In 2017 at age 63 I had a Heart Calcium Score test done and got a result of 328, which was very concerning. Shortly afterwards I retired, started exercising regularly (mostly fast walking), lost 25 pounds and kept it off, and have been watching my diet. I do take statins, and my blood tests have always been excellent.
I was feeling very good about myself, and at my cardiologist appointment earlier this year I suggested getting another Calcium Score test. The results of that test was 662, DOUBLE my prior test. Consequently, my cardiologist ordered a nuclear stress test, which I did well on.
When I ask my cardiologist what my next steps are, they say just keep doing what I'm doing, come in for regular check ups, and get another calcium test in 3 years. I said in 3 years, and the rate that I'm going, my score will be well over 1,000. What do I do then? Nothing, they said, as long as I'm not having any symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.). They said my situation is most likely hereditary, which I have no control over.
I feel like I'm a walking time-bomb, and the doctor won't do anything unless I have a heart attack (or close to it)! I feel fine, continue to exercise, and I'm sure will continue to get good blood tests, but the mental stress of my situation will probably be what does me in!
Long story short, as the thread title says, cholesterol testing is seriously flawed, and has given me a false sense of security all this time. I'm considering getting a second opinion on where to go from here, but my research is telling me that generally speaking an angiogram is not indicated unless there are symptoms.