Healthy, fit - and still at risk of heart disease
Medical experts are warning that cardiovascular disease is increasingly affecting younger, fit individuals in their 30s and 40s. Doctors emphasize that exercise can sometimes reveal underlying heart conditions, and subtle changes in physical performance should be taken seriously.
Why it matters
This trend challenges the common misconception that youth and fitness provide immunity against heart disease, highlighting the need for early medical screening.
Columbia Asia is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a heart health promotion running until Sept 30. (Hizami Safri @ FMT Lifestyle)
PETALING JAYA: A 33-year-old woman weighing barely 40kg, with no prior medical issues, recently visited a hospital after becoming concerned about her heart racing for no apparent reason.
Tests revealed a 70-80% blockage in one of her blood vessels, along with high cholesterol levels that had never been flagged before.
Her shock is not uncommon: many people assume their risk of cardiovascular disease only becomes a concern later in life.
FMT Lifestyle recently spoke with consultant interventional cardiologist Dr Chua Ping Lik of Columbia Asia Hospital Petaling Jaya, who said he no longer finds these cases surprising - even when his patients do.
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