What Does The Following Pelvic Ultrasound Report Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 1 Aug 2016

Question: A recent abd/pelvic ultrasound happened upon atherosclerotic calcifications in the distribution of the
LAD. I am a 60 year old female who doesn't smoke; has a BP of 116/75 at home; cholesterol 5.34( Canadian); HDL of 1.58; LDL OF 3.4. Parents did not have a heart attack before age 60. Father and uncle had bypass surgery in their 60's. My Dr. feels I don't need statins and is hopefully sending me for a calcium score. Should I be worried and should I go on statins?( I exercise daily, but could lose 12 lbs.)

Answered by Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not to be worried

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam

Thank you for asking healthcaremagic

I have gone through your reports which are in permissible level.And your doctor has correctly advised to estimate coronary calcium score which predicts the severity of atherosclerosis.

And as your doctor thinks,i also don't think you need to be started on statins right away.Calcium score to be interpreted and drug therapy may be started accordingly.

Diet and physical lifestyle changes is the initial treatment strategy needed.

Hope I have answered your query

If any further queries,feel free to ask

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (11 hours later)

Thank you for your advise. I've read that another name for plaque in this location (LAD) is called the "widow maker ". The location of the plaque is concerning me. Is there really any "good" place to have plaque? Lastly can a statin decrease the buildup of plaque already in place? Or does it just decrease cholesterol production ? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Statin helps

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Thanks for writing back.

Every place has its own significance but Yes,Left coronary artery--->LAD is an important artery that supply most of heart and plaques in it are not unwanted.However what's the percentage of stenosis?Can you upload the angiogram report ?

Statin by reducing cholesterol synthesis in liver,indirectly hastens LDL cholesterol catabolism that are deposited outside like in arteries.This reduces the plaque thickness to some extent but it won't affect the other major components of atheromatous plaque i.e fibrous connective tissue,calcium deposits etc.

Also it reduces inflammation at site of coronary plaque,inhibit platelet aggregation and also to some extent act like anticoagulants especially the newer drug Rosuvastatin.

Hope this helps you

Further queries are welcome

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (13 hours later)

Last query on this topic please. In your opinion, should I take a statin solelybased on the location of my atheroma. ?

Answered by Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not necessarily but low dose statin is no harm...

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Thanks for writing back

You need not take statin solely on the basis of atheromatous plaque location..

Statin should be started once the extent of stenosis found to be > or equal to 50% .

But studies have shown that baseline Statin use reduce mortality in patients with non obstructive CAD i.e patients with 1 to 49 % of block.

So there is no harm,rather you may be benefited with a daily low dose of statin say 10 to 20 mg..

Hope this answers your query

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (9 hours later)

Great answer thankyou! This does help me .

Answered by Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for your feedback and you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam

You are welcome..

Please don't forget to close this discussion.

Take care and Wish you good health

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad