Now I will be doing my CAC or CTC I don't know anymore, and hopefully I will be smiling a lot more after that. Do your consults with Dr Cywes, its worth it. Thank you Dr Cywes 💛
I'm 48. I'm also one of the "rare" ones who smoked most of my life and used vaping to quit smoking 10 years ago and still vape now, and I have a score of 0. Been carnivore now for about a year. Lost 65 lbs, reversed insulin resistance etc and feel better than I did back in my 20's.
How can you tell that you reversed insulin resistance??? A blood level on the insulin??😊
@@brendaandrandyking4126 fasting insulin being below 5 is a pretty good indication but for non blood markers, when you lose weight and start burning fat for fuel instead of carbs, you have reversed insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is nothing more than severe insulin resistance that has been allowed to persist for many years. I caught mine before it developed into pre diabetes and full blown diabetes, thanks to these youtube keto/carnivore doctors/influencers. I had never heard of insulin resistance until then. Your standard doctors don't even know this much lol. It is sad honestly.
61 yo lean mass hyper-responder. Over 2.5 yrs carnivore. LDL = 566; remnant cholesterol < 14; triclyceride:HDL ratio = 0.79; C Reactive Protein = 0.7; Total Calcium score = 0
there are lots of chain smokers who live >90 yrs. That doesn't mean smoking is OK for people in general.
50yo carnivore. Not a hyper-responder. Total cho, 190. Triglycerides, 66. HDL,46. Triglyceride/HDL ratio: 4.8. LDL, 137. C-RP, 6. Total CAC, 118. What gives? I want my CAC = 0.
@@MrProphet469// your TG/HDL is 1.4, not 4.8. That’s pretty good. 60 and my CAC is 1120 so I understand something of what you are going through. Got mine down to about 1.1 on low carb. Over 4 years, dropped my Lp(a) from 92 to 42 (they say it’s hereditary and doesn’t change, my N=1 says hogwash). Lost 55+ pounds as well. Point is, you can do this!
8 inches 🤭
@MrProphet469 Your score could double every 5 years as mine did.
I used the Linus Paulings Heart Protocol to reverse my CAC from 660 to 458.
Check out Dr. Thomas Levy's book "Stop America's #1Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy.
Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner, and Dr. Levy expands on Pauling's work.
Im 64 just had CAC score of 800, pretty bad. Results of a life of stress and bad diet. I'm a Non smoker no diebetes, good blood pressure. Though I was previously overweight 40+ pounds and had a drink or 3 every day. So I changed my diet a year prior to getting the cac score and lost 40,lbs. Cut way back on alcohol to 1 or 2 drinks a month. Since I cant afford the battery of tests and specialist appointments my cardiologist recommended I decided to attack the problem with diet and excersize. Moderate keto with fish and omega 3s. I have already accepted the possibility of my own mortality so I dont live in fear of death, if it comes it comes, I've had a good life. I keep my stress low and enjoy every day.
Life is way too short to be around bad people.
Amen, brother. 👍
Good luck, you've made the change, well done😊
My hubs had his first heart attack ( the widowmaker)at 33 years old. He's 5' 9" and was 145 pounds. His next was at 44 ( again the widowmaker) . He has had 2 stents. His cardiologist has never given him a CAC test. He has started eating keto after watching me for the past 4 years but is afraid to get off statins. I love sending him your videos to listen to as he's driving❤
cardiologist do as little as endocrinologist as little as GI doctors, etc...... when you learn what we never learned in medical and nursing school, you'll be pretty disgusted.... like I was as a cardiac nurse, and a young patient who learned a lot on my own.
Great info on heart disease and how to prevent, like your cac score info to, thanks.
Fantastic presentation by Dr Cywes... Thank you
Excellent information thank you so very much!!!
Wonderful explanation... Thanks
Salutes to both you AND carb addiction mom! ❤
Hello from Queensland Australia
Thanks!
Astonishing, enlightening "food" for thought! So much complicated controversy. Very challenging to find and engage a keto-friendly medical "expert". Trying to be my own lab rat. Can overdoing calcium supplements exacerbate plaques? Ready to learn, rock and roll!!!
No calcium supplements!
No? Grrr. Just realized how much sugar in milk & had to cut back. Say "cheese"~@@honkytonk4465
I’m 61 and take calcium supplements for osteoporosis. My CAC score is zero.
Brilliant, thank you!!
Thanks Doc!
Good afternoon from Copperhill Tn.
So, just trying to gather info and learn what's best to do at this point. My calcium score is 5700! I have angiogram scheduled in few days.
Hi. What was the result of the test?
@@chriss.6526 I ended up getting open heart surgery, quadruple bypass and a valve replacement. A bit of a rough ride, but great results. Today I seem to be doing well, cycling and very active.
HI Dr. Cywes, I have found your videos very informative indeed being a T2 diabetic 20 yrs and have been fed meds/insulin!!! I tried keto 2 yrs ago.
Happily Im off insulin and lost 15 kgs! I reside in Cape Town, South Africa.
Please could you recommend any keto LCHF Docs that are like-minded? Thanks for the brilliant work you and similar Dr's in your space are doing to switch the lights on for us being treated by archaic Dr's stuck on solving health issues with meds only.
My triglycerides are 100 and my HDL is 66. My ldl is 219. A1C 5.4. My vitamin D was 74 my doctor said it was too high and stop taking it. My CAC was 509. I’m so confused. My BP is 120/78. Never ever smoked. The LAD widow maker had 400 From the CAC score. I’m going to see another cardiologist to give me the other tests. 32:27
thank you for all the info. I did contribute via PP
Great video, thank you...
Great great great info Doc…. Appreciate you so so much
Great video. Thanks Dr Cywes.
MESA 10-year CHD risk calculator incorporates other variables to give a better risk estimates than just CAC score. For example, if you have moderately high CAC score, but otherwise normal cholesterol and TG levels and normal BP you’re at a lower risk than “20 %” (i.e., depending on your exact numbers, likely less than 10%) listed here that’s based only on CAC score …
How do you find a cardiologist like you described?
I requested and am getting my first CAC test next Monday
50% to 3%!!! Wow!!! Thank you doc!
My doctor put me on statins but they made me feel terrible. I told him I wasn’t taking them. I told him I wanted a CAC test. It was zero. No statins for me.
Well you don’t need them.
Hay... my wife of 40 years just had a terrible heart attack. She has had two CAC scores that were zero ! Had to have double bypass surgery. No symptoms or contributing factors. She had Covid late May early June. Her prior blood work was perfect !!! I think it was a hemorrhagic clot.... inflammation!!!!
Isn't it all about inflammation? I don't think I've ever had a C Reactive Protein done. Thinking about getting a Dr. Cywes consult to get on the right track w/ my PCP & likely new cardiologist.
Just a question did your wife have the covid vaccine?
cvd shots by chance? ....
the injection is highly toxic, and IS the infection (spike protein is wicked for the brain, heart, lungs, etc...especially heart)
CAC does not show the soft plaque which creates heart attacks. Her Apo(B) might have been elevated, most blood works don't show it. Many with a CAC 0 will have heart attacks. People should get a CT-Angiogram at 40 and forget about CAC, stress test. Good luck with insurance companies. We get cancer markers and preventive tests but nothing is done with the heart.
Love ❤Ivor!!!
Great video. I've been on keto and IF for over 3.5 years and dropped almost 50 lbs and have been maintaining 150lbs at 5' 10" and I'm 58. I went on keto because I didn't like how I was creeping up on the scale and past dieting seemed to hit higher plateaus. For example, in my late 30s, I could diet a bit and get myself down to 170lbs, but by my late 40s, the new low was 175, then in my 50s, closer to 180. I also had been prediabetic for 10 years at the low-end of the scale at 101 fasting glucose but I never had my a1c checked. So many things I wished my doctor would have checked given my age but it wasn't until I was on keto that I took charge and had him order all my tests, including the CAC. Now before I started on keto my total cholesterol was 164, LDL 92, trig 72, hdl 40 and my bp fluctuated between 120/80 to 140/95. I was taking 100mg atenolol since my early 40s to address palpitations. Now my total cholesterol is 190, ldl 134, hdl 55, and trig 52 with bp at 120/80 most of the time. Keto didn't really change BP that much, if any. I take a calcium channel blocker now to address onset afib w/RVR back in late April. No new episodes since then. I did have an echo back in June to check the structure of the heart to determine if I had afib for a longer period and just didn't know it until I had the one in April. Everything looked good, had minimal calcification on the main valve, but nothing alarming for my age. So I went ahead and got the CAC just to know and it came back with a 3. 3.6% of a cardiovascular event over the next 10 years. My cardiologist said he doesn't recommend a statin yet, not until the risk hits 5%. He has also been pushing to get me off keto to at least a Mediterranean diet, but preferably plant-based. Unfortunately I didn't order up all these test before I went on keto so I could compare them 3.5 years later. There's no way to know what the CAC score was before I started keto, but I'll just use this as the baseline going forward and do it again in a year or 2. It's cheap enough and it's super easy - only took 2 minutes and even better, it's non-invasive.
Thank you Dr Cywes for this amazing video ♥️
This is a great teaching with excellent explanations.
Thank you.!!
I am 68 years old man . CAC score is very high 2157. No chest pain. No family history of heart attacks . I lost 30 lbs I exercise 4 times a week threadmill and weight lifting BMI is 23.5 my aic is 6.5. My pressure is normal range cholesterol is normal 75. HDL and LDL are normal range i dont drink alcohol for a year never smoked. But worried about my cac score 2157 which is high. I use to have high blood pressure befire but now it is nornal last 6 months and diabetes 2 is under control. Cac score is high and bothers me. This was ordered by my primary dr. I have a cardiologist appointment after 2 months . Long wait.What can I expect for treatment?
I had a CAC score of 1333 after eating SAD for 50 yrs. I quickly went on keto for a year then continued to eat 50gm carbs and do OMAD and extended fasting of 36 hrs couple times a month for 5 yrs. Now my score is 2533. I am still low carb 50 gms no statins or BP medicine because 5 different medicines didn't work. Any suggestions? I've worked so hard.
I love the LifeLife Screening. Not as detailed as a cardiologist visit but also not nearly as expensive.
My wife is 80 yo and had a heart attack in 2018, widow maker 100% blocked. Stented at that time. Type 2 diabetic. On blood thinners, BP meds and a statin. What should she do? Had a CAC scan a week ago, waiting for the results.
How about IV choline or Plaquex (phosphatidylcholine) for clearing arteries? Effective?
Not that I'm aware
There are too many lifestyle variables to assume any chart is going to be a good predictor of risk. I'm a former Marathon runner (30 Marathons between the ages of 17 and 43), current Triathlete, 65 years old, still competitive, low carb eater, and my CAC score has tripled in five years. I have yet to find a sympathetic cardiologist.
Seems like your training is putting a lot of stress on your pipes. Maybe it's time to hang up the shoes and find something else like weight training to fill the gap. Just a thought.
@gator7082 Been doing weights since I was 15. Still 4 or 5x per week.
@@newunderthesun7353 My point was chronic cardio is bad for you. Most professionals marathon or triathlon look like sh** and don't' age well. Weight lifting as we age has obvious benefits including getting yourself off the ground when you are 80.
Dr. Cywes said ""You shouldn't have a CAC scan if you have already had a stent or coronary vessels it's a different test we do for that!"
Anybody know what this test is exactly?
Because I've never heard of this test before!
And he never mentioned that in any of his previous videos that I watch!
Excellent video! I got my CAC test today after being inspired by your talk at the Hard to Kill Summit in Omaha! It was fantastic talking to you at the VIP reception and thank you for the shout out to “the rainbow people” 😂 Our support group has grown since last weekend! ❤❤❤ - Jennifer
Great meeting you too
@@robertcywes2966 CAC score was 0! Been doing low carb for 20 years! The last 7 years keto, last 3 years strict keto!
When I have used coconut oil in the past, my bad cholesterol went up. My CAC was 175 last year. I try to be low carb but lately eating rice because I need something binding for digestion. I don’t like using meds. Also can't increase salt because of edema and kidney stones so can't use this protocol.
I won't even have milk in my house. Only heavy cream and butter..... discussion, then what to do - call to action, strategies you can do yourself: 25:00 get bloodwork done CAC score; therapy - low carb, high fat, increase salt, get A1c at 5.2 0r lower; some form of physical activity every day - frequency more important than intensity; No statins ; baby aspirin a day; antioxidants Omega 3 fatty acid, MCT or coconut oil, Vitamin D3 K2 and walks in the sunshine; Vitamin C; blood pressure control - monitor every day; stop nicotine products; correct insulin resistance; take care of your heart!
Hi Dr Cywes, just watch this. 7 months keto carnivore, 42 yrs old female. CAC is 1. Thanks for the information you shared. I wish i can get a cgm but if not diabetic it's hard to get one
as it should be - diabetics needs this more than those just fearing diabetes
@jac1161 BUT w/o good labs early (which we don't really get, do we?) seems like it would be immediately notification that whatever you're eating is jumping your sugar up -- like when Dr C compared the use of adding cream or milk to his coffee. If people could see immediate results, they could train themselves early not to develop the bad habit of ingesting foods that are really bad for them!
@@JScox I agree. It's more for prevention. It's better than the cure. Because if you need a cure that means it's too late
@jac1161 having the knowledge of how food spike you is wonderful. I don't need to wear the device forever. I could try it for 3 months. There are many companies making them now so there is no shortage. It's a good business since a lot of Americans are pre or diabetic.
Calcified plaque is usually very stable and very different from the hot extremely dangerous liquid plaque!
That's true! But how about getting rid of both as I am. Reversing my CAC with the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol.
@@SET12DSP please elaborate!
@Hanover-ek4jy Linus Pauling was a 2-time Nobel Prize winner and was awarded 48 PhDs over his lifetime. He was a biochemist and considered to be one of the world's smartest men in the last 1000yrs.
He worked with MDs and cardiologists, but because he wasn't an MD, cardiologists refused to believe that he knew anything. But Pauling had many interests, one of which was vitamin C and its use in the body, especially heart disease. As it was in the 1950s, it was discovered that heart attack victims were severely difficult in C in the arteries close to the heart, and the damage was quite evident. Lp-a, a sub-particle of LDL, was discovered to initiate the plaque process. Lp-a was found to be the bodies substitute for vitamin C. Every cell in the body needs C and, in large amounts, way more than the RDA. The blood holds very little in contrast to the cells. I never knew this, but you can have a thing called focal scurvy, meaning an area that is in short supply of C or completely deficient. I found out that the eyes require a huge amount of C.
So Lysine and Proline, which are amino acids, are used to bind Lp-a in the blood and prevent it from starting the plaqueing process, allowing C to repair the damaged artery correctly. Repair the damaged Lysine and Proline exposed strands. Instead of plastering it all up and further calcifying the artery wall, which cardiologists call a healing process. Not in Paulings' eyes and surely not in a few cardiologists' eyes either. After seeing my CAC Score reversing, it was certainly not in my eyes.
There has never been a study on this as there is no money in it!
As you may know, statins are the most profitable drug in the pharma industry.
The studies that were done were with hardly a gram. They would call 500mg a mega dose as 100mg is the RDA.
As it turns out, the body uses C up rapidly, fighting any toxicity in the body, especially orally with bad root canals and implants. K2-MK7 fights bad oral bacteria, killing 95% of it, so I use high dose K2-MK7 with vitamin D3 as I have 3 root canals and an implant.
I follow Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist author of the book "Stop America's #1 Killer " Proof that the Origin of All Coronary Heart Disease is Clearly Reversible Arterial Scurvy And so far, he is right.
One has to find their bowel tolerance of Vitamin C by taking it in divided doses per day till you get diarrhea and then back off till firmer. I find I can take much more at night.
My dosage is 5 grams morning and 5 grams afternoon with 15 grams evening.
Lysine is 6 grams a day, and Proline is 8 grams per day.
All I know is there are no side effects, and it sure beats Statins and stents and many other medications.
So the real cause, as Levy points out, is sheer mechanical stress of the artery. It is quite well known that many endurance athletes often have high CAC's, and I have heard 40% of marathon runners have heart issues.
I lost 100 lbs just from walking. I was also a former vegetarian on Dr. Cadwell Essyltyn diet. Now I'm basicly grain and sugar-free.
Vitamin C has no toxicity, but too much water will kill you! I'm 68 yrs old. I walk 4-6,000 steps per day. I once heard that the Japanese are some of the longest lifespans in the world, I also heard they don't do marathons and they don't do gyms.
I exercise for what I need no more, no less.
@@SET12DSP Japanese have long life span. This is probably due to that they eat tons of seaweed & fish giving them high omega3/omega6 ratio & this results in very low inflammation (hence low or less CALCIFICATION). Vita C is also good in reducing inflammation.
I had a cac test at 70, was in a bad way till 60. Improved my diet, have never smoked, perhaps a couple of drinks a year.😅ii do 6:11 exercises in the morning and go for an hours walk. To my surprise my score was zero. 6:04 i did have high bp 220/127 thought i was going to die but I didn’t. Have high cholesterol 6.7 , went on statins , nearly killed me , could not think, couldn’t do my exercise, went off it back to normal. I eat healthy and i feel good. I take d3 k2 for the last 2 years, perhaps that helped my arteries
My CAC score was over 1k! I did go to see a cardiologist and the only thing he did was prescribe a statin, crestor at a high dose, which I didn’t agree with. Even my PC doc said that was too high a dose. Plus the cardiologist set up an echo stress test which I easily passed with results stating exercise levels for my age (62) were excellent results. I’ve since had more testing done like Apob, particle size and number, all with good results. I’m taking the aspirin daily, but no statin. I simply don’t know what to do next. I’m doing a low carb diet and exercising more, but I’ve always been very active and never been overweight or smoked. Cholesterol and trig/hdl ratio are also good. I don’t get it, how did I get my arteries in such bad condition? I almost think they read my CAC wrong. Will be getting another one in October and I sure hope it hasn’t gotten worse.🙏 BTW, I asked the cardiologist about maybe getting a ct angiogram but he said that it was useless because the calcium would cause reflections, and therefore not be accurate, which sounds like garbage to me, but I’m not a scientist and I just don’t know.
Your CAC will do nothing but typically go up while on a statin because that's it job calcifying plaque in the name of stabilization in the cardiologist's eyes.
The real issue is that the artery walls are deficient in vitamin C caused by mechanical stress of the artery next to the beating heart.
Heavy exercise just makes it worse. Most endurance athletes have high CAC's.
I am on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol and have reversed my CAC score from 660 to 458 so far. And I am not on a statin, nor will I ever be. I'm 68.
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.
He has many utube videos, and I follow a lot of his advice.
I’m in the exact situation. My CAC score is 1995 too. My stress echo is normal. The cardiologist wants me on statins too. Ketogenic way of eating also.
Well my friend, we’re going at this together. I ain’t going with statins, but I’m definitely cutting carbs and sugar. There’s really not much info about our specific situation and none of these doctors will help, we’re on our own here. There’s so much bs about getting into this condition, but very little info about dealing with it if you do have some calcium buildup. Still no clue from all of our brilliant doctors 😢
@n2daair23 There's more information than you think! I have several books and have watched many videos of the authors of the books I have on u-tube.
Not only that, but I have the Coronary Artery Calcium score to prove that what I'm doing does indeed work. Going from 660 to 458 in 20 months. Now it's a year later I expect it to be about 375 as it's regressing as fast as it progressed from 299 that I had 8 years ago. And that seems pretty fast.
I learned one thing from Dr. Thomas Levy and that is if you have oral toxicity your fight against heart disease goes nowhere.
@@n2daair23 I’m going for a echo stress test next week. Shall see how that goes then see the cardiologist. Once I get all the results I will get an appointment with Dr Cywes online. I do take vitamin D 10,000 IU and 240 mg of Vitamin K2. I am ketogenic working towards carnivore. I am active for a 66 yr old and a stage 4 cancer survivor!🙏👍
I'm 68 years old, I smoke since I was 15, no proud of this bad vice, but my CAC is 0, my carotid ultrasound showed no plaque, my CRP is .7, I just wonder?
My cardiologist just ordered big dose of statins. No stress test no further testing. I was so defeated when I left. 14:36
the entire system is defeating....as a nurse and patient they left neglected, I can't even tell you how devastating..... they get incentives. Period.
I think I would refer to another cardiologist.
@@keithshaw3693 They are all the same. I went to the Mayo Clinic last week and same story….just take more pills. No emphasis on diet or lifestyle change. They all beat the same drum.
Yeah my cardiologist is doing the same thing. I hate to be confrontational but here goes…
Hi Dr. Cywes! I have been on keto since 2019. My last labs have not changed total cholesterol 403, TG 80, HDL 109(decreased from 124), VLDL 11, LDL 283, hgb A1C 5.3, Lp(a)
did you get cvd shots? Very inflammatory. as is the early infection
Definitely smiled at the end.
73 yo male who had a CAC test (at my request and expense) in May. I scored a 429, a cardiologist contacted me wanting to follow up but we never got together. I don't trust most of these guys because they are all pill pushers. I would love to find someone who understands low carb diets and have looked at what Dr.Berry posted a while back but there is no one near Sioux City IA or my winter home in Lake Havasu City AZ. When I got my CAC score, I went from keto to carnivore. I am thinking more and more about contacting you so you can help me decide what to do. I have never smoked nor has my doctor ordered an A1c.
Houston based cardiologist Dr Nadir Mir Ali may jusr be who you are looking for. I believe he offfers telemedicine. He is low carb keto. Check out his channel and the many interviews where he is featured. The man is brilliant.
Thank you I just have my CAC scoring done I think the total is like $189 and there's in one part and the lower right-hand side is a zero 53....63... I guess all three areas equal up to I think 189 I was searching for more information from a knowledgeable source and I found this one of yours thank God that was the best information that I could get
We are using Berberine instead of metformin. What is your opinion on Berberine?
I take Berberine. Whilst I don't have (pre)diabetes, I see very early signs of it. I've found that if you take Berberine with either capric acid or milk thistle; the effect is significantly better. My morning glucose is down to around 5.4 mmol/L whereas it used to be around 6.0, and HbA1c is down to 5.2 whereas it used to be 5.5
I haven't yet checked if it had any impact on my lipids, although that wasn't my concern because I already have higher HDL and low triglycerides because I've been low carb for a few years. I do have high LDL which I'm reasonably happy with, but if LDL lowers then great.
Remember to stop taking Berberine for a couple of weeks maybe every 8 weeks, because it does impact the gut and liver. Just like metformin it can also reduce B12 absorption. Opinions vary on how often and for how long to cycle it.
I'm typically taking 400-500mg Berberine twice a day, sometimes once a day, and none on Saturdays, when I do more exercise, skip lunch and my blood glucose stays lower the whole day.
Edit to add that I've had zero side effects from Berberine. I get the impression that some people do get issues from it. Also, I'm not on any other drugs. It has a blood thinning effect, so be careful if you take any other supps/meds that also have that effect.
Depends on disease severity
I had terrible headaches when taking berberine also stomach upset. Many get headaches and other side affects from it from my research.
I have been taking chromium picolinate (colloidal) and it’s brought my morning BS down to average of 5 and slowly reducing fasting insulin level. Carnivore for 2.5 years and no weight loss, hoping that happens with time. I had pre diabetic morning BS levels even on carnivore
Berberine acts in similar ways to metformin in the body
I'm a 74 year old female. Never smoked. Normal stress test EKG & nuclear test. CAC was 1700 in 01-24. I immediately stopped all grain, sugar & processed foods & started KETO. I've since lost 50# & still losing. Dr put me on a statin & got angry at my questions about fixing CAC. What should I do. Not diabetic, BP controlled by meds
I wish someone would do a video telling folks that cant get a CAC due to stents how to evaluate plaque. The only thing i am aware of is the CIMT.
is it to simplistic to say if your blood pressure is high odds are you have narrowing arteries or plaque build up. If blood pressure is low or normal there would be little plaque or blockage ?
Great question but I’m not sure if it works that way.
Outstanding
LONDON UK …;. do you have any practioners who think like you near me in london Sir …. appreciate your explanations thank you :)
Dr., thank you for this information. I recently got a first ever CAC score done and got a 578. One artery os over 300. How do I find a cardiologist who is not a “yahoo-cowboy”? I went to one that I found on a keto site and he was NOT supposed to be on there. I live just west of Orlando. I’m really struggling to find keto/carnivore friendly doctors. Thank you again!
Turning 60 in a month. - Just got my calcium score; 21. Thing is all of that number is in the LAD (aka "The Widow Maker.")
A bit freaked out here. All of my other numbers are excellent save for my Lipoprotein-A which is 200 and my Apolipoprotein B which is 109.
Triglycerides are 80 and my A1C is 4.9. - So the issue is the Widow Maker... not sure if this calls for a stent. I know my doc will want to put me on statins immediately. Grrrrr. --- Thanks for this info. Very, very informative.
Same here! Mine came 64 back and pratically all that # was in same location as well. Pending some more follow up labs. Did you ever get feeback regarding stent?
I urge you to look into doing a video on OMEGA 3 and it role in the hormonal balance.. I looked at your insulin vids. and this is important for the audience.
Hi Doctor Robert.
I have been watching your videos over the last 3 days and found them fascinating. I am 72 years young and farmed all my life so am very fit and i have not needed ever to take medical drugs. 6 feet 3 inches tall and slim so I thought due to no sickness issues over the last 60 years i was bullet proof. However, I started to get ED, so thought i needed to get checked out.
Well, my CT Calcium Score was 2293.5 is at the 94thpercentile.
My tread test was, achieving heart rate of 148bpm which is 117% predicted. Blood pressure peaked to 164/68mmHg from a base line of138/72mmHg, no chest pain.
I am on Aspirin now and booked in for an angiogram in August.
Has anyone had a CT number that high and was able to bring it down?
Finding a good cardiologist is extremely difficult. Any recommendations near Boston?
49 top 20% fit for my age. Dont drink or smoke.
Got a CAG of 76% percentile. It is on one spot above the LAD Rest of heart is clear. I beleive it scored higher because where it is sitting. Cardiologist prescribed 20mg statin. Said dont change training habits. Sent me on my way. Took statin for 6 months no real side effects, except my metabolim seems to be not working as well.
I am nearly full carnivore for a month and given up statins. Also taking vit DK2 B3 daily.
You can reverse it
Which test would my husband need ? In 2019 he had a stent placed in his LAD. His cholesterol was 218 so his cardiologist changed his meds to Repatha a two months ago. We have been carnivores for almost a year now. Last week his cholesterol was at 178.
I can garantee one thing, the need of stent has nothing to do with his colesterol levels(unless very oxidized) .Statins are maybe to lower inflamation?
my CAC is 25 and my doctor is practically screaming "take these statins or you are going to DIE!!!"
Mine was 3 and they told me the same thing. I told them under no circumstances was I going to start taking a statin again.
Mine was 47 and my doc got mad I wouldn't take a statin. I've switched doctors now.
@@jennifervitt7045 Ya... first visit i got the stern "If you dont trust me, maybe you should get a new dr" then second visit (sad face) "i hope you are still alive for the next visit" . I know its time for a new Dr. but i have been with him for YEARS!" And you never know if another Dr is any different
Sad
@@robertcywes2966 truely
When I got my CAC score I asked what population of people have positive scores. They said diabetics. Interestingly, they see people who have scores in the thousands that are over 70 years old. They told me the highest score they have seen was 6000 in man who was in his late 80s!
There's a calculator online that lets you plugin in your CAC, age, race, and gender and then see where you fall relative to your cohort/peers, i.e. which percentile you're in.
Search for "MESA CAC calculators"
That's me at almost 64. Last CAC score 4 years ago was 1143. I refused statin drugs. Currently Carnivore and exercising everyday. Saw a couple videos on Revera that a few people dropped, their CAC scores by hundreds of points on Carnivore. I also took up Sprinting after watching Dr Sean Omara videos. He says visceral fat is the number one cause of all diseases. My stomach size , has been plummeting after starting Sprinting, for the last two months. My cardiologist, said I killed the stress test. He says he thought my calcium was from the outside in. I have no blockages. Maybe all my long distance cardio caused the calcium built up.
@@kennethh4904 Huh? Very curious to know more about the calcium build up. Bracing myself for a barrage of "conventional wisdom" from conventional MD's/cardiologist. Appreciate any tips you can offer as I dare to request a CAC. Ugh!
How about research on CIMT to predict soft plaque?
I just had one. Never smoked eat keto diet. Only high ldl. It was 509. It rocked my world. Now I have a statin on my counter. Not diabetic either. Just worried. I’m 71. Metabolic health is excellent. Now I’m scared. Wish I hadn’t had the test now. I’ve had a lot of stress in my life. 3:10
Stress is a killer too!!! I don't have a CAC yet, non diabetic, same age. Thinking I'll continue to focus on inflammation until I learn more. Hang in there!!
@@MK-sc8md I wouldn’t do it. I wish I hadn’t.
@@glendaking5576 Right? Because you don't know where to go from there? I'm more a "moth to a flame" and want to be armed with knowledge. Unfortunately, I've to to research & learn a LOT going forward. Best wishes.
@@MK-sc8md same to you. Let me know how you do. I hope I made the right choices.
My score was 200. I was equally worried. Then, I realized that knowledge is power. I now have the power to do something about it. I've been Keto for 8 months, lost weight, and feel good. I have another CAC scheduled for Oct of 2024. Good luck!!
I am 70 yesrs old , had 4 stents 12 years ago. A1c 5.8. No medications, LC diet exercise daily. What do I need to check at this age?
❤ how??? Do we find a doc who knows his hands in his pocket as you say Doc? Please! Tell us!!!
So, Dr. Agatston said that a statin can help stabilize the placque. Might a statin be worth taking for that? (husband's CAC score is 300 in the LAD with moderate blockage)
I am there as well. I started Crestor 5 mg. No side effects.
My CAC score came back at 65, I switched to a keto diet, cut back on alcohol consumption. My PC wanted to put me on a statin. My A1C was 5.2 on the blood test, my triglycerides were optimal, and my HDL was optimal. My LDL was 193 and that was another reason for the statin. I decided not to take the statin, hope I made the right decision, I'm 64 yrs.
A low dose statin can help keep the inflammation down and help to calcify the dangerous soft plaque to stabilize it.
I'd rather get another test and see what happens. Unless the score is over a thousand and I've had a heart attack I'd rather stay away from the statins even if it is low dose. Thanks for your input. @@DK-pr9ny
Keto/Carnivore contributes to oxidation of cholesterol which in turn causes inflammation. Why? Because cooking meat oxidizes the fats - simple as that! Now, people who eat a ton of sugar and bad carbs, overweight, diabetes, etc., do well on keto because they get rid of the junk. However, long term they are hurting themselves in another way. Also, have your physician check your Lp(a) numbers. That is a nasty molecule that is hereditary and if elevated can definitely contribute to plaque and unstable plaque, especially when eating keto/carnivore. BTW, I've been in healthcare some 30 years trained in integrative functional medicine. Take care.
Thanks for the advice. What type of diet do you recommend? Your obviously anti-meat.@@Total_Body_Fitness_USA
I’ve listened to a few videos with Dr. Cywes, and I don’t hear anything about high blood pressure. It is my understanding that HBP can cause arterial damage, thus plaque buildup. Also, what about stress?
I have low blood sugar problems. I need to take glucose to raise it so Im not dizzy.
I am confused. I just had a CAC score of zero. However, it showed calcification in my thoracic aorta. 67 y/o female. My GP said to see a cardiologist. I have an appointment in a few weeks.
I'm a 59 yr. old male and my CAC score was 183. I'm not going to fret over it.
I'm also 59 and had a score of 209, double bypass needed and done, LAD was 90% blocked. I'm not trying to scare or preach, just letting you know what happened to me.
@@danc3746 Interesting. How did they find the Left Descending Artery at 90% blocked? Did your doctor recommend a contrast angiogram after your CAC score came back st 209? My LAD had a CAC score of 117. The other arteries were much lower and made up the rest of the remaining score to equal 183 total score. Did you have any other symptoms? Just curious as to what prompted the double-bypass surgery. Thanks for your time and answers.
@@MelloGee33 No...my cardiologist at the time did not recommend any further tests after the 209 score and a passing stress test, I pushed for more. My LAD score was 98. I had absolutely no symptoms but just wanted to know more about how much plaque I had. I first did the noninvasive cath which showed some "severe" flow issues, and then a full cath through the wrist and up to my heart, I never left the hospital that day. I was put on blood thinners and had double bypass surgery a couple days later. All I am saying is dont listen to doctors when it comes to tests, if you want to know demand those tests like I did. If I didn't I probably wouldn't have had much time left. The cardio surgeon told my daughter that I would not have survived a heart attack. All this from a simple and "moderate" 209 score.
What about soft plaque that isn't measured, is it more dangerous? Does being in Ketosis all the time make you more insulin resistant, so your body is unable to handle any amount of carb?
Soft plaque, particularly what they call hot (liquid) plaque, can be more dangerous, because it is more likely to rupture/move. You can measure soft plaque using CT angiogram and also other scans. You can estimate the presence of any sort of blood vessel narrowing using ankle-brachial index blood pressure test.
Insulin resistance can be pathological (disease) or physiological (normal, expected).
If you have beta cell loss (not enough insulin) or cells are ignoring the insulin (resistance) then that is pathological. If you consistently have higher blood glucose and either low or high insulin, that is an indication of pathological insulin resistance.
If you are not producing much insulin because you don't have high blood glucose, then that is physiological.
If you are low carb and suddenly eat significantly more carbs then the body may not respond as quickly with the insulin, but it will quite quickly start responding to carbs again and you can revert back to carbs. If you do that too much too often then it won't be good for you.
Personally, I am keto most of the time and I can consume some extra carbs occasionally without any issues. Other people cannot do that because their glucose goes too high. Many people are carb addicted, so they cannot risk even occasional carbs.
CIMT measures soft plaque
@@dmmcmah1 only in LEGS not near cardiac arteries which are subjected to high mechanical shear stresses
sorry, wanted to say near neck artery which is a very big vessel although close to heart is an indirect measure and statically has not a proven method since people who have heart attacks have be shown to have CIMT of
@@bscsmscs1578 CIMT is done in carotid arteries in the neck.
Stress tests are a waste of time..
Absolutely, NEVER!!!! do a stress test. I had a 209 score and passed a stress test with 90% blockage in the LAD. I needed double bypass after a full cath was done.
they do that to find any way possible to document an issue, so that they can prescribe a med or do a surgery. They are both at some points, necessary, but.....not in most cases.
what about SGLT-2 Inhibitors such as Jardiance?
thank you
Thanks so much for this….had a heart attack and a stint 4-5 years after going Keto/Carnivore and really questioned if I did the right thing….makes sense that the clot could have been from previous damage much like the pavement illustration. The week before my heart attack I was hiking in Colorado and asked cardiologist if this could have caused the blockage. He said it was possible but wanted to push it on my diet….since I already have a stint what is your suggestion for CAC in moving forward?
CAC is used as a diagonsis tool. Since you already have stent & heart disease, CAC is useless
i have the same question ...
Keto/Carnivore contributes to oxidation of cholesterol which in turn causes inflammation. Why? Because cooking meat oxidizes the fats - simple as that! Now, people who eat a ton of sugar and bad carbs, overweight, diabetes, etc., do well on keto because they get rid of the junk. However, long term they are hurting themselves in another way. Also, have your physician check your Lp(a) numbers. That is a nasty molecule that is hereditary and if elevated can definitely contribute to plaque and unstable plaque, especially when eating keto/carnivore. BTW, I've been in healthcare some 30 years trained in integrative functional medicine. Take care.
64 year old with CAC at 590. Passed exercise stress test with flying colors. Low carb for last 5 years. Work hard to keep A1c low. Don’t know how to find an enlightened cardiologist in San Antonio or Austin TX. I fired mine who was LDlL centric. My statins sit in a drawer, unopened. Do take baby aspirin, nattokinase, lumbrokinase.
I've been carnivore for about a year. On fathers day I had a rupture. My cardiologist put me on all the medication you talk about. I've backed off all of them except the blood thinner. Now that I have a Stent, should I still get a CAC? You mentioned not doing a CAC after a Stent. The surgeon that put stent in said all other arteries are clear, but cardiologist said they still saw some plaque, so now wants a nuclear stress test.