Forte Cardiology Clinic

11/02/2026

BMI remains a simple but useful health screening tool.

A high BMI doesn’t just mean carrying extra weight—it means carrying extra risk. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, triggers chronic inflammation, raises blood pressure, and disrupts cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Over time, this strains the heart muscle and accelerates plaque buildup in arteries. Even in people who appear metabolically healthy, obesity increases the likelihood of future heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

How to measure BMI

Weight (kg) ÷ height (m²)

Asian BMI classification (WHO):

Underweight:

06/02/2026

Hypertension-Mediated Organ Damage (HMOD) is the medical term for the structural and functional damage to target organs caused by chronically elevated blood pressure. It represents the critical transition from a risk factor to established cardiovascular disease, where the heart, brain, kidneys, and vasculature sustain tangible injury—evident as left ventricular hypertrophy, arterial stiffness, microalbuminuria, or retinopathy. As a pivotal intermediate stage, HMOD significantly amplifies the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death.

Consequently, its detection fundamentally reshapes clinical management, mandating aggressive treatment and stricter blood pressure targets to halt progression, induce regression, and ultimately preserve organ function and longevity. The prevention and reversal of HMOD is the core objective of modern antihypertensive therapy.

31/01/2026

What is HbA1c?

Think of it as your blood sugar's "memory." It's a blood test that measures the percentage of your red blood cells' hemoglobin that has glucose permanently attached to it. Since red blood cells live for about 2-3 months, this test provides an average picture of your blood sugar control over that entire period.

How is it different from my daily glucose meter?

Your daily finger-prick tests are like checking the weather right now—they tell you your blood sugar at a single moment. The HbA1c is like a climate report—it shows the overall trend and average over the last few months, giving a much more complete picture of your diabetes management.

What does the number mean for my health?

This is the most critical point. An optimal HbA1c percentage (generally below 7% for many adults) indicates that your average blood sugar has been well-controlled. Maintaining a good HbA1c is the single most important factor in preventing or delaying the long-term complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, eye problems, and heart issues.

25/01/2026

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interconnected health conditions that dramatically increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. At its core is insulin resistance, where the body doesn't use insulin efficiently.

It is very common, affecting about 1 in 3 adults in many developed countries, with prevalence rising globally.

Diagnosis requires having at least three of five key risk factors:
1) large waist circumference
2) high blood pressure
3) elevated blood sugar
4) high triglycerides
5) low HDL ("good") cholesterol.

A doctor confirms this with simple measurements and blood tests.

Management focuses on reversing the syndrome through fundamental lifestyle changes. This includes adopting a whole-foods diet (like the Mediterranean diet), achieving regular aerobic and strength exercise, losing 5-10% of body weight, and improving sleep and stress management. Medication may also be used to control individual factors.

22/01/2026

21/01/2026

𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫

Managing your blood sugar starts with simple daily choices
🍎 Eat smart
⚖️ Manage your weight
🚶‍♀️ Move more
🚭 Say no to ni****ne
Simple habits for better blood sugar control.

14/01/2026

What is Cardiac Ablation? ❤️

Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Certain abnormal heart cells can send faulty electrical signals, causing the heart to beat irregularly. Ablation works by destroying the abnormal cells, helping restore normal heart rhythm.

How the procedure works:
1️⃣ Thin, flexible catheters are inserted into a blood vessel and carefully guided to the heart.
2️⃣ Electrodes on the catheter map the heart’s electrical signals to identify the source of abnormal activity.
3️⃣ Targeted energy is delivered to create scar tissue, stopping the abnormal signals.

This procedure can help improve heart rhythm and reduce symptoms associated with arrhythmias.

Have questions about your health? We’re here to help—contact us to book your health check.

09/01/2026

Trans fats, commonly found in processed and fried foods, are a particularly harmful component of an unhealthy diet and a major threat to heart health. They function as a metabolic toxin by uniquely and simultaneously damaging the body's cholesterol balance.

Their danger lies in a dual attack: they raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, which contributes to the buildup of artery-clogging plaques. At the same time, they actively lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol responsible for removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. This one-two punch—increasing the harmful substance while crippling the body's natural cleaning system—severely accelerates atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This significantly elevates the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Due to their well-established toxicity, the removal of artificial trans fats from the food supply has become a critical global public health priority.

06/01/2026

Did you know some people are born with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) - a heart valve with two leaflets instead of three?
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) affects more people than you might think. Awareness saves lives. Heart checkups matter.

01/01/2026

As we reflect on 2025, we are truly thankful for the trust, support, and memories shared with our patients and community. Every visit reminds us of the importance of compassionate, dedicated heart care. As we welcome the new year, we look forward to new beginnings, continued care, and even greater commitment to your well-being. Wishing everyone a year filled with good health, happiness, and new opportunities. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your health journey. Happy New Year!

29/12/2025

This festive season, let's celebrate with our hearts in mind. While enjoying delicious gatherings, it's crucial to understand that overeating—especially large and heavy meals—poses an immediate and serious risk. Consuming an excessive amount of food in one sitting causes a sudden demand for increased blood flow to aid digestion, placing immense strain on the cardiovascular system. This can lead to a dangerous spike in blood pressure and heart rate. For individuals with existing, even unknown, heart conditions, this acute stress can trigger a heart attack. The risk is real and significant during times of indulgent feasting.

So, savor the flavors joyfully but wisely. Staying mindful allows you to fully enjoy the celebrations without overwhelming your heart.

At Forte Cardiology, We Always Listen to Your Heart

25/12/2025

🎄❤️ Keep Your Heart Merry & Bright This Christmas ❤️🎄
The holidays are all about joy, family, and celebration—so don’t forget to show your heart some love too!
✨ Enjoy festive treats in moderation
✨ Stay active with a winter walk or family game
✨ Share laughter—it’s great for heart health!

A healthy heart helps you enjoy every moment of the season. Wishing you a Christmas filled with love, warmth, and good health ❤️🎁