08/27/2025
I totally agree with this advice. I myself asked my primary care doctor to order a calcium CT after my brother had a widowmaker heart attack at age 53 (he survived). I found out that one of my coronary arteries, the LAD, scored at 303. This is precisely where the widow-maker heart attacks happen. A healthy score is < 100 for all 4 coronary arteries. I had normal cholesterol (189 total, but 127 LDL - the bad cholesterol), and no signs of high blood pressure. I was shocked. The test costs approximately $100 out of pocket, as most insurance companies do not cover it unless there is a strong case for it. My P*P promptly put me on a statin and sent me to a cardiologist. After much testing, it was determined that my heart is functioning well, thank goodness.
This test can help you determine whether a statin is right for you. I agree with their advice to do a baseline at age 40. I also read several books written by cardiologists that recommend a whole-food, plant-based diet, which can help stabilize and possibly improve the plaque. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. With early warning, perhaps medication, along with lifestyle and dietary changes, you can reduce your chances of a heart attack.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/heart-attack-risk-test-b2815114.html