A talk on coronary artery disease was arranged by BAC Education’s Human Resource team for staff on 29th October 2021. Speaking on the subject matter was Dr. Sundar Raj of Gleneagles Hospital, Kuala Lumpur.
Beginning with a concise introduction on heart disease itself – Dr. Sundar mentioned that there are many layers to heart disease – and the most common is heart attack, usually caused by clots in blood vessels, or blockages in the artery.
There are many types of heart diseases, and the ones below are the most major:
- Blood vessel disease (coronary heart disease)
- Heart rhythm problems (Arrythmia)
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart valve disease
- Diseases of the heart muscle
- Heart infection
Dr. Sundar then explained about ‘Controlled’ and ‘Uncontrolled’ risk factors of heart diseases. Uncontrolled factors include genetic, age, ethnicity, and sex, while factors under our control such as medical conditions – high cholesterol, HPT (hypertension), DM, smoking, excessive drinking, and elevated stress levels.
Heart disease is said to be hereditary, more prone among male, higher cases among Indians in Malaysia, and will need to be monitored as one ages.
After ending his brief talk, Dr. Sundar then answered questions from participants – addressing hereditary issues, how passive smoking also increases heart diseases, best medicine to reduce cholesterol, symptoms of heart attack, and what one should do when one suspects a heart attack.
Talks such as this are beneficial to any lay man, and it is advised that one takes diligent care of self – by eating clean, living a healthy lifestyle, and having regular check-ups.
