Listen to Your Heart

Heart disease is the number one killer among men in the majority of developing and developed countries.The most common type of heart disease that affects men in Malaysia is known as coronary artery disease, with the main symptom being angina pectoris. The condition is the result of narrowing of the artery that supplies blood to the heart muscles.

This disease is more prevalent in men and occurs earlier by two decades compared to women. Men tend to develop it in their 40's but most women will only develop it in their 60's after menopause.

As a result of coronary artery disease,one tends to develop chest pains,abnormal heart rhythms and ultimately, heart failure if left untreated.

Common lifestyle habits that promote heart disease include lack of regular exercise, a poor diet and being overweight, including the greatest risk factor of all – diabetes. Between 70 and 80 per cent of diabetics succumb to heart disease.

The best way to prevent heart disease is to exercise regularly to maintain a good body weight, especially for those who have a family history of diabetes. It is a common misconception that too much sugar intake leads to diabetes. It is the excessive weight gain caused by the lack of exercise and a poor diet that triggers the diabetes in a person with family history.

Tightness or constricting discomfort in the chest when performing exercise or undergoing strenuous activities, which goes away once the activity is stopped should trigger alarm bells as this is a clear indication of heart disease. This is known as angina pectoris medically. This should not be taken lightly and warrants an immediate visit to the doctor.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
- Tightness at the front of the chest that occurs with strenuous activity, which goes away once the activity is stopped (angina pectoris).
- At the same time the pain or discomfort may radiate to the jaw.
- The pain or discomfort may also radiate to the inside of the arms, from the armpits to the two small fingers.

Misconceptions of Heart Disease
- Pain in the arm.
- Numbness in the arm.
- Pain in the shoulders.
- Pain in the neck.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Heart Disease
- Male
- More than 40 years old
- Family history of heart disease

Modifiable Risk Factors for Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- High levels of cholesterol
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise

Reduce Your Risk Factors
- Stop smoking – It is better to stop sooner than later as it takes up to 10 years to reverse the risk of cancer in a person.
- Regular screening –Men entering their 30's should start taking precautions against all disease, including cardio metabolic diseases and cancer. Men entering their 40's should get screened for all diseases. Men who get heart attacks and strokes in their 50's risk severely damaging their end organs.

This article was contributed to Tab A Doctor by, Dr Ahmad Nizar Jamaluddin, Cardiologist, Sime Darby Medical Centre