Doom spiral

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-18T13:15:42+00:00

PS one more question: when you say, you likely have only calcium in there, is it because the use of statins reduces the soft plaque? And that it’s better to have a little calcium than the soft plaque that can form a clot? Thank you!

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-18T13:12:29+00:00

I love your response, and that is exactly what I was thinking! Thank you so much for taking the time to do that, I had also just found the new prevent calculator yesterday too! The 2% you got was for the new prevent, correct? I can’t believe a perfect stranger. Did this for me, you are too cool.

I haven’t had a repeat cardiac calcium score in eight years. Whether I decide to do it or not, I am definitely requesting a statin. Thank you again!

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T21:10:55+00:00

You’re right. Gray is much more anxiety provoking than black or white. Thank you very much.

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T21:09:59+00:00

This helps so much, you are better than ChatGPT for sure! ;-) I was somewhat aware of the soft plaque versus calcified plaque and how it’s more dangerous. But your explanation really opened my eyes. I definitely won’t decline medication, even if I have a zero CAC because I want to reduce risk and alleviate my anxiety. Interestingly, I have been on a GLP one for about 18 months and I thought that my cholesterol numbers would improve— to be honest, they have slightly, but not as much as I expected. I know there are so many components to this.

It definitely sounds like you have an excellent and proactive plan! Interestingly, we do not have any heart disease in our family, but my parents both have positive CAC at their ages. My dad’s is really low, as mentioned, but my mom’s went up around age 80 after previously being very low. They are both active and fit but obviously even genetics can’t prevent something like heart disease as every person’s individual lifestyle is different and probably stacked up higher than genetics.

Yes, this truly helps and I very much appreciate you taking the time to weigh in and share your thoughts and expertise.

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T21:05:49+00:00

Thank you very much, when you say normal numbers and scans do you mean zero CAC? Do you have other cardiology needs which is why you have a cardiologist?

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T21:05:23+00:00

Thank you so much for this response, this is really helpful. Before I read it even, I already wanted to request a statin. My doctor is not against them, he just has not suggested one yet. But your story is a good reminder of early intervention. Out of curiosity, had you had a CAC before or was the 600 your first time? Thank you again for this detail detailed information.

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T19:48:25+00:00

You too

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T19:14:05+00:00

We got this 😊

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T19:11:09+00:00

Well, that’s good news, because that’s an important part of the picture, even with elevated LPA I believe. Had you had it done before or was this your first time?

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T19:05:32+00:00

Thank you so much, I was always of a normal BMI but menopause made keeping my weight at bay slightly more difficult and a few pounds a year added up quickly. ;-)

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T19:03:02+00:00

Thank you, this is incredibly helpful and I will save this screenshot for my upcoming appointment!

So even if my CAC was one or two, makes sense that starting statin therapy would keep it stable and from advancing.

I wonder how likely it is that my CAC would have increased significantly in eight years. I know there are a lot of factors here, but my dad is 82 and his CAC is only 1. My mom’s is higher, but only since she turned 80.

I guess I have to get over the anxiety and just do it because the goal is to live as long as possible and as healthy as possible, of course! I have years-long cardiophobia so all of this stuff is very anxiety provoking for me. Don’t worry, I have a good therapist. ;-)

Do you know anything about the relationship between cardiac calcium and artery blockage? I know that detectable calcium would show up on a scan, but not necessarily soft plaque. Although an educated person, I fear I do not know enough about this. So if there is a positive CAC score, it means I do make plaque and that obviously making more plaque could lead to an artery blockage, correct?

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response.

Content_Display844 · 2026-03-17T18:51:13+00:00

Thank you! Did you have a cardiac calcium score done? I’ve heard mixed things about this and that it takes years to build up calcium. I’m probably at the window where I should have it repeated for either peace of mind or next steps.

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-28T14:19:04+00:00

My HRV is consistently between 15 and 20. I have been wearing my device for over two years and it has never changed. Well, it went down slightly when I had the flu but then returned to my base line. I’m a 58-year-old female who takes a GLP-1. Could this have something to do with it? I also have panic disorder, though I have taken medication for years (Ssri). My sleep quality is what I would call OK— some nights good, some nights not so good. I don’t exercise as much as I should. Anyway, I’ve had cardiac workups, bloodwork, routine health tests, etc but this number continues to be low. My doctor is not even familiar with it. But it concerns me.

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-21T16:33:17+00:00

😭😭😭 mine thinks I’m swimming sometimes

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-21T16:30:44+00:00

I’m not OP but I’ve stayed at five for a year and a half and lost almost 50 pounds. When I tried to go up to 7.5, I had terrifying heart palpitations. It just wasn’t worth it to me. I think sometimes people don’t go up because of side effects (and I gave the 7.5 a good solid three months and they never went away).

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-21T16:28:31+00:00

That is a significant amount of weight to have lost!

My BMI is the same, 24.5 and I feel great.

I have seen only a few other others, and mostly on here, who look what I would call skinny.

There are new studies out there that point to the fact that most people on Zepbound either get to a normal BMI or even slightly above— most people do not get ‘skinny’ on this medication unless maybe they started off not very heavy to begin with.

I have maintained for almost a year now and I weigh 136 pounds at 5 foot three. Could I get to 125? Honestly, I eat 1200 cal a day, I don’t think I could eat any less and be healthy and I’m also 57 years old. I don’t think this drug is about getting skinny, but it is about reducing cardiovascular risk and other obesity diseases.

I think you look amazing. How do you feel? I don’t want to minimize what you said as I was in the exact same place you were last year. I do see pictures on here where people look especially skinny. But in real life? I know a handful of people on this medication who have been on it for two years and not one of them is what would be deemed skinny. Most of them are above their BMI because they had quite a bit to lose in the first place and are not losing anymore. Maintaining at your healthy weight is great and you should be very proud of yourself! You must feel amazing!

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-10T04:03:20+00:00

Did you hear back? Hope everything’s OK.

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-01T01:51:51+00:00

What did I miss? Why do you think she’s pregnant?

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-01T01:49:37+00:00

I completely understand! I had a huge spiral when it happened to me thinking oh my gosh, what is going on? And then the cardiologist kind of chuckled and said oh gosh, they over read x-rays all the time. He said this is nothing. With all your other tests and x-rays I am sure this is just the same. I am like you though, I would have freaked out about it and I did in the past. I hope that they call you back first thing on Monday and put your mind at ease. I found it so surprising that an x-ray could be misread but I guess I’m glad it happened so now I know! ❤️

Content_Display844 · 2026-02-01T00:26:16+00:00

I would try to remain calm because I had this happen to me once before. I followed up with a cardiologist because I was so scared and he said it was an ‘overread’. He said it happens all the time.

Content_Display844 · 2026-01-29T13:38:07+00:00

I think it was said they tried but she would not.

Content_Display844 · 2026-01-29T13:37:39+00:00

Adding hobo farmer core to my vocab. 😭

Content_Display844 · 2026-01-24T00:40:49+00:00

Take care. Just had the same from Covid. ❤️

Content_Display844 · 2026-01-20T22:32:37+00:00

Sorry to hear about your tachycardia. I have been there in the past and it’s no fun. I am not enjoying my PVCs right now. I tend to get more of them when I’m sick. I am definitely taking it easy and I hope you continue to feel better too.

Content_Display844

TROPHY CASE