Speech by Dr Lam Pin Min, Minister of State for Health, at Atrial Fibrillation Day 2016, 2 July

Dr Teo Wee Siong, President of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society;

Professor Terrance Chua, Chairman of the Singapore Heart Foundation;

Dr Lim Toon Wei, Honorary Treasurer of the Singapore Cardiac Society;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1.         A very good morning to all of you. I am delighted to be here at the inaugural Atrial Fibrillation Day 2016.

2.         Jointly organised by Singapore Heart Foundation, Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society and Singapore Cardiac Society, Atrial Fibrillation Day aims to motivate the public to take charge of their heart health. This is part of the Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month campaign, where different member countries in Asia Pacific such as Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, China and Pakistan will organise a forum to educate the public on atrial fibrillation.

Rising Incidence of AF

3.         Atrial fibrillation, also known as AF, causes the heart to beat irregularly and is the most common heart rhythm disorder in Singapore. The prevalence of AF increases with age, and affects as many as one in 20 (i.e. 5 per cent) of people over the age of 65.

4.         In patients with untreated atrial fibrillation, the risk of developing a stroke each year is 5 per cent. Therefore, it is paramount that these patients keep regular appointments with their doctors and take appropriate medications as prescribed to control their abnormal heart rhythm (AF) and to reduce the risk of developing a stroke.

5.         AF is a growing concern in Singapore because of our rapidly ageing population. With ageing, chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are becoming more common. These conditions, if not well-controlled, can lead to complications such as AF.

Adopting A Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

6.         We should take concrete steps to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.  Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle will reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular conditions.  The key steps include not taking up the habit of cigarette smoking and for those who smoke, you should quit cigarette smoking.  We should maintain a healthy body weight.  We should also eat right and have healthy meals. The Health Promotion Board has developed “My Healthy Plate” as a helpful guide for us to follow and plan for healthy meals in our daily routines. Half of each plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, with the remaining half divided equally between brown rice or wholemeal bread, and meat, beancurd, eggs or dairy products.

7.         While we like to talk about food, we must not forget to exercise regularly.  I would like to encourage everyone to have at least 150 minutes of physical activities every week. These include lifestyle, aerobic and strength-building activities, which can be performed at our convenience, whether at work or at home, even while we are commuting or during our leisure time.  Some examples include taking a 15-minute brisk walk from the MRT station to home every day, or taking a walk with your family or loved ones after dinner.

8.         We should also be getting the screening tests we need for our age.  Some examples include blood pressure measurements, screening tests for blood sugar and lipids.

Conclusion

9.         In closing, I would like to congratulate the Organising Committee, the Singapore Heart Foundation, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society and the Singapore Cardiac Society for initiating today’s symposium.

10.       Let us keep those healthy hearts beating! I wish you good health and a most wonderful discussion ahead. Thank you.