? Latest WHO data on cardiovascular deaths in Malaysia show that it accounts for 22% of the total deaths.
? Cardiovascular diseases have been the leading cause of death for more than 40 years and statistics indicate the numbers are increasing at an alarming rate.
? Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to an excessive build up of plaque around the artery wall.
? The disease disrupts the flow of blood around the body leading to sudden and severe life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Are you at risk for heart disease? ?
A) Non-preventable risk factors:
❗ Gender: Men have greater risk as compared to women.
❗ Age: Over 80% of patients with heart disease are aged 65 or more.
❗ Family history/ Genetic: those with a parent or sibling who has/had atherosclerosis and heart disease have a much higher risk of developing it.
B) Preventable risk factors:
⚠ Obesity and overweight
⚠ Elevated levels of triglyceride in the blood
⚠ High level of LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”)
⚠ Low level of HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”)
⚠ High blood pressure
⚠ Smoking
⚠ Stress
Benefits of Omega-3 - EPA & DHA for your HEART ❤
❤ American Heart Association (AHA) has been reported on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).
❤ Blood fat (triglycerides). Fish oil supplements can lower elevated triglyceride levels. 2-4 grams of EPA+DHA per day can lower triglyceride levels between 20% and 40%.
❤ Rheumatoid arthritis. A number of studies have found that fish oil supplements [EPA+DHA] significantly reduced stiffness and joint pain. Omega-3 supplements also seem to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.
❤ Depression. Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder.
❤ Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Omega-3s may help to prevent both conditions and age-associated memory impairment.
References:
1. P.M. Kris-Etherton, W.S. Harris and L.J. Appel. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: New Recommendations From the American Heart Association. 2003; 23: 151 -152.
2. P.M. Kris-Etherton, W.S. Harris and L.J. Appel, "Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease," Circulation, 2002(106); 21: 2747 - 2757.
3. Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Available at http://www.salmonetc.com/images/fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids.pdf. Last accessed Aug 2013.
This information is provided by Groway for education purposes only. It should not be used to substitute medical diagnosis.