Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD 50. 50% of Heart Disease Is Diagnosed Too Late—Here’s How to Avoid It
Apr 3, 2025
Heart disease is more preventable than most realize, yet it's still the leading cause of death. This discussion dives into essential tests and metrics to protect your heart health. Discover the four critical areas to evaluate: ischemia, blood pressure, electrical function, and cardiac capacity. Learn about underutilized tests like the coronary calcium score and Holter monitors that can signal heart issues long before symptoms arise. If you're over 40 or have risk factors, this is crucial knowledge to safeguard your cardiovascular health.
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Early Diagnosis is Crucial
- 50% of heart disease is diagnosed too late, at the first heart attack.
- Start preventative testing early, ideally by age 40.
The Widow Maker
- A healthy friend of Dr. Shah's had a near-fatal blockage discovered by a coronary calcium scan.
- This "widow maker" blockage was found before a planned Kilimanjaro hike.
Get a Coronary Calcium Scan
- Get a coronary calcium scan, even if your doctor resists.
- It's affordable and can detect heart disease decades before symptoms.