Chronic Pain? Your Heart Could Be at Risk

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Chronic Illness, Hidden Heart Risk, and the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) ScoreDr. Michael Lenz, a clinical lipidologist, explains that chronic illnesses involving pain, inflammation, or central sensitization (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia) can silently increase long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death—sometimes doubling or tripling risk—through systemic inflammation, stress-hormone-driven autonomic strain, and associated factors like obesity, tobacco/substance use, and inflammatory diets. He argues standard LDL-based risk calculators can miss this “invisible” danger and discusses advanced assessment, focusing on the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score: a brief, non-contrast CT scan that measures calcified plaque as proof of coronary disease. Citing the MESA study, he describes the predictive value of CAC, including “power of zero,” outlines score ranges and implications, notes limitations such as soft plaque, and urges viewers to discuss CAC, statins, lifestyle, and additional blood tests with their doctor.00:00 Chronic Illness Hidden Heart Risk02:10 Invisible Threat Explained03:50 UK Biobank Wake Up Call04:11 How Damage Builds Up06:20 Why Standard Tests Miss It08:21 CAC Scan That Changes Everything10:13 MESA Study Power of Zero12:32 Understanding Your CAC Score17:04 Treatment and Lifestyle Battle Plan18:51 Take Back Control ClosingClick here for the YouTube Channel  Support the showWhen I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope.  If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...