Battling high blood cholesterol
Singapore Heart Foundation’s two-day roadshow promotes preventive measures to reduce cardiovascular disease.
Dr Janil Puthucheary touring booths at the National Heart Week / World Heart Day 2022 event.
In commemorating National Heart Week/World Heart Day (NHW/WHD) 2022, Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) held its annual physical roadshow at Our Tampines Hub on recently. The two-day event raised public awareness and promoted preventive measures to reduce the local incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and one of its key risk factors, high blood cholesterol. In addition, SHF also worked with Shopee Supermarket to educate and engage consumers online in making heart-healthy dietary choices.
CVD accounts for about 30 percent (or one in three) of all deaths in Singapore every year, with high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and physical inactivity being the leading risk factors. Among them, the prevalence of high blood cholesterol in our population has increased significantly in the last ten years, from 25.2 percent in 2010 to 39.1 percent in 2020. It is also the second most common risk factor for heart attack, after high blood pressure.
Dr Low Lip Ping, cardiologist and chairman emeritus of the Singapore Heart Foundation, said: “The incidence of high blood cholesterol in our population is worrying. High blood cholesterol is a silent killer as it usually does not present any symptoms, but it is, at the same time, one of the most modifiable risk factors for CVD. Singapore Heart Foundation believes that providing the public with adequate knowledge and awareness of high blood cholesterol and other CVD risk factors is an important step in reducing disability and death from CVD, which takes more than 6,000 lives a year.
“Through the National Heart Week/World Heart Day 2022 activities, we hope to impart important knowledge about cholesterol and CVD and motivate the public to adopt preventive behaviour that is best for their hearts.”
During the two-day event, members of the public enjoyed a line-up of activities, including nutrition games, heart-pumping exercises and health talks that imparted helpful knowledge for managing cholesterol. Visitors to the roadshow also received a free basic health check of body mass index and blood pressure measurement to learn how they can reduce their risk for heart disease. The guest-of-honour was Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Communication and Information.
For most people, high blood cholesterol arises from an unhealthy diet rich in saturated and trans fats. As such, being mindful of our food choices is the first step to preventing and managing high blood cholesterol and heart disease.
To make healthy eating more convenient and accessible for Singaporeans, SHF is collaborating with Shopee Supermarket, Shopee’s one-stop store for groceries and household needs, to educate consumers on shopping smart for their blood cholesterol. From now to October 12, Shopee Supermarket’s users can shop from a list of cholesterol-friendly foods curated by SHF’s accredited dietitian. The curated list will empower more individuals to make informed food choices, thus improving their blood cholesterol profile.
To find out more about the Care for Your Heart campaign HERE.
In addition, SHF is bringing back the award-winning online board game, Captain Hugo (previously known as Hugopoly), to entertain and motivate Singaporeans to deepen their heart health knowledge through quizzes on cholesterol and CVD prevention. Players can also be challenged to take active steps in healthy eating and exercising to manage their blood cholesterol levels. To play the game, go to: captainhugo.myheart.org.sg.
Players can exchange their points for exciting prizes, including an Apple Watch, Mayer Air Fryer and FairPrice Shopping Vouchers to support them on their heart health journey. The game will also be made available on Shopee Games from September 29 to October 12 for exclusive incentives.
For more information on National Heart Week/World Heart Day 2022, please visit www.myheart.org.sg/world-heart-day.
The culprit is not the high cholestrol, period ! The culprit is the high blood homocystein, which is harmful to our body.