Know Your Heart

Everything you need to know to protect this vital organ and lower your risk for disease

According to the Singapore Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease accounted for 29.5 per cent of all deaths in 2016, meaning that for every three deaths in Singapore, one of them is related to heart diseases or a stroke.

A study reported in The Straits Times the same year also found that Singaporeans suffer from heart failure at the age of 61, which is about 10 years earlier than Americans and Europeans. So it pays to know what steps you can take now to reduce your risks.

Here are the most important facts to know about heart health, what to do to protect yourself, and how to prevent further damage if you’re suffering from heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a term used to describe all diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The cause of most CVD is the gradual narrowing or blockage of blood vessels. This process is called atherosclerosis and is due to the build-up of fatty deposits in the lining of blood vessels, caused by factors including, high blood cholesterol and blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, being overweight, excessive alcohol intake, diabetes and depression.

Many of these risk factors can be prevented and managed by lifestyle changes. Ageing, a family history of CVD, and being male also increase the risk.

The most common forms of CVD are coronary heart disease and stroke.