Thread: Would you know if you were having a heart attack?

I was talking to an ex pharmacist a couple of days ago, that it is a pity that when we get older we cannot sort of preempt getting struck down suddenly by having a full body scan, or maybe a chest and carotid scan at an affordable price.
It seems to me that preempting a heart attack is better and cheaper than treating one or identifying cancer would result in fewer younger deaths.

But then I think that the more people that die young means that statistically I will live longer.
Regards PhilipA

Originally Posted by PhilipA

I was talking to an ex pharmacist a couple of days ago, that it is a pity that when we get older we cannot sort of preempt getting struck down suddenly by having a full body scan, or maybe a chest and carotid scan at an affordable price.
It seems to me that preempting a heart attack is better and cheaper than treating one or identifying cancer would result in fewer younger deaths.
But then I think that the more people that die young means that statistically I will live longer.
Regards PhilipA

I am NOT particularly into sharing my medical history with the world but I figure I was VERY lucky and if by highlighting this issue one person is saved from a premature death then it is worthwhile.

There is a test (that I had never heard of before this) that may give an indication of otherwise undiagnosed heart disease, called a coronary calcium CT scan.

"A coronary calcium scan is a test for people who have no symptoms of heart disease but may be at risk for getting it. The test uses computed tomography (CT) to check for calcium buildup in plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries wrap around the heart and supply it with blood and oxygen"

A high score is an indication that further investigation is warranted ie angioplasty, although can throw up high readings in the absence of disease. A friend of mine recently had it done, had a high score, had an angioplasty and is now scheduled for bi-pass surgery.

My wife had it done last week and awaits the results. Its non-invasive and only cost $250 through Medicare and private health insurance. Just takes a referral from a Dr.

Originally Posted by Barraman

I am NOT particularly into sharing my medical history with the world but I figure I was VERY lucky and if by highlighting this issue one person is saved from a premature death then it is worthwhile.

Good on ya. Yep, blokes don't generally discuss their health and therein is one of the problems. Lack of knowledge allowed me to lull myself into a sense of denial. It was interesting the smoko room discussion after I got back from sick leave. I hadn't realised a few of the other guys in the office had had cardiac issues and how much knowledge there was once we started talking about it...

All this chat is great but there is one aspect as yet not mentioned aka make sure you have good ambulance health cover. Ambos are not cheap. I know a couple of people who each got ambulance bills for some $8G.

Originally Posted by Grumbles

All this chat is great but there is one aspect as yet not mentioned aka make sure you have good ambulance health cover. Ambos are not cheap. I know a couple of people who each got ambulance bills for some $8G.

There was me thinking an Ambulance bill for $900 was a rip off but that was about 4 years ago. But I'm still kicking on.
If Health Care opted out of Ambulance Cover I would still take out an annual subscription with SA Ambulance Service 'cos you just never know.

Gliders get towed.... by puny Austers / Cubs / etc
Anyway, good to hear you're through the worst.... IF, and it's a big IF, you ever hanker for getting up again, consider Light Sports Aircraft. Yes, lots slower, but you fly them on your 'Motor car medical' - standards. Though after a Bonanza, having to use both Gravity and Noise to wind up airspeed may be a Bridge too Far. !

Just a comment. Stenting or even by-passes.... does not fix the problem, only the plumbing flow. The cause(s) need to be identified and dealt with....
- Ask me how I know !

Originally Posted by Grumbles

All this chat is great but there is one aspect as yet not mentioned aka make sure you have good ambulance health cover. Ambos are not cheap. I know a couple of people who each got ambulance bills for some $8G.

Yes, NOW is the time to check your health fund, 'cos some include Emergency Ambulance, others do NOT. Here in WA, the St J's run the ambulances. IF not included, Ambulance cover can be purchased stand-alone. In other States, the State gov is, I understand, the financier.
Even if you do have 'Emergency' cover, there's always inter-hospital transfer cost$, a veritable minefield. Yes, I've been stung for that, when a Dr didn't tick the right box and mine was.... $$$. Free from Dr's Surgery to local hospital, but OUCH to the bigger one.

In summary, the best indication is the Old Classic, an ill-defined, but worrying "feeeeeeeling.... of Impending Doom".

- NEVER ignore that subtle, 'out of the corner of your eye' niggling suspicion that all is not well.

On the Bright Side, your local Emergency Department really doesn't mind a False Alarm. - Everyone goes home and sleeps easy. They'll take an Easy Cure, - any day !!!

Ambos are free.