We are all familiar with the description of a heart attack. We have all heard about it, mostly from family and friends. We have all read about it, no doubt from various materials like the newspapers, health magazines and even novels. And we definitely have see images of a heart attack, most likely from the television or movies. Some of us might even be a survivor of one and some, not so lucky.
We also know what causes it. Unhealthy diet with oil and fat. Filthy habits like smoking. Bad lifestyle without exercises. Of course, stress and genetic factors also play a part. Countless health campaigns, counselling and screening programs have launched to combat heart related diseases, but still, the numbers are increasing year by year.
Why is this so?
Knowing how does it happen, why does it happen and how to prevent it means nothing. It will only mean something if we choose to act upon it.
For the month of February, The Malaysian Medical Gazette is committed to help raise awareness about your most important organ, the heart. We will be publishing a series of articles specifically related to the diseases of the heart.
It is time to protect your heart.
Dr. Khoo Yoong Khean
Managing Editor