<p>In this "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) episode, Peter explains his framework for understanding what lab tests can (and cannot) inform us as it pertains to overall longevity, with a specific focus on atherosclerosis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and the physical body. Additionally, Peter shares details into two patient case studies around cardiovascular disease, including how the lab results influenced his diagnosis and treatment plan for the patients. Once again, Bob Kaplan, Peter's head of research, will be asking the questions. If you're not a subscriber and listening on a podcast player, you'll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/members/private-podcast-feed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://peterattiamd.com/members/private-podcast-feed/">private RSS feed</a> or on our website at the <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/ama14" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://peterattiamd.com/ama14">AMA #14 show notes page</a>.</p> <div> <div> <p>We discuss:</p> </div> <div> <ul type="disc"> <li>Important lab tests and reference ranges [2:35];</li> <li>How lab testing fits into the overall objective of longevity [4:25];</li> <li>A healthcare system set up to react to a disease rather than prevent it [8:00];</li> <li>The four pillars of chronic disease, and the three components of healthspan [14:30];</li> <li>Atherosclerosis—How much can labs tell us about risk? [18:00];</li> <li>Coronary calcium score (CAC)—Interpreting results based on your age [24:15];</li> <li>Cancer—What lab work can tell you, and the future of liquid biopsies [28:00];</li> <li>Alzheimer's disease—What's driving Alzheimer's disease, and what labs can tell you about your risk [33:15];</li> <li>Healthspan and the physical body—Where lab testing fits, the endocrine system, and zone 2 testing [39:00];</li> <li>Summarizing the usefulness of lab testing—Where it gives great, reasonable, or lousy insight [43:15];</li> <li>Patient case study—Elevated Lp(a): Understanding ApoB, and how cholesterol levels get reduced [45:30];</li> <li>Patient case study—Familial hypercholesterolemia [59:30];</li> <li>Coming up on a future AMA [1:10:30]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/">https://peterattiamd.com/</a><br /> <br /> Show notes page for this episode: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/ama14">https://peterattiamd.com/ama14</a><br /> <br /> Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</a><br /> <br /> Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/">https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/</a><br /> <br /> Connect with Peter on <a href="http://Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Faceboo</u></a><u>k</u> | <a href="http://Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Twitter</u></a> | <a href="http://Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Instagram</u></a>.</p> </div> </div>
Actionable Insights
1. Prioritize Delaying Chronic Disease
To live longer, focus on delaying the onset of chronic diseases, as centenarians achieve longevity by delaying disease, not by living longer with it. This approach is the mathematical equivalent function of living longer.
2. Adopt a Proactive Health Mindset
Understand that a proactive approach to delaying chronic disease, while conceptually logical, differs from how most people interact with doctors, who are trained in a system of ‘sick care’ rather than prevention.
3. Contextualize Lab Results for Longevity
When reviewing lab results, take a step back and put them in the context of overall longevity objectives (lifespan and healthspan) to understand where labs add value and where you have blind spots.
4. Seek Professional Medical Advice
Do not use podcast information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should always seek assistance from their healthcare professionals for any medical conditions they have.
5. Understand Lab Test Limitations
Learn a framework for what lab tests can and cannot inform to fully grasp their value and identify blind spots when undertaking advanced testing.
6. Recognize Healthcare System Limitations
Be aware that the current healthcare system is primarily geared towards managing disease once it sets in, rather than focusing on prevention or delaying its onset.
7. Seek Beyond Basic Health Advice
Recognize that standard medical advice from doctors may be limited to generalities like ‘don’t smoke, eat well, exercise,’ and a deeper understanding of risk is needed for advanced longevity strategies.
8. Consult Show Notes for Lab Ranges
Check the show notes for a compilation of Peter’s preferred lab ranges and cutoffs, as these values might not always reflect the ones seen on standard lab reports.
9. Utilize Member-Only Resources
Become a member to access comprehensive show notes, private ‘Qualies’ podcasts for quick insights and episode filtering, and discount codes for recommended products.
10. Access Full AMA Episodes
To access full AMA episodes and other membership benefits, go to peteratiyahmd.com/subscribe.
11. Download Member-Only Podcast Feed
If you are already a member and hearing this sneak peek, download the member-only podcast feed from peteratiamd.com/members to get full access to AMAs without interruption.
12. Submit Lab Questions
If you have specific lab questions or scenarios you want to dive into, let the podcast team know so they can be added to subsequent episodes.
13. Engage with Peter Attia Online
Follow Peter Attia on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using the ID @peteratiamd, and leave reviews on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast player.