Trends in Cardiovascular Disease

I recently happened across two studies which focused on hospital mortality rates associated with patients presenting with acute coronary ischemia. One study performed by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) noted a .6% decline in death in men (ages 35-44) and 1.3% decline in men (ages 45-54).

The other study from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (examining hospital mortality for men and women presenting with acute coronary ischemia) between the years of 1994-2006 noted decreases in associated mortality as well. Specifically, among the oldest men and women (over the age of 85) hospital mortality decreased 8.7%! The bad news for women is that in the later cohort-hospital mortality remained higher among women-especially those under the age of 60.

Although the reduction in hospital related mortality has dropped, the modest improvement in survival of the patients overall suggests that it is extremely important to continue focusing on modifying factors that lead to cardiovascular risk and progression. The risk factors, for young and old, continue to include; control of blood pressure, lipids, and weight and a lifestyle with consistent physical activity, along with controlled co-morbid factors such as diabetes.

"Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far"

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

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Barretts Esophagitis-Increased Risk of Colon Cancer

Recently, researchers in the Netherlands released results of the largest cohort study of the relative risk of Barretts Esophagitis (BE) patients developing future Colorectal Cancer (CRC).

This large based population study involved over 42,000 BE patients. Over the course of the 5 year study, 713 participants (1.7%) were diagnosed with CRC.

All CRC diagnosis were made over the age of 40, the majority of those developed the cancer in their 50's (96%). Most excess risk was identified during colonoscopy following the recent BE diagnosis, as such, no change in baseline colonoscopy testing was felt to be warranted.

What this blogger takes away from this study is the importance of thorough screening in individuals newly diagnosed with BE. As an underwriter I have had the benefit of Insurance MD's in the past that theorized the increased associated risk; planting the seed that these cases must be underwritten with care!

Quote of the Day:

"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory"

Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)

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Trends in Life Insurance and Life Settlement

Two recent indices (one tracking life insurance sales, the other life settlement transactions) have both reflected a positive trend in the markets.

Medical Information Bureau (MIB) noted a continued trend towards growth in life insurance policy applications-especially on older applicants (60+ year olds) which reflected an outstanding YTD increase of 13% over 2008 sales.

Amrita Life Settlement Index just posted it's inaugural index (the first of its kind in the LS market) reflecting an increase in LS transactions (as reported by provider firms in the market) from its benchmarked 500 points to 528. A modest growth but a positive trend nontheless. This blogger is looking for future indices from this group that are more specific and refined-and have no doubt they are committed to providing a quality and reliable reporting for years to come.

Any growth is positive, and after the year we all experienced (whether from a life insurance or life settlement view point) it is quite welcome as we move into a new year!

Quote of the Day:

"Small opportunities are often the start of great enterprises "

Demosthenes (384 BC-322 BC)

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