$Unique_ID{BRK00654}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{What Does a "Risk Profile" Mean, How Does it Work, and is it
Worthwhile?}
$Subject{risk profile heart attack}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does a "Risk Profile" Mean, How Does it Work, and is it Worthwhile?


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QUESTION:  There have been several times when you have discussed heart
disease, where you have mentioned reducing risks, usually by diet or exercise.
Recently we were offered the chance to have a "risk profile" developed for us
by our company.  What does this mean. how does it work, and do you think it is
worthwhile?

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ANSWER:  As medical insurance costs to companies continue to mount, some clear
thinking has made prevention of disease an important goal, rather than just
financing the cost of care for disease when acute crises develop.  A careful
history, an examination, and a few tests are necessary to construct a risk
profile that provides an individual with some conclusions upon which to change
a style of life and activity, and thereby prevent the onset of heart disease.
There are several factors that are considered, some of which you may not be
able to change, others that require your decision and actions.  A family
history is taken, and if early heart disease runs in your father, mother or
brothers or sisters, then you must consider the changes you can control, even
more seriously.  The other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure,
elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, an abnormal electrocardiogram,
and certain behavioral characteristics (such as extreme emotional reactions
and anxiety responses to life's stressful situations).  You can understand,
just by by scanning this list, that there are elements that can be changed, by
proper medication or activity.  In some risk profiles, numerical scores are
calculated and can be used as indicators of the chances that you will fall
victim to heart disease.  Lower the numbers and you reduce that probability.
I think that this approach to disease prevention makes great sense, because it
reduces a lot of complicated considerations into some simple numbers, and
offers you a realistic evaluation of your chances of living a longer, more
enjoyable life, but that doesn't of necessity make it "worthwhile".  All the
numbers, and calculations are worthless, unless you decide that they have a
meaning for you, and that you accept the challenge of changing those factors
which may be altered.  Your employers, as many concerned health providers,
consider these evaluations most important, but their true worth depends upon
you.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
