General Medical issues thread

[Freq Flier 2013]

I had the calcium score done prior to the echocardiogram. As I've just retired I'm getting the full battery of tests done, and other odds and ends seen to. Dodgy ankle, shoulder etc. The calcium score was also in the normal wear and tear range. If I drop off the statins for four weeks my cholesterol jumps to 6.5, and then settles back to 3.5 after I'm back on 20mg doses. It does the job for me, but everyone is different and you need to check what works for you.

I had an angiogram done - ctca last week. Came back with 30% moderate calcification in all 3 arteries. I need to keep taking my statins as they do help.
The cardiologist prescribed some oil capsules that are meant to do wonders.

 

[prozac]

... The cardiologist prescribed some oil capsules that are meant to do wonders.

What are they?

 

[tgh]

Medical marketing is alive and well ; every time I do a search for something miracle cures miraculously appear.
Facebook click baits can be useful ( as well as entertaining) as they can lead to real research .
Sadly science seldom agrees with the miracles but there are some compounds about where
commercialisation has not caught up with the prognostic research

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

What are they?

Vazkepa picture attached.

Vazkepa picture attached.

 

[prozac]

Vazkepa picture attached.

Interesting. Approved for use by TGA:
Vazkepa is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adult statin- treated patients at high cardiovascular risk with elevated triglycerides (≥ 1.7 mmol/L)
How it works: Icosapent ethyl is a stable ethyl ester of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The mechanisms of action contributing to reduction of cardiovascular events with icosapent ethyl are not completely understood. The mechanisms are likely multi-factorial including improved lipoprotein profile with reduction of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, reduction of macrophage accumulation, improved endothelial function, increased fibrous cap thickness/stability, and antiplatelet effects.
That's me but I don't know if I need another tablet.

https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/auspmd/vazkepa

 

[drron]

Reminds me of the time I sat next to a well known Brisbane cardiologist who strongly advocated for having plenty of olive oil in the diet.
We were both going to a cardiology meeting and he was one of the speakers. He pulled out a folder to read and I couldn’t help noticing that it was the details of his sponsorship by the olive oil producers of Australia.
Now not unreasonable but not once did he mention that sponsorship.

 

[prozac]

Reminds me of the time I sat next to a well known Brisbane cardiologist who strongly advocated for having plenty of olive oil in the diet.
We were both going to a cardiology meeting and he was one of the speakers. He pulled out a folder to read and I couldn’t help noticing that it was the details of his sponsorship by the olive oil producers of Australia.
Now not unreasonable but not once did he mention that sponsorship.

So @drron if olive oil is good for you (it is, right?), then is more better?

 

[Pushka]

What are they?

The thing is, a lot of these recommendations can be contraindicated by other medications being prescribed. For me, fish oil and Xarelto blood anticoagulants. Creates an increased risk of bleeding. As does curcumin.

 

[prozac]

The thing is, a lot of these recommendations can be contraindicated by other medications being prescribed. For me, fish oil and Xarelto blood anticoagulants. Creates an increased risk of bleeding. As does curcumin.

When I was on Xeralto (blood clot in branchial) I seem to recall being told not to take fish oil.

 

[blackcat20]

One of the kidlets came home from school with a headache Friday, followed by vomiting overnight. We assumed gastro, still unwell overnight last night and RAT this morning says Flu A. Just what we need.

 

[andye]

Never had calcium score done. Considering all my cardiac issues I am surprised it hasn't been requested.
My ankles, worse after IVIG when they become painful with soft tissue pressure. Left leg has compromised lymphatic system so always cough.
View attachment 519512

@prozac You don't need a calcium scan if you know you have coronary disease.

Its best use is for asymptomatic people who have modestly high cholesterol but otherwise of low vascular risk to decide if (1) they would be better off on a statin and (3) should have a stress-test

Its ok as a general screening test for asymptomatic people without vascular risk factors at all to decide on statin/stress testing but lower yield

 

[andye]

These days, people with positive calcium scores often get a CT coronary angiogram too (this usually incorporates a calcium score)