Stay active, move your heart

death are preventable. Common risk factors that increase the chance of a heart disease are smoking, untreated high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyles, high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar levels and, last but not least, a strong family history of premature coronary artery disease.

Apart from genetic risk, which cannot be modified, all other risk factors are in fact modifiable, hence rendering the disease preventable.

Once told to have coronary heart disease, a doctor would prescribe a list of heart medicines – for example, blood-thinning pills and/or medicines to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels.

It is imperative to emphasise that the medicines are prescribed after they have been found to be not only safe but effective in treating heart disease and reducing the number of deaths.

This valuable information was taken from multiple clinical trials, which took many years to complete, involving thousands of individuals with the same illness.

From time to time, there are many more ongoing clinical trials of this sort. Therefore, patients are advised to discuss with their doctors if they are to stop any of the medicines or, worse still, if they wish to replace them with “a single pill that claimed to fit all” based on unproven testimonies and without properly conducted clinical trials. Last but not least, these are useful tips to prevent heart disease: Stay active, move your heart Maintain a healthy weight Limit your salt and fat intake Know and understand your risks Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels)

Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke exposure

Know the warning signs of a heart attack

Carefully and religiously take your medicine

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, not just in the world but also in Malaysia. It claims more lives than all cancers combined.

Small changes can make a powerful difference. Start now. – By Dr Noorfaizan Saaidin (pic), consultant cardiologist (interventional and noninvasive)

For more information about KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital, visit www.kpjselangor.com.

KKLIU No.2176/2017