ONE FAMILY, ONE HEART, ONE GOAL: MANAGING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

THIS IS SCARY!

Did you know that according to the Philippine Statistics Authority there are over 130,000 deaths related to cardiovascular diseases in 2016! Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Globally, CVD claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined, according to research. 

And what brings about Cardiovascular disease? One, bad cholesterol in the blood and dyslipidemia.

CHECK YOUR CHOLESTEROL

There is such a thing as BAD and GOOD cholesterol. Bad cholesterol is called LDL while good cholesterol is called HDL. 

LDL is considered bad because it contributes to fatty blockages in the arteries. This will eventually increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.

know that according to the Philippine Statistics Authority there are over 130,000 deaths related to cardiovascular diseases in 2016! Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

The goal is to have a high good cholesterol or HDL in the body, because it carries away the bad cholesterol away from the arteries, back to the liver.

Some of the things that can contribute to high HDL in the body are: fatty fishes consumption (tiyan ng bangus and salmon), low carb diet, stop smoking, maintain a good weight and exercise regularly. 

WHAT IS DYSLIPIDEMIA?

In the Philippines CVD is a complex disease with many risk factors that affects how it develops. One such risk is Dyslipidemia, which occurs when one has abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. Lipids, or fats, are essential in providing energy to the cells while cholesterol is vital in the production of hormones and bile acids for healthy digestion.

Why is it scary? You won't know if you have it. There are no symptoms. You will only know that you have abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, when you have your blood checked. When the symptoms kick in, it may be too late. Symptoms manifest when heart attack or stroke is about to strike.

Also, even if you don't have hypertension, it is not an assurance that you have low bad cholesterol level. 

THE LIPID PROFILE TEST

In annual physical exams, lipid profile test is included. But for those who don't do annual physical exams, who should get this type of test?

One, if you are over 45 years old, it is highly recommended to do the Lipid Profile test to check on your good and bad cholesterols and triglycerides.  Two, if you have immediate family members who suffered stroke or heart attack, or if heart problems run in the family, it is also highly recommended to get the Lipid Profile test annually.

I learned all these important facts when I attended the "One Family, One Heart, One Goal" event, and listened intently as Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, an adult cardiologist and clinical lipidologist explained a lot of things about cholesterol and managing dyslipidemia.

REDEFINING CARDIOVASCULAR MANAGEMENT THROUGH CONNECTION THAT MATTER

Finding the right connection can be the key in preventing and predicting devastating health events like a heart attack. Through its partnership with Zuellig Pharma Corporation, Amgen Philippines Inc. aims to help improve awareness of cardiovascular diseases with educational initiatives to achieve the goal of changing the way the disease is managed and prevented.

Family support and connections are key to helping patients impacted by health challenges. When equipped with more information about cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia, family members can help patients can help patients take action to prevent health risks and overcome their conditions better.

The standard treatment for lowering LDL-C are statins, but there are cases when statins are not enough. Having access to new and innovative treatments in the management of dyslipidemia can make a difference for patients who are not able to achieve their lipid goals with statin alone.

With the patient at the heart of what we do, Amgen Philippines Inc. and Zuellig Pharma Corporation are committed to improving the lives of patients struggling with dyslipidemia by helping them and their families to take the necessary action to prevent and manage their health risks.

MRS.WISE RECOMMENDS: GET THE LIPID PROFILE TEST

According to Dr. Santos, the cost of the Lipid Profile Test is about 1000-4000 pesos in private hospitals. You can also check out lower rates at government hospital. The most important thing here -- is awareness that this simple test can prevent heart attack and stroke.  These two are really the silent killers of our time. Prevention is really better than cure. Better to have yourselves tested and get that peace of mind. 

And because I am over 45, and as Dr. Santos have said "hindi porke't mapayat ka eh hindi mataas ang LDL mo",  I am scheduling myself for the Lipid Profile test.