Conrado Estol: 'We must boost health expectation, not just life expectation'

The central goal of modern medicine should be extending "healthspan", the period of healthy living, rather than merely increasing "lifespan," argues internationally renowned neurologist Conrado Estol. Speaking with LA NACION, Estol, a leading figure in stroke prevention, expressed concern over a stagnation in physical well-being after the age of 65. He calls for a profound revision of the current healthcare system, advocating for a paradigm shift towards comprehensive prevention.

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What we have to do is push the health expectation, not just the life expectation.

Estol developed much of his career in the demanding medical system of the United States, witnessing scientific milestones like early stroke treatments. He recalled a pivotal moment on November 25, 1988, when his team administered a key medication to clear cerebral arteries, a breakthrough that significantly impacted his specialty globally. Despite his academic and professional achievements in the U.S., Estol chose to return to Argentina in the early 1990s, admitting he "missed this," even with the professional challenges he faced locally.

Currently, Estol leads a specialized stroke unit at Sanatorio Güemes, aiming to rectify perceived shortcomings in local care. He warned that the Argentine system leans towards "restorative" rather than "preventive" medicine. "Hypertension is the number one killer on the planet," he stated, criticizing a lack of healthy habits and the modern obsession with body image over genuine well-being. Estol proposed that stress management, adequate rest, physical activity, and a diet based on whole foods are fundamental pillars for preventing serious pathologies decades before old age.

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Hypertension is the number one killer on the planet.

Regarding medical check-ups, Estol advised caution, suggesting that excessive routine tests can sometimes cause more harm than benefit by detecting minor issues of little clinical significance. While acknowledging that artificial intelligence enhances diagnostic imaging, he stressed that such tools will never replace the human connection and empathy essential in the doctor-patient relationship. "Trust cannot be replaced," he asserted, underscoring the doctor's indispensable role during consultations.

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Trust cannot be replaced.