Novartis Singapore and the Singapore Heart Foundation have launched the ‘Beat the Block’ campaign to tackle misconceptions about high blood cholesterol in Singapore. This initiative, unveiled on 30 September, aims to educate the public on managing cholesterol levels effectively to prevent cardiovascular diseases, which account for nearly one in three deaths in the country.
The campaign follows a survey revealing that whilst high blood cholesterol prevalence has decreased from 39.1% in 2020 to 31.9% in 2022, misconceptions persist. The survey, conducted by IQVIA, highlighted that 93% of respondents believe diet and exercise are as effective as medication in lowering cholesterol, and 72% fear long-term statin use could harm kidneys and liver. These misconceptions contribute to non-compliance with prescribed treatments, with 37% of patients skipping medication doses.
Geoffrey Ong, CEO of the Singapore Heart Foundation, emphasised the campaign’s importance, stating, “Heart health is fundamental to the strength and vitality of individuals, families, and communities.” Dr. Bernard Kwok, a cardiologist, added, “High blood cholesterol is silent and has no symptom. It is crucial for all adults to regularly check their blood cholesterol levels.”
A key feature of the campaign is the Cardiovascular Risk Calculator, which uses the Singapore-modified Framingham Risk Score to estimate an individual’s 10-year risk of coronary artery disease. This tool aims to provide personalised LDL-C targets, crucial for managing cholesterol levels and preventing heart attacks and strokes.
