Minum air sejuk boleh sebabkan fibrilasi atrium? Apa yang perlu anda tahu tentang penyakit yang berpunca daripada degupan jantung tidak teratur (Can drinking cold water cause atrial fibrillation? What you need to know about diseases caused by irregular he

​Asst Prof Lim Toon Wei, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, emphasised that atrial fibrillation (Afib) stands as the most prevalent and clinically significant heart rhythm disorder. He noted that approximately 0.5 to 1 per cent of adults in Singapore suffer from Afib, with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure, particularly for individuals with abnormal heart valves. Asst Prof Lim shared the risk factors and common symptoms of the condition, as well as treatment options, including pulsed field ablation.

Can drinking cold water trigger this heart condition? What you need to know about atrial fibrillation

​Asst Prof Lim Toon Wei, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, emphasised that atrial fibrillation (Afib) stands as the most prevalent and clinically significant heart rhythm disorder. He noted that approximately 0.5 to 1 per cent of adults in Singapore suffer from Afib, with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure, particularly for individuals with abnormal heart valves. Asst Prof Lim shared the risk factors and common symptoms of the condition, as well as treatment options, including pulsed field ablation.

癌症治疗影响心脏功能 患者接受专科护理后趋稳 (Cancer treatment affected heart function; patient’s condition stabilised after specialist care)

National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), is the first in the region to be recognised as a Global Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology – an achievement that highlights the unique collaboration between NUHCS and National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) in addressing the critical intersection of heart disease and cancer. The Cardio-Oncology team, comprising Dr Tan Li Ling and Dr Koo Chieh Yang Christopher from the Department of Cardiology at NUHCS, presented findings which reveal that cancer patients may benefit from personalised heart care. 

Media highlighted the journey of Mdm Lim, a stage 4 breast cancer patient who was co-managed by NUHCS and NCIS after she experienced a decline in heart function during her cancer treatment. The Cardio-Oncology team treated Mdm Lim’s heart condition, which involved starting her on cardiac medications that would be beneficial to the heart and close cardiac monitoring while she continued treatment for her cancer. 

With continued cancer treatment and regular follow-up reviews, both Mdm Lim’s cancer and heart function are now under control and she is looking forward to training as a dragon boater in the coming weeks.

• 8world, 12 April 2024, 本地研究：胆固醇水平低于一般的癌症病人 患心脏病风险却更高 (Local study: Cancer patients found to have heart attacks at lower cholesterol levels)
  

• Berita Mediacorp, 12 April 2024, Lebih banyak rawatan khusus bagi pesakit barah diperlukan: NUHCS (More specific treatments for cancer patients are needed: NUHCS)
  

Personalised heart care for cancer patients: NUHCS recognised in emerging field of cardio-oncology

高血压治疗新突破 (New breakthrough in hypertension treatment)

​Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, highlighted a new breakthrough in the treatment of hypertension. He shared that renal denervation (RDN), a minimally invasive surgery, has emerged as a promising solution for resistant hypertension. RDN has been approved by various international drug administrations, including the US FDA and Singapore, benefitting patients with resistant hypertension, high cardiovascular risk, initial hypertension preferring non-drug treatments, and those with low drug compliance or adverse reactions.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 9 April 2024, 高血压治疗新突破 (New breakthrough in hypertension treatment)
  

NUS names new professorship after veteran heart surgeon

​NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine paid tribute to cardiac surgeon Prof Lee Chuen Neng with the launch of the CN Lee Professorship in Medical Sciences, recognising his forward-looking vision for medicine and dedication to pioneering medical discoveries. Prof Lee is currently the Abu Rauff Professor in Surgery at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and an Emeritus Consultant at National University Heart Centre, Singapore.

Establishing the four sub-speciality divisions of adult cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and congenital heart surgery at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Hospital, and National University Health System in 1985, Prof Lee laid the groundwork for successive generations of surgeons in the field. His leadership in creating sub-specialty divisions and innovative training initiatives has influenced numerous surgeons and positioned Singapore as a centre for advanced medical care.

• The Straits Times Online, 5 April 2024, A surgeon who has touched the hearts of many: NUS names professorship after CN Lee
  
• Lianhe Zaobao, 6 April 2024, Page 7, 国大杨潞龄医学院 以心脏专家李俊能命名教授席 (NUS Medicine launches CN Lee Professorship in Medical Sciences)
  
• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 5 April 2024, 国大杨潞龄医学院 以心脏专家李俊能命名教授席 (NUS Medicine launches CN Lee Professorship in Medical Sciences)
  
• Berita Harian Online, 5 April 2024, NUS namakan jawatan profesor sempena pakar bedah CN Lee (NUS named a professorship in honour of surgeon CN Lee)
  
• ScienMag, 5 April 2024, NUS Medicine launches CN Lee Professorship in Medical Sciences
  

Heart attacks increase in SG

​Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Chairman, Singapore Heart Foundation, and Senior Consultant, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, said there was a 50 per cent jump in the incidence of heart attack and stroke in the last decade, primarily due to an ageing population. He discussed the recommendations from a white paper released by the Singapore Heart Foundation, the Singapore Cardiac Society and the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.

药物以外怎么降血压 (How to lower blood pressure other than with medication?)

​Dr Peter Chang, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Senior Consultant, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, highlighted the concerning trend of sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits contributing to the increasing prevalence of hypertension. This could lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure if left untreated. Dr Chang shared that while lifestyle modifications may require more time and effort, they help maintain stable blood pressure levels and offer long-term benefits for overall health.

三八妇女节一起关心女性心脏疾病 (International Women’s Day: Women’s Heart Health)

​In a special radio feature for International Women’s Day, Dr Lim Toon Wei, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, spoke about the reasons why women often overlook their heart health, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and ways to reduce their cardiovascular risk.

吃素一定健康? (Is a vegetarian diet definitely healthier?)

​In a health column on the vegetarian diet trend, Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Senior Consultant at National University Heart Centre, Singapore, shared that a balanced vegetarian diet can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and increase the intake of antioxidants. However, he also cautioned against potential pitfalls such as an over reliance on unhealthy meat replacement products.

细心照顾雇主病母20年 菲律宾女佣获颁看护者奖 (Two decades of dedicated care for employer’s sick mother: Filipino domestic helper wins Caregiver Award)

On 24 February, National University Health System (NUHS) celebrated its inaugural NUHS Caregivers’ Day at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, which included a special award ceremony honouring eight exceptional and inspiring caregivers nominated by NUHS healthcare staff. Ms Cheung Siew Li, Group Chief Patient Officer, NUHS, shared the important role that caregivers play in helping healthcare teams understand the needs of their loved ones more comprehensively.

Lianhe Zaobao highlighted one of the award recipients, Ms Teresita Pasana Limon, a foreign domestic helper who was nominated by Dr Winn Maung Maung Aye, a Consultant in the Department of CTVS at National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), and the son of Ms Teresita’s employers. The article also mentioned the Caring Hearts Support Group, a voluntary initiative by patients of NUHCS, as one of nine partners present at the event.

首届国大看护者关怀日 雇主感谢女佣20年付出 (Inaugural NUHS Caregivers’ Day: Employer thanks helper for 20 years of dedicated care)

On 24 February, National University Health System (NUHS) celebrated its inaugural NUHS Caregivers’ Day at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, which included a special award ceremony honouring eight exceptional and inspiring caregivers nominated by NUHS healthcare staff. Ms Cheung Siew Li, Group Chief Patient Officer, NUHS, shared that caregivers play a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem, helping healthcare teams understand the needs of their loved ones more comprehensively.

Lianhe Zaobao highlighted the story of one of the award recipients, Ms Teresita Pasana Limon, a foreign domestic helper who was nominated by Dr Winn Maung Maung Aye, Consultant in the Department of The Cardiac , Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), and the son of Ms Teresita’s employers.

少盐更添国民健康滋味 (Less salt improves health of the national population)

​A Lianhe Zaobao editorial on the national campaign to reduce sodium intake cited Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Chairman, Singapore Heart Foundation, and Senior Consultant, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, who shared that for the reduction in the intake of every gram of salt, the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke rate can be lowered by 4 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 18 December 2023, 社论：少盐更添国民健康滋味 (Editorial: Less salt improves health of the national population)
  

呵护心脏就像爱护你的家 (Caring for your heart is like caring for your home)

​Dr Peter Chang, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, likened the heart to a house, explaining that the heart requires more attention as we age. He shared various diagnostic techniques used to identify cardiac conditions and ways to treat them. He also recommended annual check-ups for individuals over 40, especially those with a family history of heart disease.

心肌炎症状与病因 (The symptoms and causes of myocarditis)

​Asst Prof Lin Weiqin, Clinical Director of the Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Programme, and Senior Consultant in the Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, shared the common causes of myocarditis, including viruses such as the flu and dengue, and the people who are at higher risk of developing the condition. He also highlighted that the symptoms of myocarditis are often vague and non-specific.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 2 December 2023, 心肌炎症状与病因 (The symptoms and causes of myocarditis)