Alan interviews Dr. David Clark about a near-fatal heart attack he suffered almost two years ago. Dave describes the dramatic details of the event, from initially mistaking his symptoms for heartburn to his wife heroically rushing him to the emergency room.
The episode delves into the importance of being your own health advocate, particularly for dentists and other seemingly healthy individuals who may be at risk without knowing it. Dave emphasizes that a heart attack is one of the few life-threatening events that can be largely preventable if people are armed with the right knowledge. He shares key tests and prevention strategies he learned from his brother, a metabolic cardiologist, and warns against common misconceptions and tests that offer a false sense of security. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical toll the event took on him and his family, ultimately leading him to a renewed perspective on life and his dental career.
Key takeaways:
Dr. Clark discussed several key prevention ideas and tests that he believes are crucial for all listeners to consider, especially those who appear healthy but may have underlying risks.
Be Your Own Health Advocate: Don't blindly trust a single doctor's diagnosis, especially if your symptoms don't align with what they say. Dr. Clark's initial symptoms were dismissed as heartburn by his concierge cardiologist, a diagnosis that could have been fatal.
The Troponin Blood Test: If you suspect you've had a cardiac event, no matter how minor, go to the emergency room and specifically ask for a blood test for troponin. Troponin is a protein released when heart muscle is damaged, and it can be detected in your bloodstream for up to 48 hours after an event. A positive result would have led to an immediate diagnosis and intervention for Dr. Clark, preventing the heart attack and damage.
Get a CAC (Coronary Artery Calcium) Score: This is a key test for "the healthy guy heart attack." A high CAC score indicates a genetic predisposition to having calcified plaque in your arteries. While a stress test only provides short-term security, a high CAC score is a significant warning sign that a rupture in the plaque could lead to a sudden, fatal heart attack.
Be Cautious of Misleading Tests: Dr. Clark and his brother identified several tests that can give a false sense of security or are simply not effective in predicting a heart attack, including the standard stress test and most whole-body scans.
Consider a GLP-1 Medication: Based on his brother's recommendation, Dr. Clark started taking a GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic or Wegovy) to reduce inflammation, which is a known contributor to cardiovascular problems. He notes that these medications are not just for weight loss but have significant, positive metabolic effects.
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