Peter Attia explains how we can battle the "Four Horsemen" of modernity conspiring to degrade our ability to live a long life free of chronic conditions and disabilities.
I’ve always intuitively valued exercise so it became a habit - as much for mental as physical reasons - it was just something that made me feel better even though I had to MAKE myself exercise. It’s something I’ve tried to get my kids to incorporate into their lives for those reasons - as is said, if it’s not a habit when demands on time are less, it’ll be harder to develop the habit when the demands on your time are many. Good habits in all things I guess (with the occasional moment of rebellion 😉). Thanks for the review
Great article thanks. Do you know what the difference is between a 'heart scan' as you linked and a CT coronary angiogram? Or are they one in the same thing. If different, is there a reason you did one over the other? Thanks.
Attia discusses the CT angiogram, contrasted with the calcium score, in the book. Here is a footnote on page 124:
"While the CT angiogram costs a bit more, requires IV dye, and exposes the patient to slightly more radiation, I struggle to find credible arguments against its use. Approximately 15 percent of people who have a normal calcium score (0) are still found to have soft plaque or even small calcifications on CT angiograms, and as many as 2 to 3 percent of people with a zero calcium score are found on CT angiogram to have high-risk plaques. For this reason, I almost always prefer my patients to have a CT angiogram over a calcium scan if we opt to look for evidence of disease via imaging studies."
The other factor is cost. The Calcium score is much cheaper than the CT Angiogram. I understand that getting insurance to cover either one can be difficult. My calcium score through Kaiser was $327, all out of pocket because I am under the deductible. I was not really aware of the CT Angiogram when I did the test. I believe it can cost far more (thousands rather than hundreds). I plan to redo imaging in a few years and will probably opt for the CT Angiogram at that time.
Apr 6, 2023·edited Apr 6, 2023Liked by The Rational Walk
Great, thanks. That is a huge help to me. Confirms my thoughts. I'm in NZ and at 43 will be getting the CT angiogram, probably cost me $2500. Could be highest return on any investment I ever make.
Suffice it to say that Peter Attia does not see eye-to-eye with Buffett and Munger on health! To be serious, there is an interesting chapter on centenarians, many of whom seem to have lived a lifestyle somehow immune from the Horsemen!
Great review! I would also add the Tim Ferris interview of Ed Thorp also has useful tips about how to stay in shape and aid in longevity.
I’ve always intuitively valued exercise so it became a habit - as much for mental as physical reasons - it was just something that made me feel better even though I had to MAKE myself exercise. It’s something I’ve tried to get my kids to incorporate into their lives for those reasons - as is said, if it’s not a habit when demands on time are less, it’ll be harder to develop the habit when the demands on your time are many. Good habits in all things I guess (with the occasional moment of rebellion 😉). Thanks for the review
Thank you, excellent read and good reminder for me to keep working on my health.
Thanks for this. Wish I had it many years ago.
Very informative as usual. Much appreciated.
Great article thanks. Do you know what the difference is between a 'heart scan' as you linked and a CT coronary angiogram? Or are they one in the same thing. If different, is there a reason you did one over the other? Thanks.
Attia discusses the CT angiogram, contrasted with the calcium score, in the book. Here is a footnote on page 124:
"While the CT angiogram costs a bit more, requires IV dye, and exposes the patient to slightly more radiation, I struggle to find credible arguments against its use. Approximately 15 percent of people who have a normal calcium score (0) are still found to have soft plaque or even small calcifications on CT angiograms, and as many as 2 to 3 percent of people with a zero calcium score are found on CT angiogram to have high-risk plaques. For this reason, I almost always prefer my patients to have a CT angiogram over a calcium scan if we opt to look for evidence of disease via imaging studies."
The other factor is cost. The Calcium score is much cheaper than the CT Angiogram. I understand that getting insurance to cover either one can be difficult. My calcium score through Kaiser was $327, all out of pocket because I am under the deductible. I was not really aware of the CT Angiogram when I did the test. I believe it can cost far more (thousands rather than hundreds). I plan to redo imaging in a few years and will probably opt for the CT Angiogram at that time.
I put the question to a Doctor friend who is currently learning the art of investing. His reply -
'Calcium score is like trying to value a company on price to book ratio or even worse PE ratio, CT is your intrinsic value in one shot'
Great, thanks. That is a huge help to me. Confirms my thoughts. I'm in NZ and at 43 will be getting the CT angiogram, probably cost me $2500. Could be highest return on any investment I ever make.
Excellent review! I'm hopefully getting this book this weekend. Big fan of Attia's podcast.
Suffice it to say that Peter Attia does not see eye-to-eye with Buffett and Munger on health! To be serious, there is an interesting chapter on centenarians, many of whom seem to have lived a lifestyle somehow immune from the Horsemen!
Haha, yes, I wish the Buffett approach to diet/exercise worked as well for me as it does for him!