Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the global number one killer, often dubbed the "Silent Killer" because it can progress without obvious symptoms.¹ In a recent live session hosted by Nutritionist Zhenkang and featuring Dr. Sandy Lee, key strategies for building a strong cardiovascular defense were discussed.

 

Unpacking the Risks and Cholesterol Myths

The session highlighted that CVD risk factors are divided into modifiable (e.g., the "Three Highs"—high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and poor diet) and non-modifiable (family history).²

 

A crucial segment addressed cholesterol:

• LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol needs strict control, particularly for high-risk individuals (post-stent/bypass), who must aim for levels below $1.8$.

• High Triglycerides are a common concern in Malaysia, often linked to excessive consumption of carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.

• Dietary Myth Debunked: While real fish skin contains healthy oils, commercial snacks like salted egg fish skin are laden with harmful trans fats.

Calculating and Controlling Your Risk

A practical demonstration showed how physicians use the ASCVD Risk Estimator to predict a patient's 10-year risk. Crucially, the data proved the impact of positive change: case studies showed that lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and controlling blood sugar, could dramatically reduce risk from nearly 40% to under 15%.

Prevention strategies fall into two categories:

1. Primary Prevention: For those at risk but without a diagnosis, focusing on lifestyle adjustments, including diet (DASH/Mediterranean) and the exercise gold standard (150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly).

2. Secondary Prevention: For those who have already suffered an event (e.g., heart attack), requiring mandatory medication (statins, blood thinners) and stricter target controls.

Lifestyle and Medication Pointers

The Q&A clarified that standard housework typically doesn't meet the required intensity for cardiovascular exercise. Furthermore, while Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is popular, patients on the blood thinner Warfarin must strictly avoid it, and others should maintain a half-hour gap between doses.

The final message remains clear: Prevention is paramount. Regular annual check-ups and proactive lifestyle changes are essential to prevent the body from showing red flags later on.³