Maximum hematocrit recommended with positive calcium score

haynewp

New Member
Is there a reduction in the maximum recommended hematocrit value as a function of coronary calcium score? I currently have a 52.8 hematocrit with a past CAC score of 153.
 
A CAC score of 153 I wouldn't consider it bad. As long as your VO2 max is good. I wouldn't be concerned. Just stop the growth of plaque and you'll be good.

Your arteries can reshape themselves and stay open even with a high CT score which I would not consider yours high.
 
A CAC score of 153 I wouldn't consider it bad. As long as your VO2 max is good. I wouldn't be concerned. Just stop the growth of plaque and you'll be good.

Your arteries can reshape themselves and stay open even with a high CT score which I would not consider yours high.
Thanks. The CAC was from about 5 years ago but I’ve been on 40 mg rosuvastatin since then and passed a stress test in the last 2 years. I wasn’t on TRT back then though so my hematocrit wasn’t high.
 
Is there a reduction in the maximum recommended hematocrit value as a function of coronary calcium score? I currently have a 52.8 hematocrit with a past CAC score of 153.

I currently have a 52.8 hematocrit with a past CAC score of 153.


Still struggling with elevated hematocrit a year later I see.

You already know why your hematocrit is high as I stated in my reply from one of your previous threads running too high a trough/steady-state FT is a surefire way to drive up your hematocrit!

Unfortunately you were jacked up on T from the get-go.

You could have and can easily address this.

Hope you are still not caught up on that more T is better mentality.

What is your current protocol (dose T/injection frequency) and where does your trough TT and more importantly FT sit?




CAC score 153 (moderate)

1763336522691.webp



The CAC was from about 5 years ago but I’ve been on 40 mg rosuvastatin since then and passed a stress test in the last 2 years. I wasn’t on TRT back then though so my hematocrit wasn’t high.


At least you have taken some measures to address this but as you would know your overall lifestyle will have the biggest impact.

As long as you stay on top of your diet, and keep your blood pressure, lipids, inflammatory markers in check and get enough exercise/maintain a healthy weight this will have a big impact on improving your endothelial/vascular health in the long run.

I would also throw in use of a daily PDE5 inhibitor (tadalafil) to boot!

Also need to keep in mind as long as one has no underlying health conditions (OSA, COPD, smoker) which could predispose to or exacerbate the rise in hematocrit making it harder to control let alone is not experiencing any negative effects most in the know specializing in testosterone therapy would not fret if the patient's hematocrit falls within 50-54%.

Yes some will be more cautious and take measures once hematocrit hits 52%.

Some endos are sticklers and hesitate once your hematocrit gets over the top end and prefer to keep patients levels no higher than 50%.

Youn are right on the doorstep here with an HCT 52.8%.


*The Endocrine Society uses a hematocrit threshold of >50% as a relative contraindication to initiating TT and >54% as an indication to discontinue treatment [1]. The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on hypogonadism also state that the hematocrit should not exceed 54%, while recent Canadian guidelines cite 55% as the safe upper limit [15, 40]. The AUA guidelines on testosterone deficiency define polycythemia as a hematocrit of 52% and recommend stopping or reducing treatment if the hematocrit reaches 54% [14]




 
Is there a reduction in the maximum recommended hematocrit value as a function of coronary calcium score? I currently have a 52.8 hematocrit with a past CAC score of 153.
If you want to significantly lower or desire zero CAC scores, look no further than the carnivore diet. If you're worried about cholesterol, get this out of you're head! Sugar damages the endothelial walls of the arteries and LDL gets stuck to the arteries.

Sugar attaches to proteins and lipids in the blood, which can cause LDL particles to become damaged. The glycated LDL particles are more readily taken up by macrophages, a type of immune cell, forming foam cells that contribute to artery clogging plaque.


People on Carnivore typically report much lower CAC scores, while some see 0's across the board.
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

Online statistics

Members online
8
Guests online
292
Total visitors
300

Latest posts

Beyond Testosterone Podcast

Back
Top