Taking vital signs to heart

 CLICK TO ENLARGE

 Cardiovascular diseases hitting Malaysians at an earlier age 

'The most common risk factors for CVDs are uncontrolled blood sugar levels (diabetics), hypertension and high cholesterol (hypercholestrolaemia' - Dr Wan Azman.

“It has been estimated that CVD-related deaths will reach approximately 31,000 cases annually by 2025 if no concrete measures are put in place to reduce CVD rates,” said Dr Wan Azman, adding that this would form about 55% of all non-communicable diseases related deaths in the country.

With the arrival of Covid-19 in Malaysia in 2020, CVDs still formed a substantial part of deaths, with ischaemic heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases combining to contribute 20.2% of deaths in 2022, as per the data from the Statistics Department.

“CVDs account for the largest share in costs for hospitalisation (47.77% or RM1.01bil) and medication (46% or RM792mil) compared to other non-communicable diseases, while resulting in annual productivity losses of approximately RM4bil,” said Dr Wan Azman.

He said the most common risk factors for CVDs are uncontrolled blood sugar levels (diabetics), hypertension and high cholesterol (hypercholestrolaemia)

While monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure are relatively straightforward things, monitoring one’s cholesterol level, especially levels of the “bad” cholesterol otherwise known as the low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), has proven to be more challenging, for a variety of reasons.

A person with high cholesterol has no symptoms, he said, adding that a comprehensive blood test was the only way to detect it.

“What makes it more complicating is that while a person’s total cholesterol (combination of high-density lipoproteins and LDL) count may be fine, the percentage of LDL in the total cholesterol count may have breached risky levels,” added Dr Wan Azman.

Health Ministry family medicine specialist consultant Dr Sri Wahyu Taher who was another member of the panel at the event said blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar could be measured easily in public health clinics or general practitioners or at retail pharmacies.

“Checking for cholesterol is not as easy as there is a need to draw a blood sample from the vein to be tested in the laboratory,” she said.

Typically, LDL testing are part of a lipid panel test (that measures total cholesterol, breakdown between HDL and LDL, as well as triglycerides) that are done in comprehensive health screenings.

The challenge includes disseminating information that cholesterol screening is readily available even at government health clinics.

“It is not necessary for a person to go to the hospital to get a cholesterol test done,” added Dr Sri Wahyu. 

Source link

Many misconceptions about cholesterol, survey finds - The Star

PETALING JAYA: As many as 85% of Malaysians claim that their level of knowledge of cholesterol-related issues ranges from “average to good,” according to a recent survey.

The State of Health of the Nation perception survey conducted online nationwide in December 2022, was designed to be representative of the overall population by location, gender, and race.

Conducted by The Green Zebras on behalf of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and Novartis, a pharmaceutical company, the survey polled 500 Malaysians aged between 40 and 64 years.

ALSO READ:Taking vital signs to heart

The not-so-good news is that cholesterol myths are still prevalent, with 75% saying there would be symptoms if a person has high cholesterol, which is untrue.

In a statement, MMA said the survey also found other misconceptions about cholesterol, such as that cholesterol could be managed through a change in lifestyle (92%), while only 40% believe that cholesterol could only be controlled with medication.

Slightly more than half (56%) of the respondents aged from 40 to 60 assumed that cholesterol testing was needed at least every five years or more frequently, and 49% disagreed that someone within a healthy weight range could actually have unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Despite these misconceptions, most Malaysians (89%) are aware that poorly managed high cholesterol levels could lead to severe diseases such as cardiovascular diseases that include stroke and heart problems, with 84% of the respondents wishing for easier ways to manage high cholesterol.

MMA president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said while the response in the survey showed that Malaysians claimed to be well-informed on cholesterol, there were some fallacies in their sentiments.

He said there were no symptoms for high cholesterol and that a blood test was the only way to detect it.

The recommended cholesterol screenings for adults between 45 to 65 years are every one to two years and should be done annually for those above 65, he added.

“Therefore, taking charge of your health and doing regular health screenings is relatively important. Do not wait to visit the doctor when you feel unhealthy or unwell, everything may be too late.

“I strongly advise them not to rely on health-related information from friends, family, and social media only as these are often skewed through the sharing process,” he said in a statement.

Mohamed ElWakil, country president of Novartis Malaysia, said many people were unaware that cholesterol was one of the silent killers, along with high blood pressure and diabetes.

“There are no obvious symptoms. However, cholesterol can be managed if it is detected early.

“Following the doctor’s recommended treatment plan and lifestyle changes may help prevent severe heart-related problems.

“In fact, there are now easier and more convenient treatment plans available. Patients should actively seek the best treatment options from their doctors.””

The dangers of too much processed and fast foods

GEORGE TOWN: Unhealthy lifestyles have led to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attack and stroke, at a younger age.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said CVD among young people is mainly caused by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol.

“CVD is the leading cause for morbidity and mortality globally and Malaysians are not spared from it,” she said.

Aside from poor dietary habits, she said a largely sedentary lifestyle and stress have added to the increase in CVD and metabolic diseases.

“Too much fast food and processed food, which are cheaply available, are among the main reasons the younger generation has become more prone to these diseases,” she added.

The medical lecturer said to combat these diseases, prevention was better than cure.

Dr Mastura urged people to stick to healthy diets, and for those who smoke, to kick the habit.

She said one must move more and exercise often – as much as 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day or at least three days a week.

“We should all learn how to manage our stress, seek help and advice when needed and see the doctor yearly for a health screening,” she said, adding that getting six to eight hours of sleep each night was vital.

For those dealing with diabetes or other non-communicable diseases (NCD), Dr Mastura said these healthy habits were necessary to manage their condition.

She said the greatest visible indicator of being at risk of CVD was being overweight or worse, obese.

Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said too much food consumed by Malaysians now were laden with saturated and even trans fats.

This, he said, were among factors causing Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to be at risk of CVD.

Dr Zainal said it was important to maintain a healthy balance of cholesterol in the body by limiting their intake of saturated and trans fats.

LDL is the type of cholesterol that can cause build-ups and blockages in arteries that can lead to heart diseases and strokes. 

Related stories:

Added benefits of following a plant-based diet | The Star

A Plant-Based Diet and its Benefits

Importance and Challenges of Plant-Based Diets – Food Tank