With 2009 drawing to a close, I thought it would be good to reflect on certain events this year that have touched the hearts of many. An African-American was sworn into office on January 20. Barrack Obama defied all odds and human prejudices and made history by becoming the 44th President of the United States of America.

 

Sunday evening, November 15, and it was a night of celebration.

More than 700 former SRK Sri Petaling pupils and teachers had gathered in KL to commemorate the 40th year of the primary school’s existence. Old friendships were rekindled and fond memories were shared. It was a night to remember. Well, it certainly was for my ex-classmate, Ibrahim (not his real name).

As I peer through the window of my room, I see a serene river flanked by lush greeneries with majestic mountains in the background.

It was Friday and Azman (not his real name) was woken up in the wee hours of the morning with a severe pain in the chest. After having found no relief with his usual medicines for indigestion, he eventually made his way to the hospital just before sunrise.

For weeks I had wanted to write on this subject but kept putting it off and waiting for the right moment. After watching the Clash of the Titans Sunday between my team, Liverpool, and the traditional rival, Manchester United, and seeing how passionate supporters of the game were, I decided it was the right time to do so.

Question: What do heart attacks and headaches have in common?
Answer: They can both be treated effectively with aspirin.

Dear Dr Haizal
I recently read in an article that apparently in the near future, multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be treated or reduced by taking a single pill (or "polypill"). How is that possible when the level or severity of risk factors differ (and therefore dosage of different drugs required to treat the respective risk factors differ) from individual to individual? I would like to know your thoughts on this. Thank you.
Mano
D.U.

DID you know that hypertension causes 64 per cent of strokes and 49 per cent of coronary heart disease? Some believe that it is the biggest single risk factor for death worldwide and globally, 1.5 billion people suffer from hypertension and seven million people die each year because of it.

What have we learned so far about this silent killer?

MY patient Azman (not his real name) looked at me in the eyes,

“So doc, which is better for me – balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery?”

Azman was a classmate in primary school.

He had survived a heart attack only days earlier.