Mid-Autumn Feasting May Mask Hidden Heart Risks
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A health feature published on September 17 says many people in Hong Kong may carry hidden cardiovascular risks without obvious symptoms. It cites Department of Health survey data showing that high cholesterol is widespread and that more than a third of affected people had no prior related medical history before abnormal lab results were found. The report says resting electrocardiograms may miss some problems, while treadmill electrocardiogram testing can assess the heart under physical stress. It also presents MediFast as a one-stop screening provider with on-site cardiology specialist support
Key Points
- The Department of Health's 2020-22 Population Health Survey found 51.9% of Hong Kong residents aged 15 to 84 had high cholesterol or hypercholesterolaemia, including 51.0% of women and 52.9% of men
- Among those tested, 36.2% had no previous related medical history but were later found through laboratory testing to have elevated total cholesterol
- The highest prevalence was in the 55 to 64 age group, reaching 76.6% among women and 67.0% among men, according to the report
- The article recommends blood lipid testing covering total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, alongside resting electrocardiogram checks, before considering further tests on medical advice
- Treadmill electrocardiogram testing, described as a roughly 10-minute examination, records heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiogram changes as speed and incline increase on a treadmill
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the report underscores that a lack of chest pain or breathlessness does not necessarily mean cardiovascular risk is absent, particularly for people aged 40 or above or those with high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking habits or a family history. Around festive periods associated with heavy eating, the message is that earlier screening may help identify problems before symptoms emerge