Reversal of Coronary Calcium Score: Gerry's Story

None of the comments mention how impressive it is that Gerry kept all of his lab results over the years, and the extensive amount of personal research he has done on his own. I started my own journey on understanding biomarkers, reference ranges vs. ideal ranges, etc. almost 5 years ago. I've yet to meet someone like Gerry who is also doing the same.

Hello! I'm "Gerry" who decided to share his medical history in hopes of encouraging others to dig deeper and not take "standards of care" for granted. I believe there are literally millions that are affected by atherosclerosis and don't know it. I'm going through all your comments and respond whenever appropriate. Mind you the comments are not those from a medical professional, but from an engineer. Also consider further discussion on the PrevMed forum. My screen name there is "Quanticus." A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Brewer for his ear and guidance.

Thankyou I been watching you about 3 years now. I have a 185 score at 62 and I needed to hear this again. I have changed my life style but not enough and this video is helping me get back on track.

All the men in my family die of heart disease, and due to my childhood conditions, my risk was extremely high. In 2003, after my older brother's second heart attack, my doctor asked me if I wanted to try nicotinic acid (e.g. niacin). At that time, my HDL was 33 and my fasting triglycerides 213. After a year, I was still asymptomatic but very concerned about my risks. I had a coronary artery calcium scan, which showed very mild calcification in my LCA. I was eating a "healthy" low-fat diet, until five years later, when I transitioned to low-carb. I was still taking IR niacin (4 g qd) when I had my second scan. My CAC score dropped. My new cardiologist said he had never seen a CAC score drop. I then told him about my low-carb diet, and his response was priceless, "that's not what we were taught in school." We both had a good laugh. It's now 15 years after that, still on the niacin, and live in the mountains of North Carolina. One day, I may get another CAC scan, but I'm too busy in my retirement!

This was done three years ago but I am proof this video continues to reach out to help people which is wonderful. Great information from this channel. I am learning so much and actually used it so my doc and I could come up with a plan for me and one of those steps is taking a very low dose statin (Crestor) along with specific supplements. My tests are going in a better direction. Btw… I had to chuckle when I saw that the patient sharing his health in this video is an engineer. They are so detailed oriented and I believe it’s that great trait that got him healthy! Bravo Gerry!

Morning Dr Brewer Mike in San Diego thanks to you bringing this great patient success story! Would be great to hear from a patient every month or so.

I saw in one lecture last year statistics that elderly people with high cholesterol are living 30% longer than those with low controlled cholesterol. Since cholesterol is the bodies building blocks, repair material, it isn't surprising. 30% is a sizable increase. So excess cholesterol maybe an issue for the younger generation, but for aging bodies it maybe supplying the repair material to keep plugging holes in the body.

Wow ! Thank you so much Gerry for your diligence and for sharing … a really really helpful episode for those of us following Ford’s protocols … thanks Doc ! Really love this type of show

35 and with a score of 10 am I a lost cause?

CAC and CIMT scores - Comments to those who wondered about score improvement Other than the caution about comparing scores with CAC (scoring with stents) and CIMT (variabilty across companies and even technicians), it is crucial to consider these scores in context: 1. Lifestyle and diet leads the list 2. Advanced lipid profile 3. Inflammation markers 4. Glucose and insulin dynamics via OGTT test (not static FG or aggragated A1c) 5. Medications 5. Supplements

I found this video EXTREMELY informative!! Many thanks, gentlemen!

I had a Coronary Calcium Score of 110, which is at the lower end of moderate risk. The Insurance company did not pay for the Calcium Score Test since I am not in the risk category according to the Framingham risk score for Coronary Heart Disease. Had a heart attack six weeks after the Calcium Score Test. Had to undergo quadruple bypass surgery (blockages of 100%, 90%,90%, and 80%). All of my previous ECGs and Stress Tests did not show any concerns, but I had a history of high Triglycerides. I wish my doctor's ordered a CT Angiogram even though I did not fit into the "standard" risk evaluations.

Thanks Dr Brewer, Excellent video. This makes it simple to understand what markers are important.

This is such a great wake up call for doctors and people. I’m terrified now. I had a bad calcium score. It was 1000 I’m an older person and I also did not do well on the stress test. I’m overweight and they’re telling me I’m prediabetic and not addressing it like you guys are addressing it. I think it’s more serious than they are saying. I also agree that taking the calcium test does put you in danger of high radiation I heard for the 10 minutes that you are getting the test it’s like a year of exposure to radiation. But that’s the only time I’ve ever had the calcium score test. Now I need to see about the soft calcium.but I do eat carbs because I always feel like I have low blood sugar and I always feel like I’m not satisfied when I eat. Thanks so much for this and I hope my cardiologist knows about the stuff or pays attention to things of this sort because the other doctors that I’m saying don’t really pay much attention to anything. They want me to go on a statin and I’m afraid to go on one. Because of the side effects. Gerry seem to do the right thing by Adding CO Q 10 while he’s taking a statin because I hear it reduces your CO Q 10. I’ve also heard there’s many other side effects that people don’t like so they don’t take it. I think I’ll do niacin. I just don’t know how much. Thanks so much for this informative video. I hope it helps save a lot of people because doctors these days just don’t seem to pay attention to a lot of details plus because of insurance not covering things they don’t do a lot of testing that they should do because the insurance won’t pay for it and most of California pay out-of-pocket.

Regarding CIMT and CAC testing and cost.... a doctor's order IS NOT required for the CIMT and CAC testing. A major hospital in my area (Houston, TX) offers both for $205. That is the out-of-pocket cost. Also, biomarker testing can be ordered directly through several direct-to-consumer labs. Some of the tests are very reasonable. The only downside to self-ordering tests, other than paying for them, is having to interpret your own results.

This is a wonderful presentation, puts together so much of the information I have watched from this channel over the last few years. This might be the only video link that I have ever shared with a broad list of my contacts, it needs to be shared.

Had a triple bypass in 2015... Concerned about inflammation since reading the latest Framingham study info. Now CAC score matters too! Your channel I will surely try to watch & share! Thanks!!!!!!👍 (Big Pharmocracy must not have seen this vid...no thumbs down... 😗) 👍👍👍👍👍

Once again an outstanding video,thank you and thank you Gerry for sharing your history.

I reduced my score from 605 to 516 in 2 years. Still have a way to go but its going in the right direction. I use Niacin, chelation, and other supplements and increased exercise. HDL from 29 to 53 which i think the niacin has really helped. Thanks Dr. Brewer i got that idea from you!

The information of the rise in CAC was fascinating. Thanks.