Think you're too young to suffer a heart attack?

The reality is that it can strike at any age.

Singapore has seen a surge in cases of heart attacks, according to statistics by the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), with numbers rising from approximately 8,000 in 2011 to over 12,400 in 2021.

More concerning is that eight to 12 per cent of all heart attacks in Singapore occur in young adults under the age of 40.

To raise awareness of this trend and the importance of heart health, especially among youths, NUHCS held a series of complimentary health checks on Saturday (Sept 13) at Keat Hong Community Club in Choa Chu Kang. These screenings included ECG tests, blood pressure checks, as well as diabetes and cholesterol tests. 

These health checks go beyond the usual health screening by incorporating Healthier SG initiatives, according to NUHCS. 

They could reveal hidden risk factors before they lead to emergencies and are gateways to identifying lifestyle changes that could help address underlying issues. 

If participants' results are abnormal, NUHCS would direct them to their nearest polyclinic or general practitioner (GP) for a formal blood test, medical report and follow-ups with their GPs.

Speaking to the media at the event, Associate Professor James Yip, executive director of NUHCS, noted that the rise in heart attack cases in Singapore, including in younger people aged 31 to 39, can be attributed to lifestyle.

"Twenty per cent of young people either have hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), or both. That's one in five," he said.

Emphasising the importance of these health screenings, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, who was the event's guest of honour, said in his opening speech: "The most important thing we have to do in making sure our heart stays in peak condition is to always go for regular medical check-ups."

Other highlights at the event, which saw 800 attendees, in...