Page 63 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 6 Junel - July 2018

colleagues, helping to facilitate lectures and ensuring trainees
UK as very few cardiologists from Singapore are doing so. “ The risk of a heart
are confi dent in presentations at international conferences.
Moreover, I also continually examine for the MRCP tests in the
attack for South
Asians is twice
What kind of patients do you see on a regular basis?
The majority of my patients have lifestyle diseases, such as as high as ethnic
obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Chinese.
Many complain of chest pain and discomfort, and require tests “
for coronary diseases, such as blockages in blood vessels.
Patients with fainting, dizziness and palpitations are also seen.
With the possibility of silent attacks, what can be done to
It is said that South Asians are at a much higher risk for heart minimise the risk?
disease compared to Asians from other regions. Why is this Sometimes the only symptoms of an attack are severe
the case? fatigue, sweating, fainting or confusion. Pain in the stomach
It is indeed true. The risk of a heart attack for South Asians is sometimes confused as acid reflux. To detect an attack,
is twice as high as ethnic Chinese, and this risk remains the an individual must practice being suspicious of symptoms,
same regardless of where you live or move. The reasons are especially if there is a strong family history and presence of
multifactorial but appear to be due to both nature, because of risk factors, such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol
high-risk fats in the blood, as well as nurture, which includes or diabetes.
lifestyle and behavioural aspects.
How can someone identify the symptoms of a heart attack?
Symptoms can include crushing pain in the centre of
the chest, which radiates to other locations. The pain is
excruciating and can be described as a squeezing sensation,
similar to a vice around the chest. Profuse sweating and
breathlessness are also common. On occasion, heart attacks
present themselves as sudden cardiac arrest where the heart
suddenly stops suddenly and the patient loses consciousness.

What steps can be taken to assist someone who is having
an attack?
What lifestyle changes should a person make to • First priority is to suspect that the individual is having
maintain a healthy heart? an attack and seek out emergency help right away.
• Take part in more aerobic exercises • If the patient is conscious, administer aspirin and a nitrate
• Eat good quality food; avoid processed foods, tablet under the tongue.
minimise oil, salt and saturated fat intake, and • If the patient is unconscious, start basic life support. This
opt for more fruits and vegetables involves attaching an Automatic External Defi brillator
• Stop smoking QUIT (AED) if you are in a public space. I urge everyone to
• Avoid stressing out undergo basic life support training as these skills could
• Get good sleep come in handy one day.

What tips can you offer individuals who have hectic schedules? What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Many of my patients are offi ce goers who are working I want to help the South Asian community understand that
stressful jobs and long hours. This often involves eating high the overall risk of heart disease can be decreased by taking
energy food at irregular intervals, drinking sugary drinks to action on modifi able factors, such as adopting lifestyle
‘keep going’ and not having the time to relax, exercise or and behavioural changes and scheduling screenings when
sleep well. And so, it is extremely important to allocate time necessary. What I’ve noticed is that many people avoid
for yourself. ‘You’ time must be of utmost priority in your daily screenings because of the fear of what it might show. My hope
schedule, and ensure that the people you surround yourself is that everyone can make more effort to seek medical help
with respect this rule. when needed, as well as practice good health for themselves
and their families.
Even a little movement can go a long way, so just walking
around the workspace or to nearby places can make a For more information, visit
difference. Make sure to feed yourself well and choose www.facebook.com/Heart2HeartClinic
freshly prepared foods with low salt and sugar levels For specifi c queries, email Dr. Kumar at
whenever possible. drkumar@h2h.com.sg

63
www.masalathai.com