I quit smoking in May 2018 and started getting yearly lung cancer screening scans in November 2018; they never showed any problems with my lungs. My November 2021 scan detected calcium buildup in my heart. This led to a calcium risk score test with bad results. Which then led to stress test with bad results.
They recommended a stent be put in my heart, but after putting a camera up my arm and into my heart, they said my left descending artery was so shriveled and clogged that I needed coronary bypass surgery.
Ten weeks after my lung cancer screening, I had successful open heart surgery bypassing four arteries. I am 64 years old and in good physical condition. I exercise daily. I had no symptoms. No chest pain. No shortness of breath. Nothing. The doctors said I was days away from a serious event which could have led to death.
The lung cancer screening and the person who read the results saved my life. Quit smoking, talk to your doctor and get a lung cancer scan. Trust me, it could save your life.
