Just a few months ago I completed a CAC test with a result of 1485. A catherization showed 90% blockage of 2 arteries and 85% in another. Had no symptoms, eat healthy, and weigh 110 lbs. Six weeks ago I had a triple bypass. I would recommend everyone get a CAC test. It saved my life!
Debbie, I had a CAC test result of 0 (Zero). But a couple of months later I had an episode of chest pain so they did a CT angiogram and noticed my ascending aorta was enlarged. My coronaries were clear. Had a Echo done and a repeat Chest CT specifically looking at my aorta. They found I have an aneurysm of my ascending aorta! I had/have no symptoms, but eventually will need to see a cardiac surgeon who can handle this. So it was found by accident like yours. Glad you are doing well!
Hey Dr Berry My husband just got a CACS done. His score was 14800!! I didn’t even think they went this high. Emergency intervention required. I eat a low carb/keto lifestyle, my husband has refused to follow me. My CACS is Zero. Needless to say, he’s listening now 😮
Thanks for another informative video Ken. I used the MESA calculator you linked to this video. I think it misses on a key factor that’s readily available on many blood panel results and that’s triglycerides. I like to look at my triglycerides to HDL ratio. That’s one of the metrics where I score well (High HDL and low Triglycerides). But that is not considered on the MESA calculator. I am a former track athlete (800 M) and in good current cardio/metabolic health and work out daily. I did the CAC just to get a baseline. Shocker when it came back with a 354 score. I’m 67 so I did not expect a zero, but my cardiologist said my CAC was SEVERE risk and booked me for an eco-cardiogram and EKG/treadmill stress test. Thankfully, after that closer look, he gave me a clean bill of health and does not even want me on a statin despite my high cholesterol.
@@skinnydee1886 How do you KNOW he didnt LIE. But lets assume your naive assumption IS correct... Then your doctor is INCOMPETENT !! So WHY would you continue to LISTEN to an INCOMPETENT doctor ???
My 2 keto friends and I went and had this test done together one afternoon and then went out to eat. 1 friend has been keto for 10 years and we had been keto for 4 years. Everyone was telling us that the way we eat was going to kill us so we went for the scan. All 3 of us had a score of 0!!!! Our ages are 65, 51, and 38😎
I had the test done last week and I had a zero and I don’t do keto and I wouldn’t say I’m a healthy eater I don’t live on Lettuce I eat what I like when I want it but I just try not to over eat the crap but I still eat it I should not of had a zero. I’ve been watching these videos tonight and everywhere I read the comments everybody got zeros everybody 0 0 0 0 0 and now that I saw yours with all three of you are zeros i’m throwing in the towel I’m second-guessing this test too many people get zero somethings up. Just sharing my thoughts with you.
@@KatieJoMikell I’ve eat whatever I wanted all of my life. 11 years ago I scored 10.33 couple of weeks ago took the test again. I scored 1173 I’m 56 years old.
I am almost 70 years of age. Been Keto for 7 years. My CAC score = 0. I was over the moon with my results! Particularly because my total cholesterol score is over 300. Just goes to show....
Me Too! My total cholesterol was 317 (highest ever) HDL over 100 and CAC score ZERO. And I'm 65. My doctor is not concerned about my cholesterol because of the CAC score results.
@@niajohn1528 That is the problem here (In Quebec), the corp answer is "CAC is imprecise and cannot be relied on, let's look at your LDL", which is very sad.... We are still stuck in this dogma...
@@dawne5139 I am avoiding it like the plague ( the Death Canada Food Guide). Thanks for the information, I was thinking of looking at our neighbours (Ontario), but then I will be going for (from French) carotid intima media dopler scan...
My Dr was so worried about my high LDL, she sent me to see a Cardiologist so he could convince me to take a statin. My HDL is very high and my Trig are very low. I have been low carb/ Keto for over 4 years. I have normal A1C , perfect CRP, and excellent blood pressure. Not as easy to get a CAC test in Canada without a Cardiologist referral, but he agreed to do one. My CAC test is 0! I was so pleased. I am 61 years old, and never felt better.
I’m 41, 5”7, and weigh 230lbs. I am a sugar addict and do not eat healthy. My CAC result was 15. This scared the crap out of me. I am going to start clean keto and get my score tested again in Jan 2025. I am hoping keto will help reduce it. Thank you, Dr. Berry, for your helpful information!
Last year at age 64 I had a CAC scan and had no idea of what score to expect. I was surprised when my CAC score came back as zero. I'd been doing low carb only about 4 to 5 months when I had the scan. I'll do a follow up scan in the future to stay on top of it. My weight was 185 to 190 when I cut the carbs. Now over a year and a half later my weight has seemed to stabilize at about 147. I'm beyond thrilled to say the least. Losing upwards of 40 pounds at age 65 so painlessly is kind of a big deal.
I just had my CAC done this morning. I have been Carnvore for 9 months, No cheating..!!! I lost 35 lbs.. ( from 151 lbs to 115 lbs) My Dr freaked when she saw how high my cholesterol had gotten. LDL 319 HDL 96 TRIGLY 76 I weaned myself off all 7 of my meds, but I have gone back on 1/2 dose of my thyroid med (because my thyroid was still not working well. 😕) I feel GREAT, look great. ( According to my Hubbs😊) I can't wait to see my results. Stress test is coming up next week. Should be interesting.. Another great video, Doc. Thanks again.
I asked my new Cardiologist for a CAC test, all the while he's bleating on about statins, since I said I'd had high LDL in the past. Lipid test showed TC 353 - LDL 247 - HDL 93 and Trig 67 - When the Doc's office called with the results, they said they wanted me on statins beginning that day. I said No Thanks, and that I'd talk to the Doc when I saw him for a follow up next month. The next day, I got my my CAC score, which was 7.15 According to the MESA study, which by the way doesn't include LDL, my risk of developing CHD in the next 10 years is 4.64%. I can live with that. I'm printing out that assessment and taking it with me next month.
I’m actually a cat scan tech and I do the calcium score test. It’s a quick and easy test. Also I have been able to share my Keto lifestyle with some pts that are open and interested and I have pointed many of them to your videos to help them to learn how to live a healthy keto lifestyle. Incedently I have done the test and got a score of 6 and my dr still wanted to put me on statins but I declined. I’m thinking I may need to find a new GP.
That's awesome. How do you gauge whether to start a discussion with someone about the Keto lifestyle? Does your employer condone these discussions or is it something you have to do on the down low?
Thank you Dr Berry for everything. I’m a 52 year old male and have been low carb/keto/carnivore for the past 2 years. I just had my CAC test results and was zero!!!! My doctor had been pushing a statin in previous visits. Today he told me to just keep doing what I’m doing. No mention of my high cholesterol anymore and no mention of taking a statin! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I perform the CAC exams and do the scoring. Dr. Berry is correct in everything he said about the CAC scoring. What I found interesting is that it seemed like those who were thin, had a great family history and lifestyle (athletic and ate very clean) were the ones who were showing up at my door and paid the $200 to have the test and almost always they were negative those who smoke and drink could care less. 😊 My highest scoring patient was 3-4000!! His doctor told him “We’ll watch it closely”. He was dead within a year.
Ivor Cummings has been talking about this for many years. Because of him I had a CAC done in the UK last year. I had a clear score at the age of 65. He has a really good video produced with the Irish heart association called the widow maker. In the UK the test is quite expensive - around £300. But I think it is worth it for peace of mind. I've also been low carb but I also take vitaminD3 and K2. K2 helps to move calcium from the arteries into the bones.
@@ThePhilGrimm I had mine done here - www.pallmallmedical.co.uk/tests-scans-and-diagnostics/ct-calcium-score/ I also got a full range of blood tests done and Triglycerides to HDL was 0.6, which the doctor said was as good as a well trained athelite.
I fortunately was fascinated with Ivor Cummins and his emphasis on the Calcium score. I just turned 70 but have always ran or rowed besides weights. I was shocked that my score was 1578. Went on a low carb diet and took the test again 6 months later and got 1760. Ivor also emphasized that if you have a score around 1000, you should not eat any carbs (fruits). Took the test 6 months later after cutting out all fruit and taking K2 supplements. My score was now 1665 and I am very content with this. Back to working out hard again, after the scare my Cardio doctor gave me. I refused STATINS and very angry he would not recommend this test earlier, since I had a 50% clogged jugular for over 8 years. He kept telling me I was in great shape. Who needs these guys.
Here in Ohio, USA University Hospitals will test one’s CAC for free. They are the Cleveland Clinic’s competitor. All one needs is an order from a doctor to take the test. Both my husband and I have low LDL and I got a 100 on my score and he got a 499. I have a high HDL and very low triglyceride level.
I'm age 49 and I've been on (dirty) Carnivore for almost a year (with multiple points where I went off the rails , such as holidays and birthdays) and I've still managed to drop from 316 lbs. down to 256 lbs. (so far). The acid reflux which plagued me for years is gone. The aches and pains in my joints are totally gone. I sleep through the night now. My cholesterol and LDL went up during the past year (back when my doctor first recommended statins), but my triglycerides went down from 329 to 181. This year (only two short weeks ago - my annual), he was much more persistent about those statins. My cholesterol scores bothered him. I declined again, but recommended a CAC as a base to measure from. The results I just got through the medical portal, according to my doc, said 2018 and I'm in the 75th percentile. Thus, he's strongly trying to push the statins. I'm going to decline again, however, and continue on with carnivore (and a started exercise regimen) in hopes that I can get that score lowered. I don't know how long it might take, but... I'm going to stick with it, because I've heard horrible, horrible things about statins. Your channel, Dr. Berry, has been incredibly helpful to me, and I'm so grateful for it and for you. I recommend it to everyone I can, and I'll soon be sharing a substantial amount of the info (such as is in your channel and other studies I've come across) with MY own doctor. Wish me luck! :-)
Good luck to you! It’s been a a misconception to believe that you can lower your CAC score through diet. There are few if any verifiable examples. Your diet may, however, impact further progression. Much of it is unfortunately genetics. My wife is as far as one can imagine from a keto diet, is mildly overweight and has never exercised. Her CAC is zero. I eat like a saint, exercise (weight lifting and cardio) and my cholesterol has been in the 145-185 range over the years. My CAC score is 104. Go figure. Like hundreds of millions of people I have now been on a statin with no noticeable ill effects. I don’t like the idea. Then again, the doctors I know who themselves have high cholesterol take statins themselves and some even take them as a prophylactic despite having normal cholesterol levels. Given your CAC score I’d do a little more research and UA-cam is probably not the best place. The main advantage of taking a statin when you have calcification is that it stabilizes the plaque. This lowers the risk of a rupture which is what leads to a heart attack. Do a little reading outside the meaningless anecdotes you find on social media. These “I had a grandpa who smoked 4 packs a day and lived to 110 years “ may be comforting but not something I’d base a treatment decision on.
@@TheCinder24 Come on, you can do vegan the right and healthy way. There's plenty of vegan success stories. Mine is one of them. I was doing Keto for almost 2 years and when I had my Lipids checked my totcal cholesterol was 238 and LDL was 130, I said NO FUCKIN WAY and did some research, switched to a low saturated fat plant based diet consisting of mostly vegetables and a clean VEGAN protein source, no sugars bla bla bla and guess what? Total Cholesterol 145, LDL 60 and HDL 95!!!!! Not only that but A1C went down from 5.2 on Keto to 4.6 on vegan! BUN scores also improved. So don't give me this Brain washed crap. My advice for people is experiment with what works best and get tested, tested and RE-tested to see what actually DOES work.
Patreon supporter and am very appreciative of your continued low-carb-lifestyle content. Last visit to my GP, my total cholesterol and LDL-C were high and my GP went nuts, but didn't seem to care about the indications of hashimotos and unusual liver enzymes. He wanted to restart me back on statin. I told him that I would not, unless I had a calcium test that indicated substantial plaque buildup. He referred me to cardiologist and I see the cardiologist on Monday for the CAC test. Cholesterol runs high in my family. I'm rather anxious to see what CAC Score is. BTW, I've been keto since July 2021, losing 70 lbs, glucose stays around 80 (probably doesn't exceed 100 even after a meal), and my AIC is 4.5% Without a doubt I'm thriving in the low-carb lifestyle!!!
I have a Cigna hmo Medicare advantage plan in Texas and I asked my primary care Dr for one she said yes with no hesitation my cac score was 0. I’m 63. Thank you Dr Berry for all info! You’re the best!
Thank you Dr. Berry, I had a stent in 2002 and 2 more in same artery this past December. Started Keto on July 1st, I’m down 21 lbs, 25 more to go! Starting Carnivore diet on October 1st. Had brain fog for 6 years and it’s about 90% gone, only feel when I’m tired.
If you have stents you will not be able to take this test as l was told. The stents mess up the scan. I wish I would’ve known about this prior to my heart attack and seven stents. Maybe it could have helped me try to figure out things sooner.
I’m 74 y.o., been eating keto/ketovore for 7 years. Just had a CAC done and my score is 0!! I have moderately high LDL and refused statins, so my dr referred me to a cardiologist who ordered the scan. I’m VERY happy!!! Thanks for all your good info, @KenDBerryMD!
@@jenniferbross1211 I was willing to pay the $100, I don't expect a 0, as I was a uncontrolled Type 2 diabetic for years and only been carnivore for 9 months but it will be a great baseline.
Daniel Ho so Alberta health won’t pay for it? I’m surprised at the very inexpensive costs in the US for this test since most healthcare and diagnostics is insanely expensive.
Hendersonville TN did mine 8 yrs ago along with my 30 yr old daughter. I had score of a healthy teenager she had score of a 😭😭😭😢 Mtn dew Carbs, Newport cigs . Now has a stent and still 150lbs overweight ...she talks the talk but won't walk the walk to get healthy. I'm crushed inside💔 she feels sorry for herself she mostly stays in bed ... ITS A VICIOUS CYCLE ! PLease stay focused..WE LOVE YOU DR. AND MRS. BERRY !!! ❤❤❤
I’m so sorry that you’re having such worry with your daughters health. We’ve just changed our lifestyle and lost 100lbs between us after years of my husband being in a form of denial about his obesity. Our channel is all about this and my denial about being addicted to carbohydrates too as we created it to make sure we stuck to it!! Keep being the beacon for her, your healthy way of life will certainly influence her. Invite for dinner and be her eating heroine! I’ve found that is doing this diet has helped our son think about what he eats for the better. I’ll have less influence once he’s gone to university but at least we’ve made a start. Much love to you 💕💕
I had a CAC scan done a year and a half ago and it cost me $49 😄 and I was pleasantly surprised to get a score of zero. I was 44 at the time. My dad had a heart attack at .... Are you sitting down .... 33. I run half marathons and been doing keto for a couple of years. ☺🙌
Perfect timing for us!!! Our PCP has ref’d 74 yr old hubby to a cardiologist for the possibility of having PCSK9 inhibiting injections.... he took himself off his statin -feels WONDERFUL - all the years of body pain disappeared- but she is furious and wants him on statins or equivalent. She’s adamant LDLs are bad!!!!! He has been keto/carnivore for 10 months -his triglycerides are Great!!! We are doing the cardio consult in two days...NO ONE HAS EVER DONE A CAC or suggested this!!! Yes, he is long term Type 2 but had always following the recommendations of SAD- and his T2 has slowly continued to progress - until 10 months ago...
Just had the test yesterday and my number is 1558. I'm in the 90th percentile for a woman of 66. Did said my low carb lifestyle has probably helped keep an event from happening thus far. My family history is rife with stents and hearts attacks. Thank God I found your channel 7 years ago. I've lost over 60 pounds, and kept it off over 3 years, exercise every day and feel great. Low carb is saving my life. God bless.
I just got my CAC results - 251 - evenly split between two arteries. If Keto can reduce the buildup of plaque or even reverse it that would be a blessing.
Chaz not yet. See him a a few weeks. But I just put my info into some heart disease risk scorer and I have a 3.4% chance of heart attack risk in the next 10 years. I am 56
You Tuber I sent low a carb for long time and my Numbers still Didn’t change. Also my right main and left main arteries scored a 0. Only only smaller artery off one of the main arteries had the 11. But I will definitely keep an eye on it. Thanks
Mine cost 50$ . I had a zero score and my doctor was good with it. I have been doing keto and intermittent fasting since 2018. My doctor even recommended keto for her mom. I’m so happy I found a doctor that understands what I’m doing. Thanks for your videos!…. I’m working out and blood pressure is ideal. 110/70
Due to having heard about the importance of the CAC store from one of Ivor Cummings UA-cam videos and hearing over our work intercom last year that our local hospital was offering the test for $139 [without doctor order] due to it being February Heart month at the time. I talked my sister into having it done same day with me and I'm glad we did, both being older. At that point, I had been keto for 6 months and my score was 0! My sister's was 140 and she is 2 years younger than me.
My LDL=294 and total cholesterol 368. I refused to take statins so doctor prescribed CAC test. I’ve got it today =0.73. Zero is better but at 62y.o. I’ll take that
Excellent content! I have had two with zero score both times 3 yr apart…… My dad however has a score off the chart at 8749……. Highest the cardiologist has ever seen…. My dad didn’t mama his diabetes when diagnosed and now pays the price for that in macular degeneration and blockage in right carotid and the LDA widow maker….. I tell everyone to get one….. thanks for your videos Dr!
Haven't yet seen your whole video yet but just came back from my cardiologist and he suggested I get a CT Calcium score which I just scheduled! Not covered by insurance but imaging company is offering it for $75.
This is great info. My calcium is high and my cholesterol jumped 20 points since December. Today I have the CT scan. My insurance does not pay for this and the cost is $150.
There is a huge difference in CAC testing! I had the basic one where they ultrasound your carotid arteries on each side of your neck and received a score of zero. Five years later I had a CT scan on my lungs ( not even for my heart) and the radiologist noted mild calcification in my coronary arteries with a score of 70! My doctor told me as long as I was having no chest pains and no shortness of breath, not to worry about it. What?! I requested to have a stress test and to be referred to a cardiologist, as I was working out at the time three to four days a week. You must be proactive and advocate for your own health! Within that 5 year time span between tests, I did go through menopause. I feel the loss of estrogen is a major contributor as my ldl cholesterol and triglycerides also went beyond normal range and I’m stage one hypertension. I am not overweight and 57 yrs old. Too, I started taking 2000iu of D3 daily for about 2 years WITHOUT K2 before the CT scan, and I’m thinking that too may have attributed to the calcium buildup. I tell my girls to never take D3 without K2 now! I am on 10 mg statin, Omega 3 prescription, and 10 mg BP- all of which have brought me well into normal ranges quite quickly. I also take D3, K2, NAC, Coq10, B complex, and magnesium. I plan to change my diet to low carb ( breads are my weakness!) and get back to daily exercise so that I can possibly come off my statin and BP meds. I also had a nuclear stress test which showed my arteries were wide and clear with no blockages. I suspect there are a vast number of people who are walking around, as I was, unaware they have coronary calcium. If it wasn’t for the chance CT scan on my lungs catching it, I would have never known.
@@BRIANDER100 I was taking almost 10K IU of Vit D3 during early Covid, because we were in MA with minimum sunlight in the early Spring. I was working remotely, so was inside all day, and didn't get the benefit of sunlight, so to keep my Vit.D levels high I supplemented with the D3, and it was recommended to take the K2 along with that. I've lowered my D3 supplements because we're now living in the South, and were able to get out on sunny days, even in the winter, because the temps weren't so brutal.
@@BRIANDER100 D3 is to improve your immune system but it also increases absorption of calcium from the food source that's why the need for K2 just to be safe.
Husband had this test done in 2019 with a result over 750. Our drug-dealer doc said he'd be dead inside of 5 years unless he took more of her horrible drugs, and that there was NOTHING he could do to reverse the score, only slow it down. We fired her. We now have a REAL doctor who believes in reversing these scores. It's 2023 & he's better than ever. Looking forward to the next CAC test, however I didn't know until now (because the hospital lied right to my face) that they use radiation. So, we'll have just one more to see if our efforts have led in the right direction, and then no more. Thanks for your video.
Have just found out I have aorta stenosis. My cardiologist has ordered a ct calcium scan. I am a type 1diabetic and had left sided breast cancer twice which ended with a mastectomy, not sure if the radiotherapy may have contributed towards this. Consultant wishes to check PTH side of things as I also seem to be gained lots of weight with no real reason. Just saying these things as sometimes I feel we don’t really see any further than accepting a heart issue. This shows there can be a lot more to the problem as you also mention. So I agree really worth having this scan done. Thank you
I tried a low carb diet and my calcium score and LDL cholesterol went through the roof. I told my cardiologist that I eat bacon eggs and cheese for breakfast almost every morning and he told me to stop immediately and stick to a plant based diet. Even though I lost a lot of weight he said I was at a higher risk for heart attack now than I was before I started Keto. He upped my dosage of crestor to lower my LDL. He told me that he doesn't trust keto and highly recommended cutting bacon, red meat and cheese out of my diet as much as possible. I'm not sure who to believe. I'd like to get a second opinion from a keto friendly cardiologist but I don't know of any in my area.
I am 62 male, My CAC score was 1440. I am not as concerned as you would think. I had a angioplasty, I have 25% blockage in some of my feeding the heart. I have been In ketosis for almost 2 years, lost about 85 lbs. Don't eat seed oils and processed food. Mostly meat, eggs. HDL is the highest it's ever been, triglycerides have always been extremely high and are now normal. I feel much better than I have in years . Thank you Dr Berry for you have been one of many doctors that have taught me so much. If I knew this all so many years ago. I also make sure I get my Vitamin D, E, K
Just do it Nancy. Get your CAC score. Even if your cardiologist says you don't need it, like mine did. You should know where you stand as to heart disease risk. The radiation is same as mammogram. Money very well spent.
Thanks for this info Dr. Berry. I'd like to ask your opinion on the studies done on vitamin K2 in reducing calcium from the arteries? If anyone commenting reads this & has first hand experience I'd love to hear your story. I have went mainly carnivore for the last 6 months & dropped about 50 pounds. My blood pressure has dropped ALOT & I feal alot better after following Dr. Berry. I truly believe he cares about people. Unlike other doctors that go after the $ and not your well being.
Vitamin K2 works. I was able to lower my score by using vitamin K2, I P6 and garlic. I’m pretty consistent with taking them. There was 22 months between my two calcium tests and I went from 60.53 to 58.95. Even the heart surgeons and everyone that Dr. Berry has on his channel say that that’s not possible but don’t believe it. You CAN lower your calcium score. I love Dr. Berry and all of the people he brings on. But don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot lower this. It is slow and it takes time but you can do it. I wish I could post the photo of the score on this thread, because it clearly shows where it was 22 months ago and where it is at now. I’m so thrilled I didn’t listen to all the people who say you can’t lower it.
Thanks for explaining this test and what it looks for. Even with keto and carnivore my blood pressure was high. Maybe the CAC will help figure out why.
Dr. Berry is godsent. You have no idea how much better I feel after having followed his advice on diet and the concept behind lowering insulin. I've lost 20 Kgs and feel like Muhammad Ali in his prime after battling obesity.
It's been something like seven years (or more) that I've been following you, Dr. Lustig & Dr. Fung... you 3 literally taught me how to save my life. My PCP wants me to get this heart scan done just to rule out the very last possible issue I "could" have. I've been primarily keto these past years so I have high hopes that I'm a-ok. The internet is a cesspool of fear mongering, contradictions & parroted dogmatic propaganda hell-bent on keeping us sick. Thank you SO MUCH for spreading the TRUTH. More than 12 internet articles stated that our amazing bodies "Can't heal arterial plaque" wtf? Our bodies WANT to heal. I couldn't believe that was right. Then I hear you say, "You can actually reverse your cac score with a diet that focuses on keeping your glucose level at a low-normal level, keeping your insulin level at a low-normal level & that decreases your levels of chronic, inappropriate inflammation. The two diets that I found that do this the most reliably are a real whole food one ingredient ketogenic diet &/or a carnivore diet." This is how I regularly eat. The reassurance & bolstered confidence you've given me after a long stressful, anxiety-driven week of fretting is ... priceless. I'm on the verge of tears (happy ones!) because I am so grateful to you. Thank you again! Edited to add, I was told I was diabetic back in 2017 and within 3 months it was reversed because of keto. I am still healthy with not a single sign of diabetes! I mostly eat carnivore with a daily cup of tea or coffee and a couple times a week I might snack on some broccoli (it's great for joints!) I said goodbye to 14 extra lbs this month. :)
I am 70 and exercise 2x a week playing competitive badminton. My CAC was up from 350, 450, 750 at 1,2,4 years interval. I stopped taking this test after this. I started statin at 40 due to high level of Cholesterol. My dad died of heart attack at 66. Even with lots of exercise, my CAC score is sky high. I changed my diet, took lots of K2, fermented food, reduce fat meat intake etc. Now my LDL is 1.7, HDL is 1.2, Triglycerides 0.9. Recently I went for a Ultra sound check on my artery and was surprised that there are no blockages. I will continue to take my statin 40mg daily. I don't know or suffer from the statin side effect. I hope this information is useful.
I asked my (new) doctor for an advanced lipid panel because my cholesterol is high (7.0 mmol/L). He said that was not available (I’m in New Zealand), but suggested CAC score instead. Got it done, zero score, fed my numbers into the MESA calculator which came back at 1.0%, both of us now happy about my cholesterol.
Paid $150 for this test 2 years ago (63yo) and had score of 50 with plaque in aorta and LAD. Started K2 maybe 7-8mo ago & had better cholesterol scores and surprising drop in A1c to 5.0 from 5.3-5.4. Have been on rosuvastatin 20mg for years and MD suggested going up to 40mg. I refused just like I did over 20yr ago. Plan on redoing CAC test maybe in another year to see where I stand.
Both the Fractionated Lipid Panel AND CAC score (if CAC score is interpreted correctly based on your patient population) are useful! Do NOT throw out the lipid checks because as Dr. Berry said on this video, plaque can come from cholesterol deposits, vessel damage, inflammation, AND calcium deposits (which is worse than cholesterol deposits). Check BOTH! 3rd Year, Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Student
I just recently had what was referred to as a mini stroke. I was feeling normal within hours of the incident. The Dr at the ER told me that the scans showed no blockages. I did a follow up at a clinic, where they requested bloodwork done. My results: Triglycerides 80 HDL 51 Total Cholesterol 333 VLDL Cholesterol 12 LDL Cholesterol 270 Aside from having a very difficult time staying away from sweets, I have primarily been eating Carnivore, with routine intermittent fasting. Mostly one meal per day. The Clinic is very insistent that I must accept being on a high dose of statin, a blood thinner for the remainder of my life, and immediately start seeing a Neurologist, and Cardiologist. I said ok, to end the phone call, but have no intentions of any. I would like to get the CAC test. How do I know if the is any plaque from Cholesterol in my system?
I had my very first CAC last week. Scored a 0!! Woo! Hoo! My pcp gave me the order and I paid $99. Results were ready in 2 days. I'm in S FL. One year on ketovore.
Thanks for the good information Dr. Berry! Any window into a future problem that can be avoided is priceless. Love you and Neisha! :) I'm five weeks into Keto and have lost 20lbs.
Hello Dr. Berry! Thank you for making this detailed and informative video! I am having this test done tomorrow at a imaging center in the state of Rhode Island. I learned about it from a naturopath doctor. Fortunately, my doctor’s PA was familiar with this test and approved it. Whether I’m covered or not it’s well worth the cost, as you mentioned.
This summer I had a CT scan as a follow-up to other scans every 6 months that originally was done for a prostate problem. But when the scan was read it was said I had a fatty liver as well as coronary calcifications. The scan this summer showed the same only it was said that I had a "severe" fatty liver and "severe" coronary calcifications. I had read about the CAC test and I told my doctor that I wanted one that specifically was for the calcium in my coronary arteries so he set one up for me in a matter of days. Based on the "severe" diagnosis from the upper body CT scan I was prepared for bad news and I got it: my CAC number was 478. Of course my doctor (a young guy) wanted to immediately put me on a statin, but I refused. I just turned 68 years old and feel great. I have absolutely no aches or pains anywhere and have only recently taken any ibuprofen when I got knocked over by a car while riding my bike which I rode home from the accident, finishing my ride. For years I have eaten a DASH diet, what was recommended by my doctors--a big bowl of oatmeal each morning with fruit and nuts. Lots of veggies and my meat consumption was almost exclusively chicken and fish. I have always been active riding my bike and walking. Yet with all of this I am evidently in horrible shape with hypertension, stage 3 kidney disease, severe fatty liver, and severe coronary calcifications (I had wondered about the calcium that was seen in the CT scan and if they could differentiate between what is hard calcium and what is soft with cholesterol and prone to break off in clots. My overall cholesterol number is good at 173 with good triglycerides and ok HDL. I am 5'8" tall and in January I weighed just over 200 pounds so I was overweight although I carried it well. Early in summer I had managed to get down to near 180 and was stuck, even going up a few pounds in spite of the fact I was riding my bike 20 miles a day. So after seeing lots of UA-cam videos about the benefits of a Keto diet, I went on one 6 weeks ago and within a week I had reached ketosis. I have lost 15-20 pounds so far, 4 inches off my waistline and 3 from my belly as well as an inch from my neck (which had been 18 inches which made me borderline for sleep apnea as well). I can fit into a pair of jeans I bought 30 years ago and are still like new because I was never able to fit in them well and my weight is close to what is was 50 years ago when I graduated high school. Now when I look in a mirror I can see the bottom of my rib cage rather than my belly and my abs are differentiated from my stomach (by no means 6 pack abs, but I can see my abs). I'm in my second week of the Carnivore diet and hope to progress and lose some more weight as well as to improve my other health conditions, especially the CAC as well as the severe fatty liver. I'll have my next physical at the end of January so I'll see what my doctor has to say although I anticipate a lecture about not taking statins (I already take 4 meds for my hypertension and my goal in life is NOT to see how many prescribed medications I take.)
My story is very similar. I've read that if you can simply stabilize your CAC score, or keep increases at 5%/yr rather than typical 20-25%, your risk of heart attack is greatly lowered. See Ivor Cummins and Dr. William Davis vids for detail.
Dear Doctor Berry, Love your videos. I had two CT scans: one in 2010 with a score of 475, and one last month with a score of 1789 (Off the charts..!). The printed result on 2nd CT said 90-100% blocked and high likelihood of a heart or stroke within two years. It scared you know what out of me....like the BIG ONE coming my way! So I went to my cardiologist who agreed to do a heart catheter, that's the wire thingy up into the heart (there's another word for it I'm sure). Anyway, I just had that completed yesterday and the cardiologist said I had one medium plaque without any soft plaque but lots of calcium in my blood. Result: we'll monitor the plaque but need to lower the calcium so he gave me 80MG script for lipitor. I don't do well with statins. I'm currently taking chelation treatments from my regular MD to remove heavy metals, he says it will lower calcium levels. Oh, and you motivated me to try keto diet which I've been on now for a month and just reached a medium keto score. Any alternative/additional means to lower calcium? I'm a 73 man-boy as me wife calls me.. Much thanks .
Hi Chef. I’m in exactly the same situation as you with 3 blockages, all medium, a long one in the LAD. Very scared. Please let me know how you’re getting on? Statins increase Cac as we know. How has chelation worked for you ? How are you getting on. Hope all is well pal
@@mark1620 The Cardiologist could not give a reason why the calcium was not sticking to vessel walls so dropped statins altogether. My triglycerides ratio to HDL level is now at 2 from a high of 6 which should mean GOOD. I attribute the ratio of 2 to taking MTC oil with my coffee every morning. My chelation treatments have lowered my mercury, lead and a few other metals on the list by nearly half. However, my lead level just jumped up 20% so now trying to figure out why, like checking the lead paint in my 1971 built home and food, just hope it ain't my two glasses of red wine ;). I'm still taking chelation and will be tested in another three weeks. I had bradycardia all my life with normal HR of 40 to below 60 and had a previous cardiologist want to put a pacemaker in so went back to my Duke-trained cardiologist ,who is an hour and a half away, who said NOT YET but in the future likely. I have used a CPAP machine since 1998 religiously. Now I'm two years older since I first posted and still above ground so all is well. Always question your Doctor and do loads of research to back up your questions: Read: The Great Cholesterol Myth by DR Stephen Sinatra from Cleveland Clinic. Hope you find solutions to your situation. Saludos, Jack
Vry great insight in manifestation of calcification in artery to check by CAC score emergency predictor of heart health base on score u can reduce ur risk by keeping low blood sugar insulin less inflammation vry informative vid
I live in Québec, Canada, and believe it or not, I first had to convince my doctor to have me do a CAC test, then I am stuck as I cannot find one place in the province where they actually do it. They appear to know better and must be because the LDL score is SO reliable. It is frustrating to say the least. Thanks Dr Berry for the information, I just wish you knowledge would cross over and convince some of doing this test....
Been carnivore for two years, left heavyweights , walk about 10,000 steps a day and feel like I’m in great health in my late 40s but I had a CAC test done last year and this year and it actually increased. It was 103 last year and then This March it was 168. I’m surprised it went up. Definitely nervous.
My last bloods my LDL is 12.5. Just had a particle subfraction test and know nothing about the result yet but I was in range. How did you go about a CAC scan in Aus? Was it difficult? I'm in Brisbane.
I'm not far into my keto diet and had bloods done through my doctor. I'm mid 6s at the moment but I had an urgent call from my doctor wanting me to start statins immediately so I had to search for a low carb doctor. She looked at my blood work, chuckled and said everything is perfect 😂 going to get my CAC done eventually and go back to my original doctor and see what he says
Dr. B. Thank you for the advice you are sharing. I’ve reduced my visceral fat by 2% and my weight by 27 lbs in just 10 weeks by employing ethics you’ve exposed on your channel. I’ve also brought my HbA1c down to 6.2, reduced insulin usage and needs for BP meds. Thank you and please keep up the great work.
A calc score of zero does not mean you are without risk. You could have a lot of soft plaque not detected by a calcium score and be at much greater risk of a black rupture and a cardic event or death. Statins aid in turning soft plaque into more stabilized calcified plaque which is far less likely to rupture and cause a clot/death. You may not be doing yourself any favors turning down a statin. Be careful.
does not mean you are arties are clean inside that scan only shows white against black it cannot see inside....... need a nuclear stress test and echo cardiogram done to really test.
A High CAC score is NOT a death sentence....mine is 2276 at 64yo no MI to date.... trying to reverse thd score now with K2 and D3. My LDL is over 300 to boot.
I’ve been keto for almost 2 years and walk 3 to 5 miles a day. Was shocked when my score came back over 1000. What I understand is that the calcium is a look back at what has already happened and stable calcium repairs the damage. It’s the sticky plack that is the problem. However still concerning that it’s that high.
Hi. I like your attitude. Mine is 900 and I have 3 medium blockages in 3 ifferent arteries including the LAD. I’m working hard on fitness, diet and stress. Please let me know if the K2 and D3 has helped ? I’m also looking into chelation therapy. Not sure about that yet. Hope you’re doing well 🙏
I had this test done in 2009 with a miserable score of 405. Started keto last Jan 10 years later and lost 70 pounds so far with a long way to go. The much damage has been done, but at least I feel better.
@@JB-fh6pt Since the calcium is formed to protect the atreries from collapse in the first place, would removing it cause harm? Wouldn't an on going stopping of future calcium being needed for repair by not eating surgar/carbs?
So, after fairly good lab results: fasting insulin 6.1, HDL 75, Triglycerides 90, LDL 203, while abstaining from grains/any sweetener, alcohol/starchy veggies for 4 years and going between carnivore and LCHF. Kaiser is sure I need to be on Statins immediately. NO thank you. I asked for a stress test and before I even got on the treadmill the tech said OH you need to be on statins. I aced the stress test. Next, I will be doing a Coronary artery calcium scan, per my request. It isn't scheduled yet but Kaiser did put in the order for me (at my expense). Today I got in the mail a bottle with 2 pill of metoprolol tartrate 50mg with the instructions to take pm before the test and in am after the test. Why? No explanation. Well, of course I am not going to just take something because it showed up in the mail. Oh dear...oh for a functional doctor to work with. I read all the side effects and the reasons one might take this med. I don't have any of the reasons that are listed. I must go meditate now. The reason I even did the labs and these other tests are because my older brother just had 2 stents put in his arteries. He has been dedicated to egg whites only, chicken and all the low fat advise but eats the boxed plethora of goodies that line the grocery isles. I sent him Dr. Ken Berry's newest book and another one I love "eat the yolks" sooooo funny. He was trying to embrace some of the information prior to his surgery but after he told the cardiologist that he thought it was diet related he was shot down. No it is genetic. He was eating egg whites when I spoke to him last. oh dear....sorry for such a long note. Venting to folks who get it. Thank you
Thank you! I knew I had heard one of my podcasters talking about this a long time ago so I dug it up and you answered my scary questions! My LDL 158 Dr wants a APOB test first then possibly the calcium scan. I’m not worried 😁 carnivore for a few years stopped for a while but back to it now. Feel better than ever 56 years young not over weight.
I just had this done at a local hospital for $99.00. My cholesterol and other blood work was normal. CAC was 183 and they said I should see a cardiologist who would probably order a stress test. My internist said I could start a statin but I declined. We are just going to watch this. My family hx is positive for CAD on both sides. Just shows that family hx plays a big part as my lab work was normal.
My score was 283 a year ago and my last one a few weeks ago it was 153. I eat a lot of natto, and take supplements such as D3 and K2. As well as plaquex. As well as largely plant based diet, a little fish and a little clean protein. I stay away from red meat and fatty things. I exercise too.
The fact that there is such a disconnect between cholesterol and actual CAC scores, where someone with low cholesterol and low LDL can have a high CAC, while someone with high cholesterol and high LDL can have a CAC of zero, should put the nail in the coffin of the this antiquated emphasis on LDL and cholesterol as an accurate barometer of heart disease risk.
2-3 years on keto/carnivore Just got a calcium score of 1525. LDL is 180, C-peptide 2.4. I’m following up with an Insulin resistance Kraft score. Testing glucose over 3-4 hours. Platelets are 450. I think resistance lifting is in store for me.
I'm 68 and did a CAC last week and the results arrived today. CAC of 32. LDL of 308. Total cholesterol of 382. My overweight physician last year wanted me on a statin which I refused to take. I've eating carnivore for 2 years.
I see a guy on the street in front of me who I can tell straight away he’s at risk of a heart attack!! His belly is nearly hitting his ankles!! I’d love to get a CAC scan, I just watched a UA-cam video from two carnivores who both had CAC & CT scans and they both got ZERO on their arterial plaque!!! Amazing! I’m on keto so probably not as good, so I must save up for one!!
My doc was happy to order a CAC, but cautioned me that there are a lot of false-positives that could prompt further, unnecessary testing...I opted to not get the scan.
I've been to 2 cardiologists now and neither one wanted me to get the CAC scores test even though I told them that I knew I had to pay for the test and I was ok with that
Three months ago I started low carb high fat diet, lost 18 lbs, my LDL went from 114 to 240! So my Dr ordered a cac test. Score 1446! Now I'm doing a bunch of other tests and my family wants me to stop eating so much fat. I'd like to hear more about people reducing their CAC scores with a keto diet. Frank not Debbie
My score was 1429 from 1.5 years ago. I got a new Cardiologist in Florida. After several tests. I go in for my Cardiac Catheterization in the morning. The widow maker artery was 17 CAC, 680 Calcium Volume Score and 854 Agaston Calcium Score. That was the Left Anterior Descending, AKA the widow maker!
I'm a 58yo male, my total cholesterol has often hovered around 300 (I rarely test it, don't care). I had a CAC score taken in 2014, and another one 2 weeks ago. Both times, perfect score of zero.
68 yo. I've been a runner my whole life. Slim 175 lbs for 40 years and 165 for the last 15. A fairly healthy diet with little red meat. Cholesterol is just in the "optimal" range, but my doctor suggested Statins. I said no. But I got the scan ($215) and I rated Severe: 435. I suspect I overtaxed my heart in my 40s and 50s and damaged it. So I am on the Statins now and I continue to exercise but I keep my heart rate below 150.
I am 61, a runner my whole life. about 10 to 25 pounds over weight, High LDL 187, Cave man diet, No sugar, No processed food. whole foods and unprocessed meats. CAC=0 I have always refused to take statins.
Just a few months ago I completed a CAC test with a result of 1485. A catherization showed 90% blockage of 2 arteries and 85% in another. Had no symptoms, eat healthy, and weigh 110 lbs. Six weeks ago I had a triple bypass. I would recommend everyone get a CAC test. It saved my life!
Debbie, I had a CAC test result of 0 (Zero). But a couple of months later I had an episode of chest pain so they did a CT angiogram and noticed my ascending aorta was enlarged. My coronaries were clear. Had a Echo done and a repeat Chest CT specifically looking at my aorta. They found I have an aneurysm of my ascending aorta! I had/have no symptoms, but eventually will need to see a cardiac surgeon who can handle this. So it was found by accident like yours. Glad you are doing well!
@@PanamaRose interesting, thanks for sharing ! Good to know !!
What is your age and what is your cholesterol and LDL?
@@billdublewhopper3064 67 years old, LDL 155, total cholesterol 231
@@debbies5951 that's just genetics. But why bypass and not stents!
Hey Dr Berry
My husband just got a CACS done. His score was 14800!! I didn’t even think they went this high. Emergency intervention required. I eat a low carb/keto lifestyle, my husband has refused to follow me. My CACS is Zero. Needless to say, he’s listening now 😮
OMG! I didn’t know it would get that high either! I just had mine done also and thought it was outrageous at 1700.
I'm also keto with high ldl cholesterol .Got the CAC after my Doc recommended a statin .cac score= zero at 50 years old.
Mine is 1000 and I have 4 moderately blocked arteries. What did they do ? I hope he is doing better now …
Gotdayyyum!!! Bless his heart.
Thanks for another informative video Ken. I used the MESA calculator you linked to this video. I think it misses on a key factor that’s readily available on many blood panel results and that’s triglycerides. I like to look at my triglycerides to HDL ratio. That’s one of the metrics where I score well (High HDL and low Triglycerides). But that is not considered on the MESA calculator. I am a former track athlete (800 M) and in good current cardio/metabolic health and work out daily. I did the CAC just to get a baseline. Shocker when it came back with a 354 score. I’m 67 so I did not expect a zero, but my cardiologist said my CAC was SEVERE risk and booked me for an eco-cardiogram and EKG/treadmill stress test. Thankfully, after that closer look, he gave me a clean bill of health and does not even want me on a statin despite my high cholesterol.
My LDL is 285, but I scored zero on CAC scan. I was on statins a few years ago, and they almost crippled me. Never again. Ketovore for the win!
@@skinnydee1886 You'd be fine without the Crestor too. (IMHO)
Carnivore lowered my cac from 5 to 0. LDL is 220. Fortunately, I have an open minded GP. Never been on statins.
@@skinnydee1886 WHY would you CONTINUE listening to your doctor who LIED to you about LIPITOR ??? 🙈🙈🙈🙉
@@skinnydee1886 How do you KNOW he didnt LIE.
But lets assume your naive assumption IS correct...
Then your doctor is INCOMPETENT !!
So WHY would you continue to LISTEN to an INCOMPETENT doctor ???
how is this possible ? my total cholesterol is 177 and my CAC score is 12
My 2 keto friends and I went and had this test done together one afternoon and then went out to eat. 1 friend has been keto for 10 years and we had been keto for 4 years. Everyone was telling us that the way we eat was going to kill us so we went for the scan.
All 3 of us had a score of 0!!!!
Our ages are 65, 51, and 38😎
Very cool!
Awesome!
amazing
I had the test done last week and I had a zero and I don’t do keto and I wouldn’t say I’m a healthy eater I don’t live on Lettuce I eat what I like when I want it but I just try not to over eat the crap but I still eat it I should not of had a zero. I’ve been watching these videos tonight and everywhere I read the comments everybody got zeros everybody 0 0 0 0 0 and now that I saw yours with all three of you are zeros i’m throwing in the towel
I’m second-guessing this test too many people get zero somethings up. Just sharing my thoughts with you.
@@KatieJoMikell I’ve eat whatever I wanted all of my life.
11 years ago I scored 10.33 couple of weeks ago took the test again. I scored 1173
I’m 56 years old.
I am almost 70 years of age. Been Keto for 7 years. My CAC score = 0. I was over the moon with my results! Particularly because my total cholesterol score is over 300. Just goes to show....
Me Too! My total cholesterol was 317 (highest ever) HDL over 100 and CAC score ZERO. And I'm 65. My doctor is not concerned about my cholesterol because of the CAC score results.
@@niajohn1528 That is the problem here (In Quebec), the corp answer is "CAC is imprecise and cannot be relied on, let's look at your LDL", which is very sad.... We are still stuck in this dogma...
Good for you that's awesome!
@@robertbelanger2834 Not just Quebec. All of Canada. But then, look at the Death Canada Food Guide.
@@dawne5139 I am avoiding it like the plague ( the Death Canada Food Guide). Thanks for the information, I was thinking of looking at our neighbours (Ontario), but then I will be going for (from French) carotid intima media dopler scan...
My Dr was so worried about my high LDL, she sent me to see a Cardiologist so he could convince me to take a statin. My HDL is very high and my Trig are very low. I have been low carb/ Keto for over 4 years. I have normal A1C , perfect CRP, and excellent blood pressure. Not as easy to get a CAC test in Canada without a Cardiologist referral, but he agreed to do one. My CAC test is 0! I was so pleased. I am 61 years old, and never felt better.
Low estrogen levels in menopause allow or drive the LDL cholesterol up. Maybe you should investigate estrogen!
I’m 41, 5”7, and weigh 230lbs. I am a sugar addict and do not eat healthy. My CAC result was 15. This scared the crap out of me. I am going to start clean keto and get my score tested again in Jan 2025. I am hoping keto will help reduce it. Thank you, Dr. Berry, for your helpful information!
I am having this test done tomorrow I hope I get good news
15? that's very low for your age.... why you worrying? I'm a sugar addict too only 71yr old and my score was 6,300 with no blockage.
I don't think you can do anything to lower your CAC. Calcium buildup is permanent. You can only prevent it from increasing further.
Incorrect.
It IS reversible.
Last year at age 64 I had a CAC scan and had no idea of what score to expect. I was surprised when my CAC score came back as zero. I'd been doing low carb only about 4 to 5 months when I had the scan. I'll do a follow up scan in the future to stay on top of it. My weight was 185 to 190 when I cut the carbs. Now over a year and a half later my weight has seemed to stabilize at about 147. I'm beyond thrilled to say the least. Losing upwards of 40 pounds at age 65 so painlessly is kind of a big deal.
That is a big deal.
yep good for you!
I just had my CAC done this morning. I have been Carnvore for 9 months, No cheating..!!! I lost 35 lbs.. ( from 151 lbs to 115 lbs) My Dr freaked when she saw how high my cholesterol had gotten. LDL 319
HDL 96
TRIGLY 76
I weaned myself off all 7 of my meds, but I have gone back on 1/2 dose of my thyroid med (because my thyroid was still not working well. 😕) I feel GREAT, look great. ( According to my Hubbs😊) I can't wait to see my results. Stress test is coming up next week. Should be interesting.. Another great video, Doc. Thanks again.
I asked my new Cardiologist for a CAC test, all the while he's bleating on about statins, since I said I'd had high LDL in the past.
Lipid test showed TC 353 - LDL 247 - HDL 93 and Trig 67 - When the Doc's office called with the results, they said they wanted me on statins beginning that day. I said No Thanks, and
that I'd talk to the Doc when I saw him for a follow up next month.
The next day, I got my my CAC score, which was 7.15
According to the MESA study, which by the way doesn't include LDL, my risk of developing CHD in the next 10 years is 4.64%. I can live with that.
I'm printing out that assessment and taking it with me next month.
I’m actually a cat scan tech and I do the calcium score test. It’s a quick and easy test. Also I have been able to share my Keto lifestyle with some pts that are open and interested and I have pointed many of them to your videos to help them to learn how to live a healthy keto lifestyle. Incedently I have done the test and got a score of 6 and my dr still wanted to put me on statins but I declined. I’m thinking I may need to find a new GP.
That's awesome. How do you gauge whether to start a discussion with someone about the Keto lifestyle?
Does your employer condone these discussions or is it something you have to do on the down low?
Same for me..score was 5 but he wanted to lower my ldl..I said nope
@Bladerunner2043 my husband was on statins for 20 years..finally quit them due to side effects
@Bladerunner2043 we don't agree
Bravo!! Well done! I’m a nurse and I share keto all the time! If we don’t do it, who will? My cardiologist shakes his head at me.
Thank you Dr Berry for everything. I’m a 52 year old male and have been low carb/keto/carnivore for the past 2 years. I just had my CAC test results and was zero!!!! My doctor had been pushing a statin in previous visits. Today he told me to just keep doing what I’m doing. No mention of my high cholesterol anymore and no mention of taking a statin! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Wonderful news!
I perform the CAC exams and do the scoring. Dr. Berry is correct in everything he said about the CAC scoring. What I found interesting is that it seemed like those who were thin, had a great family history and lifestyle (athletic and ate very clean) were the ones who were showing up at my door and paid the $200 to have the test and almost always they were negative those who smoke and drink could care less. 😊 My highest scoring patient was 3-4000!! His doctor told him “We’ll watch it closely”. He was dead within a year.
Ivor Cummings has been talking about this for many years. Because of him I had a CAC done in the UK last year. I had a clear score at the age of 65. He has a really good video produced with the Irish heart association called the widow maker. In the UK the test is quite expensive - around £300. But I think it is worth it for peace of mind. I've also been low carb but I also take vitaminD3 and K2. K2 helps to move calcium from the arteries into the bones.
Cool. How/where do I get one in the UK?
Not assuming peace of mind at all judging by family history but would like to know.
@@ThePhilGrimm I had mine done here - www.pallmallmedical.co.uk/tests-scans-and-diagnostics/ct-calcium-score/ I also got a full range of blood tests done and Triglycerides to HDL was 0.6, which the doctor said was as good as a well trained athelite.
@@ThePhilGrimm :
Families eating the same diet tend to have the same medical conditions that aren't genetic per se.
I fortunately was fascinated with Ivor Cummins and his emphasis on the Calcium score. I just turned 70 but have always ran or rowed besides weights. I was shocked that my score was 1578. Went on a low carb diet and took the test again 6 months later and got 1760. Ivor also emphasized that if you have a score around 1000, you should not eat any carbs (fruits). Took the test 6 months later after cutting out all fruit and taking K2 supplements. My score was now 1665 and I am very content with this. Back to working out hard again, after the scare my Cardio doctor gave me. I refused STATINS and very angry he would not recommend this test earlier, since I had a 50% clogged jugular for over 8 years. He kept telling me I was in great shape. Who needs these guys.
Here in Ohio, USA University Hospitals will test one’s CAC for free. They are the Cleveland Clinic’s competitor. All one needs is an order from a doctor to take the test. Both my husband and I have low LDL and I got a 100 on my score and he got a 499. I have a high HDL and very low triglyceride level.
I'm age 49 and I've been on (dirty) Carnivore for almost a year (with multiple points where I went off the rails , such as holidays and birthdays) and I've still managed to drop from 316 lbs. down to 256 lbs. (so far). The acid reflux which plagued me for years is gone. The aches and pains in my joints are totally gone. I sleep through the night now. My cholesterol and LDL went up during the past year (back when my doctor first recommended statins), but my triglycerides went down from 329 to 181. This year (only two short weeks ago - my annual), he was much more persistent about those statins. My cholesterol scores bothered him. I declined again, but recommended a CAC as a base to measure from. The results I just got through the medical portal, according to my doc, said 2018 and I'm in the 75th percentile. Thus, he's strongly trying to push the statins. I'm going to decline again, however, and continue on with carnivore (and a started exercise regimen) in hopes that I can get that score lowered. I don't know how long it might take, but... I'm going to stick with it, because I've heard horrible, horrible things about statins. Your channel, Dr. Berry, has been incredibly helpful to me, and I'm so grateful for it and for you. I recommend it to everyone I can, and I'll soon be sharing a substantial amount of the info (such as is in your channel and other studies I've come across) with MY own doctor. Wish me luck! :-)
Congratulations!
Good luck to you! It’s been a a misconception to believe that you can lower your CAC score through diet. There are few if any verifiable examples. Your diet may, however, impact further progression. Much of it is unfortunately genetics. My wife is as far as one can imagine from a keto diet, is mildly overweight and has never exercised. Her CAC is zero. I eat like a saint, exercise (weight lifting and cardio) and my cholesterol has been in the 145-185 range over the years. My CAC score is 104. Go figure. Like hundreds of millions of people I have now been on a statin with no noticeable ill effects. I don’t like the idea. Then again, the doctors I know who themselves have high cholesterol take statins themselves and some even take them as a prophylactic despite having normal cholesterol levels. Given your CAC score I’d do a little more research and UA-cam is probably not the best place. The main advantage of taking a statin when you have calcification is that it stabilizes the plaque. This lowers the risk of a rupture which is what leads to a heart attack. Do a little reading outside the meaningless anecdotes you find on social media. These “I had a grandpa who smoked 4 packs a day and lived to 110 years “ may be comforting but not something I’d base a treatment decision on.
Any update?
I'm a 66 year old man doing Keto after 3 heart attacks the last one I had quad bypass and I feel great!
@Chaz probably exactly why people have recurring heart attacks. The medical nutrition sector needs a change
@Chaz Your absolutely right!
Yep. My brother-in-law has been currently brain washed by his cardiologist to be vegan. Vegan!!
@@TheCinder24 God bless him!
@@TheCinder24 Come on, you can do vegan the right and healthy way. There's plenty of vegan success stories. Mine is one of them. I was doing Keto for almost 2 years and when I had my Lipids checked my totcal cholesterol was 238 and LDL was 130, I said NO FUCKIN WAY and did some research, switched to a low saturated fat plant based diet consisting of mostly vegetables and a clean VEGAN protein source, no sugars bla bla bla and guess what? Total Cholesterol 145, LDL 60 and HDL 95!!!!! Not only that but A1C went down from 5.2 on Keto to 4.6 on vegan! BUN scores also improved. So don't give me this Brain washed crap. My advice for people is experiment with what works best and get tested, tested and RE-tested to see what actually DOES work.
Patreon supporter and am very appreciative of your continued low-carb-lifestyle content. Last visit to my GP, my total cholesterol and LDL-C were high and my GP went nuts, but didn't seem to care about the indications of hashimotos and unusual liver enzymes. He wanted to restart me back on statin. I told him that I would not, unless I had a calcium test that indicated substantial plaque buildup. He referred me to cardiologist and I see the cardiologist on Monday for the CAC test. Cholesterol runs high in my family. I'm rather anxious to see what CAC Score is. BTW, I've been keto since July 2021, losing 70 lbs, glucose stays around 80 (probably doesn't exceed 100 even after a meal), and my AIC is 4.5% Without a doubt I'm thriving in the low-carb lifestyle!!!
I have a Cigna hmo Medicare advantage plan in Texas and I asked my primary care Dr for one she said yes with no hesitation my cac score was 0. I’m 63. Thank you Dr Berry for all info! You’re the best!
Thank you Dr. Berry, I had a stent in 2002 and 2 more in same artery this past December. Started Keto on July 1st, I’m down 21 lbs, 25 more to go! Starting Carnivore diet on October 1st. Had brain fog for 6 years and it’s about 90% gone, only feel when I’m tired.
Hi unsisgraziato, which artery do you have problem? And what was the score of each one ?
edson montibeller it was my circumflex artery. I have yet to do my cac test.
If you have stents you will not be able to take this test as l was told. The stents mess up the scan. I wish I would’ve known about this prior to my heart attack and seven stents. Maybe it could have helped me try to figure out things sooner.
I’m 74 y.o., been eating keto/ketovore for 7 years. Just had a CAC done and my score is 0!! I have moderately high LDL and refused statins, so my dr referred me to a cardiologist who ordered the scan. I’m VERY happy!!! Thanks for all your good info, @KenDBerryMD!
Outstanding! 👍
Such a timely video, my CAC Score test is scheduled for this Thursday. Our local hospital actually had a "sale" 1/2 off, so only paid $50.00.
That is great. I paid $100
@@jenniferbross1211 I was willing to pay the $100, I don't expect a 0, as I was a uncontrolled Type 2 diabetic for years and only been carnivore for 9 months but it will be a great baseline.
Where I am in Alberta, Canada, it’s $450 Cdn / ~$350 USD. I’m almost tempted to do medical tourism!
Saint Sepulveda I was willing to pay it also.
Daniel Ho so Alberta health won’t pay for it? I’m surprised at the very inexpensive costs in the US for this test since most healthcare and diagnostics is insanely expensive.
I had this test done yesterday as a walk-in at an imaging center. $50 in Murfreesboro, TN. My score was 6.
the test is $145 in Houston and requires a dr. prescription.
What center? I'm in murfreesboro too
Which clinic in M’boro??
Hendersonville TN did mine 8 yrs ago along with my 30 yr old daughter. I had score of a healthy teenager she had score of a 😭😭😭😢 Mtn dew Carbs, Newport cigs . Now has a stent and still 150lbs overweight ...she talks the talk but won't walk the walk to get healthy. I'm crushed inside💔 she feels sorry for herself she mostly stays in bed ... ITS A VICIOUS CYCLE ! PLease stay focused..WE LOVE YOU DR. AND MRS. BERRY !!! ❤❤❤
Best wishes to you and your daughter!! I hope that she recovers and get her health together!!🙏
I’m so sorry that you’re having such worry with your daughters health. We’ve just changed our lifestyle and lost 100lbs between us after years of my husband being in a form of denial about his obesity. Our channel is all about this and my denial about being addicted to carbohydrates too as we created it to make sure we stuck to it!! Keep being the beacon for her, your healthy way of life will certainly influence her. Invite for dinner and be her eating heroine! I’ve found that is doing this diet has helped our son think about what he eats for the better. I’ll have less influence once he’s gone to university but at least we’ve made a start. Much love to you 💕💕
It amazes me that even after seeing the results the people you love who need it most refuse to even give it a 6-week test run.
I had a CAC scan done a year and a half ago and it cost me $49 😄 and I was pleasantly surprised to get a score of zero. I was 44 at the time. My dad had a heart attack at .... Are you sitting down .... 33. I run half marathons and been doing keto for a couple of years. ☺🙌
Perfect timing for us!!!
Our PCP has ref’d 74 yr old hubby to a cardiologist for the possibility of having PCSK9 inhibiting injections.... he took himself off his statin -feels WONDERFUL - all the years of body pain disappeared- but she is furious and wants him on statins or equivalent. She’s adamant LDLs are bad!!!!! He has been keto/carnivore for 10 months -his triglycerides are Great!!! We are doing the cardio consult in two days...NO ONE HAS EVER DONE A CAC or suggested this!!!
Yes, he is long term Type 2 but had always following the recommendations of SAD- and his T2 has slowly continued to progress - until 10 months ago...
Just had the test yesterday and my number is 1558. I'm in the 90th percentile for a woman of 66. Did said my low carb lifestyle has probably helped keep an event from happening thus far. My family history is rife with stents and hearts attacks. Thank God I found your channel 7 years ago. I've lost over 60 pounds, and kept it off over 3 years, exercise every day and feel great. Low carb is saving my life. God bless.
I just got my CAC results - 251 - evenly split between two arteries. If Keto can reduce the buildup of plaque or even reverse it that would be a blessing.
My cholesterol is 265. dr wanted to put me on a Statin. I said no. Then I went and got a calcium score and it is 11.
Chaz not yet. See him a a few weeks. But I just put my info into some heart disease risk scorer and I have a 3.4% chance of heart attack risk in the next 10 years. I am 56
11 is way better than me, but you'll want to get after it for sure to try to keep that score from rising. Low carb for life would be my suggestion.
You Tuber I sent low a carb for long time and my
Numbers still
Didn’t change. Also my right main and left main arteries scored a 0. Only only smaller artery off one of the main arteries had the 11. But I will definitely keep an eye on it. Thanks
@@jenniferbross1211 how much ldl you had
Mine cost 50$ . I had a zero score and my doctor was good with it. I have been doing keto and intermittent fasting since 2018. My doctor even recommended keto for her mom. I’m so happy I found a doctor that understands what I’m doing. Thanks for your videos!…. I’m working out and blood pressure is ideal. 110/70
Due to having heard about the importance of the CAC store from one of Ivor Cummings UA-cam videos and hearing over our work intercom last year that our local hospital was offering the test for $139 [without doctor order] due to it being February Heart month at the time.
I talked my sister into having it done same day with me and I'm glad we did, both being older. At that point, I had been keto for 6 months and my score was 0! My sister's was 140 and she is 2 years younger than me.
My doc had never ordered one before. He agreed and I am waiting for my appointment here in Virginia.
My cholesterol is 380
My CAC is Zero!
How mg ldl you had when cac was 0
My LDL=294 and total cholesterol 368. I refused to take statins so doctor prescribed CAC test. I’ve got it today =0.73.
Zero is better but at 62y.o. I’ll take that
good genes.
@@irinab7524 CAC scores can also be given as a percentage. 73% would not be so great. Is that what means?
@@darkpatches it’s 0.73 as a number not %. Virtually zero
Excellent content! I have had two with zero score both times 3 yr apart……
My dad however has a score off the chart at 8749……. Highest the cardiologist has ever seen…. My dad didn’t mama his diabetes when diagnosed and now pays the price for that in macular degeneration and blockage in right carotid and the LDA widow maker….. I tell everyone to get one….. thanks for your videos Dr!
I’m 63 now and been diagnosed diabetes since 2016 and keep my a1c at 5.6-5.7 by keto carnivore as suggested……
Haven't yet seen your whole video yet but just came back from my cardiologist and he suggested I get a CT Calcium score which I just scheduled! Not covered by insurance but imaging company is offering it for $75.
Chuck Vee I did same; glad they offer it - it was the $45 Special. I earned a zero! So no statin! 😁
@@jmom5735 ,
That's Wonderful 🙂
J Mom where
Good luck - it is good to know your score, whether bad or good.
Money well spent.
Just had a scan this morning... happy camper came back with a score of 0. Will watch what I eat and continue exercising.
Thank you Dr. Berry. Perfect timing for this video. I just had this test last Thursday and I am awaiting results!
How is your life now … hope ur results are ok.
@@ahmedhussain3638 it was zero! Life is great!
This is great info. My calcium is high and my cholesterol jumped 20 points since December. Today I have the CT scan. My insurance does not pay for this and the cost is $150.
There is a huge difference in CAC testing! I had the basic one where they ultrasound your carotid arteries on each side of your neck and received a score of zero. Five years later I had a CT scan on my lungs ( not even for my heart) and the radiologist noted mild calcification in my coronary arteries with a score of 70! My doctor told me as long as I was having no chest pains and no shortness of breath, not to worry about it. What?! I requested to have a stress test and to be referred to a cardiologist, as I was working out at the time three to four days a week. You must be proactive and advocate for your own health!
Within that 5 year time span between tests, I did go through menopause. I feel the loss of estrogen is a major contributor as my ldl cholesterol and triglycerides also went beyond normal range and I’m stage one hypertension. I am not overweight and 57 yrs old. Too, I started taking 2000iu of D3 daily for about 2 years WITHOUT K2 before the CT scan, and I’m thinking that too may have attributed to the calcium buildup. I tell my girls to never take D3 without K2 now! I am on 10 mg statin, Omega 3 prescription, and 10 mg BP- all of which have brought me well into normal ranges quite quickly. I also take D3, K2, NAC, Coq10, B complex, and magnesium. I plan to change my diet to low carb ( breads are my weakness!) and get back to daily exercise so that I can possibly come off my statin and BP meds. I also had a nuclear stress test which showed my arteries were wide and clear with no blockages.
I suspect there are a vast number of people who are walking around, as I was, unaware they have coronary calcium. If it wasn’t for the chance CT scan on my lungs catching it, I would have never known.
We upped our Vit D3 at the beginning of the pandemic, but added K2 with it, precisely because of the possible calcium build up issue.
@@susankitchin325 if vit d3 has a possible calcium build up issue then why take it ? why not just take k2 mk7 ?
f vit d3 has a possible calcium build up issue then why take it ? why not just take k2 mk7 ?
@@BRIANDER100 I was taking almost 10K IU of Vit D3 during early Covid, because we were in MA with minimum sunlight in the early Spring. I was working remotely, so was inside all day, and didn't get the benefit of sunlight, so to keep my Vit.D levels high I supplemented with the D3, and it was recommended to take the K2 along with that. I've lowered my D3 supplements because we're now living in the South, and were able to get out on sunny days, even in the winter, because the temps weren't so brutal.
@@BRIANDER100 D3 is to improve your immune system but it also increases absorption of calcium from the food source that's why the need for K2 just to be safe.
Husband had this test done in 2019 with a result over 750. Our drug-dealer doc said he'd be dead inside of 5 years unless he took more of her horrible drugs, and that there was NOTHING he could do to reverse the score, only slow it down. We fired her. We now have a REAL doctor who believes in reversing these scores. It's 2023 & he's better than ever. Looking forward to the next CAC test, however I didn't know until now (because the hospital lied right to my face) that they use radiation. So, we'll have just one more to see if our efforts have led in the right direction, and then no more. Thanks for your video.
The radiation is extremely low on this machine compared to MRI and X-ray 😉
@@55Mimi I was told higher than Xray.
impossible to reverse plaque..... you need to read more and listen to the doctor.
What’s the update?
@@WillCarrot We haven't repeated the CAC yet, but I'll be sure to let y'all know.
There's an Irish fella named Ivor Cummins who's been pushing this CAC test. Y'all should check him out he's really good.
I paid $50 both times for this valuable test here in the Midwest. No doctors order.
My functional med Dr. was completely on board and just ordered this for me!! Perfect timing on the video thx!
Have just found out I have aorta stenosis. My cardiologist has ordered a ct calcium scan. I am a type 1diabetic and had left sided breast cancer twice which ended with a mastectomy, not sure if the radiotherapy may have contributed towards this. Consultant wishes to check PTH side of things as I also seem to be gained lots of weight with no real reason. Just saying these things as sometimes I feel we don’t really see any further than accepting a heart issue. This shows there can be a lot more to the problem as you also mention. So I agree really worth having this scan done. Thank you
My cholesterol is 330.
My CAC is 0.0.
The local heart hospital offers the test for $60 out of pocket, no order required. What a bargain!
scottinokc Wow, what state is that in? My cholesterol is 335, triglycerides 33. I’m getting my CAC done next week 👍
scottinokc that is great
Looking at the link I posted, the test is only $50. It took a whole 5 minutes and I walked out with the results immediately.
@@2tzus I'm just guessing that he is in oklahoma city.
In Australia cost $255..my score 662.I been on keto before it for 3 months but i smoked for 40years.dont smoke
I tried a low carb diet and my calcium score and LDL cholesterol went through the roof. I told my cardiologist that I eat bacon eggs and cheese for breakfast almost every morning and he told me to stop immediately and stick to a plant based diet. Even though I lost a lot of weight he said I was at a higher risk for heart attack now than I was before I started Keto. He upped my dosage of crestor to lower my LDL. He told me that he doesn't trust keto and highly recommended cutting bacon, red meat and cheese out of my diet as much as possible. I'm not sure who to believe. I'd like to get a second opinion from a keto friendly cardiologist but I don't know of any in my area.
Dr. Ford Brewer. He’s on UA-cam. Only virtual appts and no ins. However start watching his videos for a second opinion. May God Bless You.
I am 62 male, My CAC score was 1440. I am not as concerned as you would think. I had a angioplasty, I have 25% blockage in some of my feeding the heart. I have been In ketosis for almost 2 years, lost about 85 lbs. Don't eat seed oils and processed food. Mostly meat, eggs. HDL is the highest it's ever been, triglycerides have always been extremely high and are now normal. I feel much better than I have in years . Thank you Dr Berry for you have been one of many doctors that have taught me so much. If I knew this all so many years ago. I also make sure I get my Vitamin D, E, K
Congrats. Do you supp magnesium too?
@@UA-camr-ep5xx yes, I take magnesium
@@UA-camr-ep5xx also eat a dry teaspoon of Nattō
@@DroneLakeGuy what is Nato and what does it do?
@@tomwandersee73 fermented soybean , has lots of vitamin k2
You answered every single question I had and more. Thank you!
I have an appointment later in September with my cardiologist. I will ask about this test.
Emphasise that you don't want an angiogram.
You want the CAC test, coronary artery calcium.
Just do it Nancy. Get your CAC score. Even if your cardiologist says you don't need it, like mine did. You should know where you stand as to heart disease risk. The radiation is same as mammogram. Money very well spent.
I called our local Mercy hospital and scheduled one for me and hubby for $50. Going tomorrow. We didn’t need a doctor’s order!!!
Thanks for this info Dr. Berry. I'd like to ask your opinion on the studies done on vitamin K2 in reducing calcium from the arteries? If anyone commenting reads this & has first hand experience I'd love to hear your story. I have went mainly carnivore for the last 6 months & dropped about 50 pounds. My blood pressure has dropped ALOT & I feal alot better after following Dr. Berry. I truly believe he cares about people. Unlike other doctors that go after the $ and not your well being.
Vitamin K2 works. I was able to lower my score by using vitamin K2, I P6 and garlic. I’m pretty consistent with taking them. There was 22 months between my two calcium tests and I went from 60.53 to 58.95. Even the heart surgeons and everyone that Dr. Berry has on his channel say that that’s not possible but don’t believe it. You CAN lower your calcium score. I love Dr. Berry and all of the people he brings on. But don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot lower this. It is slow and it takes time but you can do it. I wish I could post the photo of the score on this thread, because it clearly shows where it was 22 months ago and where it is at now. I’m so thrilled I didn’t listen to all the people who say you can’t lower it.
Thanks for explaining this test and what it looks for. Even with keto and carnivore my blood pressure was high. Maybe the CAC will help figure out why.
Dr. Berry is godsent. You have no idea how much better I feel after having followed his advice on diet and the concept behind lowering insulin. I've lost 20 Kgs and feel like Muhammad Ali in his prime after battling obesity.
It's been something like seven years (or more) that I've been following you, Dr. Lustig & Dr. Fung... you 3 literally taught me how to save my life. My PCP wants me to get this heart scan done just to rule out the very last possible issue I "could" have. I've been primarily keto these past years so I have high hopes that I'm a-ok. The internet is a cesspool of fear mongering, contradictions & parroted dogmatic propaganda hell-bent on keeping us sick. Thank you SO MUCH for spreading the TRUTH. More than 12 internet articles stated that our amazing bodies "Can't heal arterial plaque" wtf? Our bodies WANT to heal. I couldn't believe that was right. Then I hear you say, "You can actually reverse your cac score with a diet that focuses on keeping your glucose level at a low-normal level, keeping your insulin level at a low-normal level & that decreases your levels of chronic, inappropriate inflammation. The two diets that I found that do this the most reliably are a real whole food one ingredient ketogenic diet &/or a carnivore diet." This is how I regularly eat. The reassurance & bolstered confidence you've given me after a long stressful, anxiety-driven week of fretting is ... priceless. I'm on the verge of tears (happy ones!) because I am so grateful to you. Thank you again!
Edited to add, I was told I was diabetic back in 2017 and within 3 months it was reversed because of keto. I am still healthy with not a single sign of diabetes! I mostly eat carnivore with a daily cup of tea or coffee and a couple times a week I might snack on some broccoli (it's great for joints!) I said goodbye to 14 extra lbs this month. :)
God bless 🇺🇸🙏🇮🇱🎚
I am 70 and exercise 2x a week playing competitive badminton. My CAC was up from 350, 450, 750 at 1,2,4 years interval. I stopped taking this test after this. I started statin at 40 due to high level of Cholesterol. My dad died of heart attack at 66. Even with lots of exercise, my CAC score is sky high. I changed my diet, took lots of K2, fermented food, reduce fat meat intake etc. Now my LDL is 1.7, HDL is 1.2, Triglycerides 0.9. Recently I went for a Ultra sound check on my artery and was surprised that there are no blockages. I will continue to take my statin 40mg daily. I don't know or suffer from the statin side effect. I hope this information is useful.
The high insulin spiking foods is what causes the damage. The statins are not going to fix it. Go whole foods plant base. Or Keto.
I did one at a local imaging center, walked in and got it done but results had to go to my Dr. It was only $47.
I asked my (new) doctor for an advanced lipid panel because my cholesterol is high (7.0 mmol/L). He said that was not available (I’m in New Zealand), but suggested CAC score instead. Got it done, zero score, fed my numbers into the MESA calculator which came back at 1.0%, both of us now happy about my cholesterol.
Great health care in New Zealand- you can’t even get a cholesterol test?
Thank you for the informative and pleasant video.
Looking good doc. . thanks for the info I'm going to get one of those tests
Paid $150 for this test 2 years ago (63yo) and had score of 50 with plaque in aorta and LAD. Started K2 maybe 7-8mo ago & had better cholesterol scores and surprising drop in A1c to 5.0 from 5.3-5.4. Have been on rosuvastatin 20mg for years and MD suggested going up to 40mg. I refused just like I did over 20yr ago. Plan on redoing CAC test maybe in another year to see where I stand.
Thanks for your ability to communicate simply and clearly complex medical and health issues.
Both the Fractionated Lipid Panel AND CAC score (if CAC score is interpreted correctly based on your patient population) are useful! Do NOT throw out the lipid checks because as Dr. Berry said on this video, plaque can come from cholesterol deposits, vessel damage, inflammation, AND calcium deposits (which is worse than cholesterol deposits). Check BOTH!
3rd Year, Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Student
I just recently had what was referred to as a mini stroke. I was feeling normal within hours of the incident. The Dr at the ER told me that the scans showed no blockages. I did a follow up at a clinic, where they requested bloodwork done. My results:
Triglycerides 80
HDL 51
Total Cholesterol 333
VLDL Cholesterol 12
LDL Cholesterol 270
Aside from having a very difficult time staying away from sweets, I have primarily been eating Carnivore, with routine intermittent fasting. Mostly one meal per day.
The Clinic is very insistent that I must accept being on a high dose of statin, a blood thinner for the remainder of my life, and immediately start seeing a Neurologist, and Cardiologist.
I said ok, to end the phone call, but have no intentions of any. I would like to get the CAC test. How do I know if the is any plaque from Cholesterol in my system?
I had my very first CAC last week. Scored a 0!! Woo! Hoo! My pcp gave me the order and I paid $99. Results were ready in 2 days. I'm in S FL. One year on ketovore.
Thanks for the good information Dr. Berry! Any window into a future problem that can be avoided is priceless. Love you and Neisha! :) I'm five weeks into Keto and have lost 20lbs.
I have never seen so many people with a zero score as the comments here, keep up the great work folks!
Hello Dr. Berry!
Thank you for making this detailed and informative video! I am having this test done tomorrow at a imaging center in the state of Rhode Island. I learned about it from a naturopath doctor. Fortunately, my doctor’s PA was familiar with this test and approved it. Whether I’m covered or not it’s well worth the cost, as you mentioned.
I just got mine. 368 after four solid years of keto. I don’t know what it was before I began, but I look forward to next year and seeing what it is.
Curious..do you eat seed oils...soybean oil in mayo etc. That could be troublesome. A lot of keto people still use seed oils.
@@habibahq4272 No! I make my own Mayo. Good thought tho
This summer I had a CT scan as a follow-up to other scans every 6 months that originally was done for a prostate problem. But when the scan was read it was said I had a fatty liver as well as coronary calcifications. The scan this summer showed the same only it was said that I had a "severe" fatty liver and "severe" coronary calcifications.
I had read about the CAC test and I told my doctor that I wanted one that specifically was for the calcium in my coronary arteries so he set one up for me in a matter of days. Based on the "severe" diagnosis from the upper body CT scan I was prepared for bad news and I got it:
my CAC number was 478. Of course my doctor (a young guy) wanted to immediately put me on a statin, but I refused.
I just turned 68 years old and feel great. I have absolutely no aches or pains anywhere and have only recently taken any ibuprofen when I got knocked over by a car while riding my bike which I rode home from the accident, finishing my ride. For years I have eaten a DASH diet, what was recommended by my doctors--a big bowl of oatmeal each morning with fruit and nuts. Lots of veggies and my meat consumption was almost exclusively chicken and fish.
I have always been active riding my bike and walking. Yet with all of this I am evidently in horrible shape with hypertension, stage 3 kidney disease, severe fatty liver, and severe coronary calcifications (I had wondered about the calcium that was seen in the CT scan and if they could differentiate between what is hard calcium and what is soft with cholesterol and prone to break off in clots. My overall cholesterol number is good at 173 with good triglycerides and ok HDL.
I am 5'8" tall and in January I weighed just over 200 pounds so I was overweight although I carried it well. Early in summer I had managed to get down to near 180 and was stuck, even going up a few pounds in spite of the fact I was riding my bike 20 miles a day.
So after seeing lots of UA-cam videos about the benefits of a Keto diet, I went on one 6 weeks ago and within a week I had reached ketosis. I have lost 15-20 pounds so far, 4 inches off my waistline and 3 from my belly as well as an inch from my neck (which had been 18 inches which made me borderline for sleep apnea as well). I can fit into a pair of jeans I bought 30 years ago and are still like new because I was never able to fit in them well and my weight is close to what is was 50 years ago when I graduated high school.
Now when I look in a mirror I can see the bottom of my rib cage rather than my belly and my abs are differentiated from my stomach (by no means 6 pack abs, but I can see my abs).
I'm in my second week of the Carnivore diet and hope to progress and lose some more weight as well as to improve my other health conditions, especially the CAC as well as the severe fatty liver. I'll have my next physical at the end of January so I'll see what my doctor has to say although I anticipate a lecture about not taking statins (I already take 4 meds for my hypertension and my goal in life is NOT to see how many prescribed medications I take.)
so sept 2020 your at 160 lbs and maintaining?
S C : well done.
Now that the sugar for breakfast has stopped, everything else should improve.
My story is very similar. I've read that if you can simply stabilize your CAC score, or keep increases at 5%/yr rather than typical 20-25%, your risk of heart attack is greatly lowered. See Ivor Cummins and Dr. William Davis vids for detail.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you, I read it all your story very helpful, thanks stay cool ✌🙏
I refused to take a statin so my doctor ordered this test. Haven’t gotten it done yet. Thanks for the information!
Dear Doctor Berry,
Love your videos. I had two CT scans: one in 2010 with a score of 475, and one last month with a score of 1789 (Off the charts..!). The printed result on 2nd CT said 90-100% blocked and high likelihood of a heart or stroke within two years.
It scared you know what out of me....like the BIG ONE coming my way!
So I went to my cardiologist who agreed to do a heart catheter, that's the wire thingy up into the heart (there's another word for it I'm sure). Anyway, I just had that completed yesterday and the cardiologist said I had one medium plaque without any soft plaque but lots of calcium in my blood. Result: we'll monitor the plaque but need to lower the calcium so he gave me 80MG script for lipitor. I don't do well with statins.
I'm currently taking chelation treatments from my regular MD to remove heavy metals, he says it will lower calcium levels.
Oh, and you motivated me to try keto diet which I've been on now for a month and just reached a medium keto score.
Any alternative/additional means to lower calcium? I'm a 73 man-boy as me wife calls me.. Much thanks .
Hi Chef. I’m in exactly the same situation as you with 3 blockages, all medium, a long one in the LAD. Very scared. Please let me know how you’re getting on? Statins increase Cac as we know. How has chelation worked for you ? How are you getting on. Hope all is well pal
@@mark1620 The Cardiologist could not give a reason why the calcium was not sticking to vessel walls so dropped statins altogether. My triglycerides ratio to HDL level is now at 2 from a high of 6 which should mean GOOD. I attribute the ratio of 2 to taking MTC oil with my coffee every morning. My chelation treatments have lowered my mercury, lead and a few other metals on the list by nearly half. However, my lead level just jumped up 20% so now trying to figure out why, like checking the lead paint in my 1971 built home and food, just hope it ain't my two glasses of red wine ;). I'm still taking chelation and will be tested in another three weeks.
I had bradycardia all my life with normal HR of 40 to below 60 and had a previous cardiologist want to put a pacemaker in so went back to my Duke-trained cardiologist ,who is an hour and a half away, who said NOT YET but in the future likely. I have used a CPAP machine since 1998 religiously.
Now I'm two years older since I first posted and still above ground so all is well. Always question your Doctor and do loads of research to back up your questions: Read: The Great Cholesterol Myth by DR Stephen Sinatra from Cleveland Clinic. Hope you find solutions to your situation. Saludos, Jack
Vry great insight in manifestation of calcification in artery to check by CAC score emergency predictor of heart health base on score u can reduce ur risk by keeping low blood sugar insulin less inflammation vry informative vid
I live in Québec, Canada, and believe it or not, I first had to convince my doctor to have me do a CAC test, then I am stuck as I cannot find one place in the province where they actually do it. They appear to know better and must be because the LDL score is SO reliable. It is frustrating to say the least. Thanks Dr Berry for the information, I just wish you knowledge would cross over and convince some of doing this test....
Been carnivore for two years, left heavyweights , walk about 10,000 steps a day and feel like I’m in great health in my late 40s but I had a CAC test done last year and this year and it actually increased. It was 103 last year and then This March it was 168. I’m surprised it went up. Definitely nervous.
My CAC score is 1995! My cardiologist is going to prescribe statins. I’m taking K2 and Vit B to move the calcium. 63 yr old female eating keto 2 yrs.
a year later-------what is your CAC store now ?
@@BRIANDER100 Probably she passed away.
Thank you Dr Berry 🙏
My Cholesterol is high at 9 (in Australia). Just got a zero CAC score. My local doctor was shocked. 😂
My last bloods my LDL is 12.5. Just had a particle subfraction test and know nothing about the result yet but I was in range.
How did you go about a CAC scan in Aus? Was it difficult? I'm in Brisbane.
I'm not far into my keto diet and had bloods done through my doctor. I'm mid 6s at the moment but I had an urgent call from my doctor wanting me to start statins immediately so I had to search for a low carb doctor. She looked at my blood work, chuckled and said everything is perfect 😂 going to get my CAC done eventually and go back to my original doctor and see what he says
@@mbedsor Well done for educating yourself and not just doing what the doctor thinks is right. :)
I think this is about 348
@@WillowTube get a referral from your doctor to an imaging place... mine was $190 last year.
Mine is 2025 but yet I aced a stress test. I’m 70! Work out a lot! Eat well too!
Dr. B.
Thank you for the advice you are sharing. I’ve reduced my visceral fat by 2% and my weight by 27 lbs in just 10 weeks by employing ethics you’ve exposed on your channel. I’ve also brought my HbA1c down to 6.2, reduced insulin usage and needs for BP meds. Thank you and please keep up the great work.
Fantastic!
Coronary Artery Calcium Score = 1862
LM: 96
LAD: 414 DIAG: 193
LCX: 3 OMARG: 0
RCA: 1156
PDA: 0
I turned down statins twice over ten years, and finally proved to my “previous” doctor through the CAC score of 0%.
A calc score of zero does not mean you are without risk. You could have a lot of soft plaque not detected by a calcium score and be at much greater risk of a black rupture and a cardic event or death. Statins aid in turning soft plaque into more stabilized calcified plaque which is far less likely to rupture and cause a clot/death. You may not be doing yourself any favors turning down a statin. Be careful.
does not mean you are arties are clean inside that scan only shows white against black it cannot see inside....... need a nuclear stress test and echo cardiogram done to really test.
@@johnnyd614 Which pharmaceutical company do you work for?
@@JM-er2yl Be careful. A low dose statin and an 81mg aspirin for those with known plaque verified by a CIMT or Ca Score might save your life.
Unfortunately he’s right.
You explained CACS very well. 👍
A High CAC score is NOT a death sentence....mine is 2276 at 64yo no MI to date.... trying to reverse thd score now with K2 and D3. My LDL is over 300 to boot.
Really
@@jackiedines5229 yep.... plenty of pics showing my calcium pipes.
I’ve been keto for almost 2 years and walk 3 to 5 miles a day. Was shocked when my score came back over 1000. What I understand is that the calcium is a look back at what has already happened and stable calcium repairs the damage. It’s the sticky plack that is the problem. However still concerning that it’s that high.
Hi. I like your attitude. Mine is 900 and I have 3 medium blockages in 3 ifferent arteries including the LAD. I’m working hard on fitness, diet and stress. Please let me know if the K2 and D3 has helped ? I’m also looking into chelation therapy. Not sure about that yet. Hope you’re doing well 🙏
Thank you Dr. Berry! 👌🏼
I had this test done in 2009 with a miserable score of 405. Started keto last Jan 10 years later and lost 70 pounds so far with a long way to go. The much damage has been done, but at least I feel better.
Check out taking 300 to 500 mcg of MK-7 everyday to remove calcium in your arteries. research MK-7
@@JB-fh6pt Since the calcium is formed to protect the atreries from collapse in the first place, would removing it cause harm? Wouldn't an on going stopping of future calcium being needed for repair by not eating surgar/carbs?
did you get another cac.
if so what score did you get.
thank you Dr. Berry
So, after fairly good lab results: fasting insulin 6.1, HDL 75, Triglycerides 90, LDL 203, while abstaining from grains/any sweetener, alcohol/starchy veggies for 4 years and going between carnivore and LCHF. Kaiser is sure I need to be on Statins immediately. NO thank you. I asked for a stress test and before I even got on the treadmill the tech said OH you need to be on statins. I aced the stress test. Next, I will be doing a Coronary artery calcium scan, per my request. It isn't scheduled yet but Kaiser did put in the order for me (at my expense). Today I got in the mail a bottle with 2 pill of metoprolol tartrate 50mg with the instructions to take pm before the test and in am after the test. Why? No explanation. Well, of course I am not going to just take something because it showed up in the mail. Oh dear...oh for a functional doctor to work with. I read all the side effects and the reasons one might take this med. I don't have any of the reasons that are listed. I must go meditate now. The reason I even did the labs and these other tests are because my older brother just had 2 stents put in his arteries. He has been dedicated to egg whites only, chicken and all the low fat advise but eats the boxed plethora of goodies that line the grocery isles. I sent him Dr. Ken Berry's newest book and another one I love "eat the yolks" sooooo funny. He was trying to embrace some of the information prior to his surgery but after he told the cardiologist that he thought it was diet related he was shot down. No it is genetic. He was eating egg whites when I spoke to him last. oh dear....sorry for such a long note. Venting to folks who get it. Thank you
Thank you! I knew I had heard one of my podcasters talking about this a long time ago so I dug it up and you answered my scary questions! My LDL 158 Dr wants a APOB test first then possibly the calcium scan. I’m not worried 😁 carnivore for a few years stopped for a while but back to it now. Feel better than ever 56 years young not over weight.
I just had this done at a local hospital for $99.00. My cholesterol and other blood work was normal. CAC was 183 and they said I should see a cardiologist who would probably order a stress test. My internist said I could start a statin but I declined. We are just going to watch this. My family hx is positive for CAD on both sides. Just shows that family hx plays a big part as my lab work was normal.
L A M:
Families usually eat much the same diet so tend to have the same medical conditions that aren't genetic as such.
Lee Ann I'd strongly suggest you go low carb for life. Just my opinion.
You Tuber I have been keto for 6 mos.
Jessica Li CAD has inherited characteristics
I would start on 5,000 to 10,000 units of Vit D3 and add.. 180mcg of K2 suppliment. Also liver once a week and retake test in 6 months to a year.
My score was 283 a year ago and my last one a few weeks ago it was 153. I eat a lot of natto, and take supplements such as D3 and K2. As well as plaquex. As well as largely plant based diet, a little fish and a little clean protein. I stay away from red meat and fatty things. I exercise too.
The fact that there is such a disconnect between cholesterol and actual CAC scores, where someone with low cholesterol and low LDL can have a high CAC, while someone with high cholesterol and high LDL can have a CAC of zero, should put the nail in the coffin of the this antiquated emphasis on LDL and cholesterol as an accurate barometer of heart disease risk.
2-3 years on keto/carnivore Just got a calcium score of 1525. LDL is 180, C-peptide 2.4. I’m following up with an Insulin resistance Kraft score. Testing glucose over 3-4 hours. Platelets are 450. I think resistance lifting is in store for me.
Thanks for sharing
I'm 68 and did a CAC last week and the results arrived today. CAC of 32. LDL of 308. Total cholesterol of 382. My overweight physician last year wanted me on a statin which I refused to take. I've eating carnivore for 2 years.
Is 32 good for a frog?
How much ldl you had when cac was 32
I see a guy on the street in front of me who I can tell straight away he’s at risk of a heart attack!! His belly is nearly hitting his ankles!! I’d love to get a CAC scan, I just watched a UA-cam video from two carnivores who both had CAC & CT scans and they both got ZERO on their arterial plaque!!! Amazing! I’m on keto so probably not as good, so I must save up for one!!
My doc was happy to order a CAC, but cautioned me that there are a lot of false-positives that could prompt further, unnecessary testing...I opted to not get the scan.
I've been to 2 cardiologists now and neither one wanted me to get the CAC scores test even though I told them that I knew I had to pay for the test and I was ok with that
Zero CAC and cholesterol in the 300s. My cholesterol numbers give my doctors a heart attack not me 😀
How much ldl
@@sheddkkhan6758 It’s the density of the LDL that matters. Contrary to what people have been told, not all LDL is bad. But some is very bad indeed.
Me too !!!!
High cholesterol is all hype... not a risk factor.. look into Dr. NADIR ALI and Dr. Kendrick in this subject. You will be very surprised.
My LDL is 271. So, that’s too high?
My CAC score was 183. "Moderately elevated". I shouldn't be too worried.
Three months ago I started low carb high fat diet, lost 18 lbs, my LDL went from 114 to 240! So my Dr ordered a cac test. Score 1446! Now I'm doing a bunch of other tests and my family wants me to stop eating so much fat. I'd like to hear more about people reducing their CAC scores with a keto diet.
Frank not Debbie
Get rid of the carbs and sugar and you will see dramatic improvement!
My score was 1429 from 1.5 years ago. I got a new Cardiologist in Florida. After several tests. I go in for my Cardiac Catheterization in the morning. The widow maker artery was 17 CAC, 680 Calcium Volume Score and 854 Agaston Calcium Score. That was the Left Anterior Descending, AKA the widow maker!
@@CaptainJuggles oh my friend! Best wishes. My LAD Is 588 CAC. 🤞🏻😀🤞🏻
@@debbiecote3993 My LAD is 7.15, all the others are 0!
@@CaptainJuggles what did you doctor say about this ? what is your treatment plan ?
thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU.
I'm a 58yo male, my total cholesterol has often hovered around 300 (I rarely test it, don't care). I had a CAC score taken in 2014, and another one 2 weeks ago. Both times, perfect score of zero.
How much ldl you had
68 yo. I've been a runner my whole life. Slim 175 lbs for 40 years and 165 for the last 15. A fairly healthy diet with little red meat. Cholesterol is just in the "optimal" range, but my doctor suggested Statins. I said no. But I got the scan ($215) and I rated Severe: 435. I suspect I overtaxed my heart in my 40s and 50s and damaged it. So I am on the Statins now and I continue to exercise but I keep my heart rate below 150.
I am 61, a runner my whole life. about 10 to 25 pounds over weight, High LDL 187, Cave man diet, No sugar, No processed food. whole foods and unprocessed meats. CAC=0 I have always refused to take statins.