NH ENG _Mac2022

ASK & Answered
2 3 4
I have a slow and rapid
heartbeat. What does
this indicate? Should I be
concerned?
A: Yes, whether you are experiencing
a fast or slow heartbeat, any abnormal
heart rate is a cause for concern. Many
types of heart disease can give rise to
these symptoms. Healthy functioning
of the heart conduction system allows
the heart to beat at an appropriate rate
based on our daily activities. If there’s
any malfunction of this system, the
heart rate can end up being too slow
or too fast.
A structure within the right atrium,
namely SA Node, serves as the heart’s
natural pacemaker. It works with
another structure downstream of the
conduction system, known as the
AV node, to ensure the heart beats
appropriately. However, often with
ageing, degenerative changes set in
and may affect the function of these
two important structures, causing
inappropriate slow heart rate. Patients
may be asymptomatic at the beginning,
but due to the progressive nature of
the changes, they may suffer from
episodes of giddiness and syncope.
This can lead to potentially catastrophic
outcomes if left untreated. Therefore, it
is always advisable to see your doctor
or a cardiac electrophysiologist for
early diagnosis.
Answered by: Dr Gary Lee, Consultant
Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist
from Tung Shin Hospital
I think I eat too much
sugar. What are the
health risks, and what
can I do?
A: Here are a few major problems
associated with excessive sugar
consumption: vitamin and mineral
depletion, weakened bones, poor
dental health, headaches and
migraines, weakness when blood
glucose levels drop, increased risk of
heart disease and high cholesterol,
obesity, concentration issues, weakened
immune system, and an increased
risk of ADD especially in children. You
can start making an effort to replace
regular sugar with more nutrient-dense,
lower sugar variations like natural
sugars from fruits, and gradually
cutting down your sugar intake.
Answered by: the Health Research
Team from diabetickitchen.com
I am having a hard time
with my menopause
symptoms. What can I do?
A: Menopause is a normal part of
life – it is not a disease nor a medical
condition. The most common
symptoms are hot flushes and night
sweats. Some women may also
experience insomnia, incontinence,
and changes to their mood and libido.
Unless the symptoms are severe,
lifestyle and diet modifications can help
ease these symptoms. For example,
hot flushes and night sweats usually
improve with regular exercise, while
reducing caffeine and practising good
sleeping habits can help alleviate
insomnia.
Answered by: Dr Tan Gie Hooi,
Consultant Breast & Oncoplastic
Surgeon
10 Natural Health * March 2022 VOL 126