Question 419 of 433
What new technology will change my checkups?
The short answer
Your watch will screen you for more conditions, heart scans will be read by software that measures plaque, and risk prediction will become more personal.
Wearables: recent watches are cleared to flag possible high blood pressure and sleep apnea, in addition to irregular heart rhythm. They prompt testing; they do not diagnose.
AI plaque analysis: software can now measure the amount and type of plaque on a CT scan of the heart arteries. Medicare began paying for it in 2026 when a CT angiogram has been ordered. Whether using it in higher-risk people without known heart disease prevents heart attacks is being tested in a trial due around 2029. I am watching that one closely.
AI-designed drugs: the first medicine discovered with generative AI has entered a Phase 3 trial, for a lung-scarring disease.
Organ-specific aging tests: blood protein patterns that estimate the age of your heart, brain, or kidneys separately are moving from research toward the clinic.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
PRODUCT-SPECIFIC VALIDATION — Devices and AI: regulatory clearance or reimbursement does not prove population mortality benefit.Evidence grade (draft mapping)Grade pendingPart 28, Q419 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.