All articles tagged with #preventive healthcare
On World Stroke Day 2025, Chennai cardiologist Dr. Babu Ezhumalai emphasizes the dangers of resistant hypertension, a silent form of high blood pressure that increases stroke risk by 14%, and advocates for regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and innovative treatments like renal denervation to prevent serious health consequences.
The article discusses four key cancer screening tests for adults over 35—standard screenings like colonoscopy, mammograms, Pap smears, and PSA tests; advanced blood tests like Galleri; genetic testing for inherited risks; and full-body MRI scans—highlighting their importance for early detection and prevention, along with lifestyle factors influencing cancer risk.
Silent cancers, which show no obvious symptoms, present a challenge for early detection and treatment. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment, and proactive healthcare measures such as screening tests and biomarker discovery play a pivotal role in identifying these cancers at an early stage. Public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of cancer screening and symptom recognition are essential in reducing diagnostic delays. Encouraging preventive lifestyles and engagement with screenings and tests can help mitigate the threat of asymptomatic cancers.
Researchers have developed a method to predict imminent heart attacks using standard blood tests and an online tool, analyzing blood samples from over 169,000 individuals to identify 90 molecules linked to heart attack risk. By analyzing routine blood test outcomes with the online tool, individuals can determine their elevated risk of experiencing a heart attack in the next six months, potentially enhancing preventive healthcare efforts. The study aims to increase motivation for adopting healthier lifestyle habits and hopes to understand the identified molecules better for potential treatment possibilities.
A coronary calcium scan is a noninvasive CT scan that measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, serving as an early detection tool for heart disease, especially for individuals aged 40-74 with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. The test provides a score indicating the risk of developing coronary artery disease, and it is affordable and easily accessible, making it a valuable preventive healthcare measure.
Health experts emphasize the importance of regular preventive healthcare visits to catch or prevent medical issues early. Key annual appointments include checkups with a primary care physician, dental exams, skin checks, eye exams, and well-woman visits. Additional screenings such as Pap tests, HPV screenings, mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings, prostate cancer screenings, and bone density scans are recommended at varying intervals depending on age, health status, and risk factors. These visits and screenings are crucial for early detection and maintaining overall health, with the guidance of a primary care physician to navigate the specifics.
Wealthy individuals in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles are increasingly turning to full-body MRIs as a preventive healthcare measure, despite the lack of official medical endorsement. These scans, offered by boutique clinics like Prenuvo, aim to detect potential health issues early on, similar to routine screenings like colonoscopies or mammograms. Advocates argue that early detection can significantly improve survival rates for diseases like cancer. While critics caution against the potential for false positives and unnecessary procedures, proponents believe that more scanning can lead to individualized baselines and reduce anxiety. Start-ups in the quantified health space are also leveraging data and AI to offer personalized care, but the high cost of these services currently limits access to the wealthy.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, will be offered to nearly one million more people in England starting September 1. Currently available to those aged over 70, the vaccine will now be given to anyone who is severely immunosuppressed and over 50. Additionally, individuals turning 65 and 70 will also be eligible for the vaccine after their birthday. By expanding the program, the NHS aims to reach an additional 900,000 people and prevent complications from shingles, a viral infection that can cause a painful rash and potentially lead to serious health issues.