Have Annual Health Check to Beat Heart Disease, Says Specialist
Kuala Lumpur: Going for a Health Check at Least Once a Year is the Best Way to Reduce One’s Risk of Developing Heart Disease
Dr. Ezani Taib, a senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, stresses that going for a health check at least once a year is the best way to reduce one’s risk of developing heart disease, especially for those with a family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Degree of Probability
Ezani explains that there are two types of risk factors that can influence an individual’s likelihood of developing CVD: non-modifiable such as genetics and family history, and modifiable such as lifestyle choices and habits.
“The modifiable factors are the ones that you want to address immediately. Some people know they have diabetes or high cholesterol, but they still say, ‘It’s okay. I’ll just control my diet’, which never happens. Or they’re smoking and don’t want to stop. Because of that, they will develop CVD over the years,” Ezani added.
Prevention is Key
Ezani emphasizes that preventive healthcare is essential and must begin early. He suggests engaging with the youth through educational campaigns at school and promoting a healthy lifestyle and the importance of health screening to detect the three causes of CVD: hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
World-Class Treatment
IJN has raised its standing at the international level by shifting its focus from treatment to prevention, education, and advocacy. Ezani claims that its transition has helped the institute achieve global standards, comparable to those in the US and Europe, and has published over 1,000 reports in scientific journals accessible internationally.
Addressing Medical Talent Shortage
Ezani notes that IJN has been working to address the shortage of healthcare specialists in Malaysia since establishing its college in 2008. He believes that the college will help in addressing the demands and narrowing the gap, generating the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Conducting regular health checks can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. It is essential to engage with the youth through educational campaigns and promote a healthy lifestyle and the importance of health screening to detect the three causes of CVD: hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
* How can I reduce my risk of developing heart disease?
+ Go for a health check at least once a year
+ Address modifiable risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking
* What are the three main causes of CVD?
+ Hypertension
+ Diabetes
+ High cholesterol
* What is the importance of engaging with the youth through educational campaigns?
+ To promote a healthy lifestyle
+ To emphasize the importance of health screening
+ To detect the three causes of CVD early on
* What is IJN’s focus in terms of healthcare?
+ Prevention
+ Education
+ Advocacy