seafuryfan
23rd Jun 2004, 22:34
Had my 5 yearly Av Med refresher recently.
A couple of interesting points from the doc:
Non-invasive (x-ray/digital) inspections of the arteries which carry blood to and from the heart are improving at an incredible rate (much like anything digital). Which means that it will soon be far easier to detect your own stage of coronary heart disease (starts in males from about the age of 12). All males have this condition, it's the extent of the disease in each of us which varies (genetic, lifestyle etc). With me so far? Doc predicts that within about five years, using these new methods of detection, all aircrew will be tested for coronary heart disease. I think that it'll probably start with the civvys, who's employers are almost paranoid about individuals keeling over from heart attacks. Then the military will follow suit.
Ever heard of statins? Neither had I. They are, apparently, cholestoral reducing drugs which are spectacular in their effectiveness, with no side effects. Doc thinks that all male adults should be taking this wonder drug to counter heart disease (a massive killer). Why are they not available now? Because the patent on them does not run out for another 3 or 4 years. When it does, the formula can be freely marketed. So if orders will permit, this stuff looks like an excellent counter the any problems raised in his first point. Even if your cholestoral level is not life threatning, Doc still thinks we should all be popping these pills.
One of the guys on the course rasied the question of results being held against you (insurance, employment etc). No easy answers to that one.
Remember the drug name: statins (re. speculative shares buy).
If you've got a medic mate in the bar, run this stuff by him and see what he thinks.
(Edited because I remembered the word 'arteries' instead of using 'tube' :) )
A couple of interesting points from the doc:
Non-invasive (x-ray/digital) inspections of the arteries which carry blood to and from the heart are improving at an incredible rate (much like anything digital). Which means that it will soon be far easier to detect your own stage of coronary heart disease (starts in males from about the age of 12). All males have this condition, it's the extent of the disease in each of us which varies (genetic, lifestyle etc). With me so far? Doc predicts that within about five years, using these new methods of detection, all aircrew will be tested for coronary heart disease. I think that it'll probably start with the civvys, who's employers are almost paranoid about individuals keeling over from heart attacks. Then the military will follow suit.
Ever heard of statins? Neither had I. They are, apparently, cholestoral reducing drugs which are spectacular in their effectiveness, with no side effects. Doc thinks that all male adults should be taking this wonder drug to counter heart disease (a massive killer). Why are they not available now? Because the patent on them does not run out for another 3 or 4 years. When it does, the formula can be freely marketed. So if orders will permit, this stuff looks like an excellent counter the any problems raised in his first point. Even if your cholestoral level is not life threatning, Doc still thinks we should all be popping these pills.
One of the guys on the course rasied the question of results being held against you (insurance, employment etc). No easy answers to that one.
Remember the drug name: statins (re. speculative shares buy).
If you've got a medic mate in the bar, run this stuff by him and see what he thinks.
(Edited because I remembered the word 'arteries' instead of using 'tube' :) )