US body says no to regular tests for chronic coronary disease, but obsession with tests unceasing

Although modern methods for detecting disease and monitoring are admirable and must be utilized to the fullest extent but the unnecessary use of these expensive methods in order to increase the burden of vulnerable patients is inexplicably unnecessary.

The most recent guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) has been released stating that patients suffering from long-term vascular or heart diseases should not undergo regular screening tests and screenings such as CT scan.

Typically prescribed tests such as stress screening or CT scans are therefore not required unless the patient is receiving guidelines-based therapies and has not experienced significant changes in their functional symptoms.

Although modern imaging techniques and other state-of-the advanced tests are essential in the present, overexposure to radiation isn't always the most effective option. For instance, a CT scan is comparable to 400 chest xrays. The quantity of radiation you are exposed to during these tests can be drastically reduced.

The method of prescribing tests to patients at the first sign of possibility of being able to do so is an issue that has riled the medical profession, particularly in India. The cost-intensive nature of these tests that result into a large amount of revenue for hospitals has been turned into an act of deceit that entices people who are vulnerable to be forced to pay cash.

The root of the issue is deeply rooted in the way we view doctors as well as how we think about, as well as expectations regarding doctors and the profession.

Reverence stifles the critical thought process of disease

While it's not appropriate to paint all medical doctors across India in the exact same way and say that they are prescribing unnecessary tests to make more cash, the method seems to be widespread.

One of the main reasons we Indians appear to be in agreement with any request, and even requests from doctors is the exaggerated feeling of respect and reverence that we feel for them.

It is only natural that the profession of medicine is highly respected. The extensive study required to become a doctor the endless days of selfless service, as well as the risks involved in do a job that can save lives and improves our health is widely acknowledged and even admired.

The issue begins when respect becomes submission and submission. Doctor's advice becomes gospel and the hospital is transformed into a school for that is akin to a cult or religious community and to oppose the teachings of the god (here the doctor) could be seen as a challenge to the whole faith system.

Although this might seem like an exaggerated claim to some, it's applicable to a significant portion of the Indian population. It is clear that the subordination is prevalent and people are unaware the fact that a doctor is a career. It's a tough and crucial one, yet a job nonetheless.

The field of work is similar to other profession, all of that are essential to the functioning of society, no one is more important than the others. Therefore, it should be treated as such, but not overly more, which could result in a negative impact on one's personal well-being and logic.

A lack of understanding of science among the general population is another reason for the blind obedience to any recommendation made by doctors. Patients then agree to whatever doctors prescribe. A slight chest pain can trigger heart-related tests of any kind. The idea that prevention is more effective than treatment is not taken seriously in these situations.

The most current guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend, such tests are not required in all cases and can be harmful to health in the long-term.

Medical tests, in particular relying on the latest technology and equipment, are very expensive. Modern hospitals and medicine are similar to all other businesses, and unneeded and frequent tests enable hospitals to earn massive sums of money.

This linkage allows enormous profits to be made for these companies and since everyone in the vicinity is subject to testing on a daily basis it becomes a normal process.

There is a sense of hope and one is hoping that the test results will reverse any initial positive diagnosis by a physician. This can be a significant factor in determining the patient's willingness to consent to undergoing an examination.

It is true that often vulnerable and poor patients are forced to undergo tests solely to earn money for the organization, without medical or other reason.

This must stop when healthcare needs to be accessible and affordable to everyone, and if the purpose of doctors is trying to gain some respect often gets lost because of some poor feathers on its hat.