I take 600mg of K2 Mk 7 daily because statins might well play a role in arterial calcification. This is not necessarily established as a scientific matter but since K2 is apparently quite safe, why not.
Crazy, huh? Statins definitely reduce LDL and nonHDL cholesterol, and have been shown to reduce mortality from cardiovascular events, but they might play a role in arterial calcification. A conundrum, if established.
The problem with statins in my view is that once they are prescribed, the damage has been done. All they do is protect from further damage.
If your apoB is low, it is unlikely that calcium plaques are forming in the interior of the arteries. But it cannot be a good thing to have calcification on their exterior, either. But certainly better than having them inside.
Despite (relatively) clean living, lots of exercise, and weight loss, my calcium scores went up a bunch about a year ago, so I consulted a cardiologist who ran tests, said my pipes were clean and unblocked. So that lead me to think that maybe what we have is a different kind of calcification taking place, on the outside of the arteries. This is pure speculation on my part but it is reasonable because the calcium scoring scanner does not examine the interior of the arteries.
Or it might be that my super low lp(a) and apoB scores have protected the interior of my pipes because the calcium can't get inside in any significant way.
Who knows. It is terribly complicated. There is a lot of information out there, but it is very difficult to interpret.
On balance, I think K2 Mk 7 is a no-brainer. It is not toxic and, if it works, great. If not, no damage done. |
