[Fetchit]

Lifeline screening literally saved my dad‘s life. He had 98% blockage in his carotid artery and his doctor did not catch it. He took his lifeline screening results in to His doctor and the doctor still didn’t believe it until they actually did some tests. They check things that your regular doctor doesn’t always do. If they find anything off, you can ask your doctor to then check it. It is worth the money and it is not that expensive. It could save your life. it is not a scam, it’s peace of mind.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy

I will send the paper work in to create a new Village's affinity group:
The high calcium score group!

After each meeting can we go out for pizza or a steak?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

After each meeting can we go out for pizza or a steak?

Stu, absolutely, all members can attend, however,
calcium scan results above 80% are required.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by Pennyt

I used to get them. When I asked my physician about them, he said it didn't hurt to have them, but it was unnecessary in his opinion as he listens to my arteries at visits. He said if there was an issue he would have heard it.

You may want to get a second opinion or better yet another primary physician.

heart rhythms can be quite complex and not all abnormal rhythms can be properly identified through a stethoscope check alone. In addition, blockages in the heart that can lead to heart attacks can’t be picked up on a stethoscope check.

What a stethoscope check can tell your doctor about your heart health.

[Dchilder]

Yes, and they detected a moderate blockage on one side that had not been noticed by my PCP. I discussed the results with my PCP and he referred me to a vascular specialist who confirmed the blockage and I have been getting it checked regularly since (along with some meds). Lifeline screening was able to catch this early, so i consider it money well spent.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by Fetchit

Lifeline screening literally saved my dad‘s life. He had 98% blockage in his carotid artery and his doctor did not catch it. He took his lifeline screening results in to His doctor and the doctor still didn’t believe it until they actually did some tests. They check things that your regular doctor doesn’t always do. If they find anything off, you can ask your doctor to then check it. It is worth the money and it is not that expensive. It could save your life. it is not a scam, it’s peace of mind.

A PCP is primarily a reactive MD, and secondarily a proactive MD. however, the proactive PCP has limited standard tools and tests, without a reactive reason. Same with cancer marker proactive screening, a PCP must have a reason to order tests so that insurance will cover it. Medical insurance is generally not a proactive but a reactive insurance policy to cover actual events.

Anyone with potential heart issues who wants to be proactive should engage a cardiologist, who has the tools and experience to better deal with the specialty issues than a PCP.

As far as cancer bloodwork screening, most men have a PSA test as standard and insurance covers it, woman have a mammogram as standard and insurance covers it. Colonoscopies are another. However, there are many more cancers which don't show any symptoms until its too late, especially pancreatic, where the prospect is usually fatal after discovery. There are markers in proactive blood work, but its on you. . .

I would definately pay for advanced blood screening looking for markets of cancer as that also runs in my family, which are not easily seen with blood or other standard testing.

YMMV

[Altavia]

The cost of genetic testing is rapidly decreasing and beginning to become more mainstream.

23andMe+ Total Health Membership. Exome Testing & Personalized Care - 23andMe

Genetic testing - Mayo Clinic

Why it's done
Genetic testing plays a vital role in determining the risk of developing certain diseases as well as screening and sometimes medical treatment. Different types of genetic testing are done for different reasons:

Diagnostic testing.
If you have symptoms of a disease that may be caused by genetic changes, sometimes called mutated genes, genetic testing can reveal if you have the suspected disorder. For example, genetic testing may be used to confirm a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease.

Presymptomatic and predictive testing.
If you have a family history of a genetic condition, getting genetic testing before you have symptoms may show if you're at risk of developing that condition. For example, this type of test may be useful for identifying your risk of certain types of colorectal cancer.

Carrier testing.
If you have a family history of a genetic disorder — such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis — or you're in an ethnic group that has a high risk of a specific genetic disorder, you may choose to have genetic testing before having children. An expanded carrier screening test can detect genes associated with a wide variety of genetic diseases and mutations and can identify if you and your partner are carriers for the same conditions.

Pharmacogenetics.
If you have a particular health condition or disease, this type of genetic testing may help determine what medication and dosage will be most effective and beneficial for you.

Prenatal testing.
If you're pregnant, tests can detect some types of abnormalities in your baby's genes. Down syndrome and trisomy 18 syndrome are two genetic disorders that are often screened for as part of prenatal genetic testing. Traditionally this is done looking at markers in blood or by invasive testing such as amniocentesis. Newer testing called cell-free DNA testing looks at a baby's DNA via a blood test done on the mother.

Newborn screening.
This is the most common type of genetic testing. In the United States, all states require that newborns be tested for certain genetic and metabolic abnormalities that cause specific conditions. This type of genetic testing is important because if results show there's a disorder such as congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell disease or phenylketonuria (PKU), care and treatment can begin right away.

Preimplantation testing.
Also called preimplantation genetic diagnosis, this test may be used when you attempt to conceive a child through in vitro fertilization. The embryos are screened for genetic abnormalities. Embryos without abnormalities are implanted in the uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

genetic medicine is the perfection of the medical proactive analysis and prevention.

however, its really still in its infancy, just be prepared to know what you might prefer to be ignorant about. .
as the information might cause permanent unnecessary anxiety. . .

YMMV

[Bugface]

To answer your question: IMHO it is a worthwhile screening. It is a screening only and is meant for a person who has not had a cardiac incident, bone break, or a stroke but is perhaps at higher risk (age, genetics, etc.), and would like to know more regarding personal risk. Some screening tests (like the carotid scans) will not be covered by traditional insurance plans if patient hasn't had an "incident" even if ordered by MD. These screenings are very affordable alternatives to some of these tests and can be good starting points to dialogue with your MD. My cardiologist recommended the Lifeline test to me as screening for carotid blockages and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

[Dusty_Star]

Is there a Lifeline Screening office near us?

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by Cliff Fr

My cholesterol was a little high but now it's normal because of diet changes I made.

What were the changes? I probably should eat healthier!