By Dr. Jack Wolfson, Holistic Cardiologist
A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan is a radiation based CT scan performed by doctors and people around the world. I am not a fan of it, as the results do not change my plan of following the NHD Method to heart health. But if you did the scan, and your CAC score comes back elevated, what should you do next?
No Symptoms? No Stress Test Needed
Many conventional cardiologists rush to order stress tests for patients with an abnormal CAC score, even if they have no symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. However, a stress test does not assess the root cause of coronary calcification and does not predict who will have a heart attack. If you feel well and can exercise without difficulty, a stress test is unnecessary.
The COURAGE trial in 2007 and the ISCHEMIA trial in 2020 found that angioplasty and stents do NOT save lives or prevent heart attacks. A 2022 meta-analysis of 9 trials found the same results.
On the same note, an angiogram is not necessary, unless you are having symptoms. Stents are for symptoms.
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING, consult with us.
Statins Increase Coronary Calcium and Have Minimal Impact on Events
One of the most common recommendations from conventional doctors is to prescribe statin medications. However, statins do not remove plaque from arteries. Instead, they increase coronary calcium scores by stabilizing plaques and making them denser. This MAY reduce the risk of a heart attack, but it does not reverse disease. Furthermore, statins come with significant side effects, including muscle pain, brain fog, liver dysfunction, and an increased risk of diabetes.
The Natural Heart Doctor (NHD) Method for Coronary Calcium
Rather than relying on pharmaceuticals, the NHD Method focuses on addressing the root causes of arterial calcification through:
- Thrival Nutrition – Eating a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet featuring organic, pasture-raised animal products, wild seafood, and healthy fats.
- Thrival Lifestyle – Prioritizing sunshine, movement, quality sleep, and stress management.
- Thrival Biohacking – Using targeted therapies such as sauna, grounding, and red light therapy to optimize cardiovascular function.
- Thrival UltraDiagnostics – Comprehensive testing to assess oxidative stress, inflammation, and nutrient status, allowing for personalized treatment plans.
Top 8 Supplements for Coronary Calcium
In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation can support arterial health and help reduce calcification. Here are my top eight recommendations:
- Wild Salmon Roe – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, and astaxanthin, wild salmon roe helps reduce inflammation, support arterial flexibility, and enhance nitric oxide production for better blood flow.
- Emu Oil – A natural source of vitamin K2, which helps direct calcium away from the arteries and into bones where it belongs. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- BodyBio PC (Phosphatidylcholine) – A crucial nutrient for cellular membrane repair and cardiovascular health. Phosphatidylcholine supports optimal lipid metabolism and reduces arterial stiffness.
- OptiLipid – A blend of natural compounds designed to support healthy cholesterol levels, optimize lipid profiles, and reduce oxidation—a key driver of plaque formation.
- Heart Helpers Probiotic – A targeted probiotic formula to improve gut health, reduce systemic inflammation, and support healthy cholesterol metabolism, all of which contribute to better cardiovascular outcomes.
- Heart Beet – Organic beetroot powder plus other organic veggies to boost nitric oxide allowing for better blood flow.
- Vessel Support – Amino acid powder to support nitric oxide production for better blood flow
- Arterosil – Supplement proven to reduce vascular disease.
Final Thoughts
An abnormal coronary calcium scan should be a wake-up call, but not a reason for panic. Instead of jumping to unnecessary stress tests or relying on statins, focus on proactive, holistic strategies to improve your heart health naturally. The NHD Method provides a comprehensive, science-backed approach to lowering inflammation, supporting vascular function, and optimizing long-term heart health.
If you’re concerned about your coronary calcium score, Natural Heart Doctor is here to help. We offer advanced testing and personalized heart health plans to help you live your best, heart-healthy life—naturally. Start with a free discovery call here.
