Why is it that doctors expect family members to make medical decisions
After a 10 minute briefing, doctors spend years perfecting the skills, gaining knowledge. How’s it fair?
Coralmist · 41-45, F
True..and they change the goalposts of normal readings for blood pressure. Making it even lower, and not always realistic. I watched a video on it other day, and one cardiologist said "I don't know why we keep changing it." The other doctor said, "Bec even patient sometimes with regular BP can have a heart attack. " But they're not thinking, that's more the exception to the rule. 😧( Just another example of expectation of doctors on patients)
@Coralmist That's not an expectation, it's a hope instead trying to guide. We know blood pressure raises as we get older, especially depending on how you live. The doc wanting it lower, could be said as a goalpost, but it's not said in desire to increase your blood pressure but for your health. If I was 21 with high blood pressure, while a very bad sign, my heart would likely be more able to handle. So it's guidance instead of judgment.
@awildsheepschase
Blood pressure categories in the new guideline are:
Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg;
Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80;
Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89;
Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg;
Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.
you think these numbers seem accurate?Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg;
Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80;
Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89;
Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg;
Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.
@mysteryespresso Probably. My perspective was not entirely in medical advice but more in perspective. If a doctor's guidance is towards your health, then when you get older it becomes harder on your heart than naturally they want to see it lower. It's within their oath in guidance to want that, so I was more talking in a philosophical stance than in numbers. Now, how they discuss that with the patient is another matter.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
Who has more knowledge about any patients desires?
The doctor that barely knows the patient or their family, who has known them for at least a decade?
If the treatments were free, that would be a totally different story.
It's capitalism that is part of the problem here.
We live in a society where most things are treatable. Yet most just can not afford the treatments, even with insurance. Heck even insurance refuses to pay for expensive items, above anyone's deductible.
Who do you want to make the decision for a $1,325 MRI?
Your insurance company, doctor that doesn't know your financial situation or your family?
The doctor that barely knows the patient or their family, who has known them for at least a decade?
If the treatments were free, that would be a totally different story.
It's capitalism that is part of the problem here.
We live in a society where most things are treatable. Yet most just can not afford the treatments, even with insurance. Heck even insurance refuses to pay for expensive items, above anyone's deductible.
Who do you want to make the decision for a $1,325 MRI?
Your insurance company, doctor that doesn't know your financial situation or your family?