Heart & Vascular Health Blog
Evidence-based insights on cardiovascular and vascular health from Dr. Peter Chang — written to help patients and their families make informed decisions.
Coronary Calcium Score Explained: What Your Number Means
A coronary calcium score is one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — tests in preventive cardiology. In 10 minutes, without a single needle, it maps the calcified plaque in your arteries into one number. Here is what that number means, what zero actually guarantees, and whether any of it can be reversed.
Are Statins Safe? The Myths, the Evidence, and the Answers
Statins have generated more myths per milligram than almost any other drug class in history. Do they cause dementia, cancer, or muscle damage? And what actually happens if you stop? A Singapore cardiologist works through the evidence — and the answer is not what most health forums suggest.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack Every Patient Should Know
Warning signs of a heart attack are not always the dramatic clutch-the-chest moment films portray. Nearly half of all heart attacks present without classic chest pain — and women are disproportionately affected. A landmark Circulation study found 95% of women experienced prodromal symptoms weeks before their event; most attributed them to fatigue or stress.
LDL vs HDL Cholesterol: Which Number Matters More?
Your lipid panel comes back with six numbers and most patients only know that one of them is 'good' and one is 'bad'. The evidence is more nuanced — and more actionable — than that. Here is what your LDL, HDL, and non-HDL numbers actually mean for your cardiovascular risk.
How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally: Evidence-Based Guide
High cholesterol is one of Singapore's most common cardiovascular risk factors — and many patients are surprised how much diet and exercise alone can shift the needle. The Portfolio Diet can reduce LDL by up to 35% in controlled trials, and the evidence for lifestyle-first management has never been stronger.
AF Burden: When Ablation Outperforms Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Not all time spent in atrial fibrillation is equal — how much AF you carry predicts stroke, heart failure, and quality of life far better than a simple diagnosis. Multiple landmark trials confirm that ablation reduces AF burden more effectively than medication, and delays progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF in ways drugs cannot match.
Restless Legs Syndrome & Venous Reflux: The Vascular Link
Most people with restless legs syndrome are handed a neurology referral. But a growing body of evidence suggests the real culprit, in a significant proportion of cases, is venous reflux — a problem treatable by a vascular specialist, not a sleep physician.
Vitamin D, Calcium & K2: What Heart Patients Need to Know
Millions of Singaporeans take vitamin D and calcium supplements — but for heart patients, the wrong formulation can accelerate arterial calcification. Here is what the evidence says, and what to take instead.
Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Red Flags & When to Worry
Night leg cramps wake you up without warning — a sudden, violent tightening in the calf that takes minutes to release. For most people they are benign. But for some, they are the first signal of a circulatory or nerve problem that deserves proper investigation.
Can Atrial Fibrillation Be Cured?
AF cannot be cured in the way an infection can be cured. But for a meaningful proportion of patients, it can be put into long-term remission — and for virtually everyone, it can be managed in a way that protects against its most serious consequence: stroke.
Heart Screening Before Exercise: Who Needs One and What to Expect
Most people who collapse during exercise had no prior symptoms. They felt fine. A pre-exercise cardiac screening won't guarantee anything — but it identifies the conditions most likely to cause a problem before they get the chance to.
Spider Veins vs Varicose Veins: What's the Difference?
Most people who notice fine red lines on their legs worry they have varicose veins. Most people with varicose veins assume it's just cosmetic. Both assumptions can lead you astray. Here's what actually sets these two conditions apart — and when it matters.
Plaque, Atherosclerosis & Silent Heart Disease: What You Cannot Feel Can Still Kill You
Most heart attacks happen in people who felt perfectly fine beforehand. Atherosclerosis builds silently for decades — and the plaques most likely to rupture are often not the most obstructive ones.
The Frequent Flyer's Real Health Risks: Radiation, DVT, and Circadian Stress
Executives who fly extensively face real cardiovascular risks — but cosmic radiation is the least of their concerns. DVT, cabin hypoxia, and chronic circadian disruption deserve far more attention.
From Confusion to Clarity: A 37-Year-Old Woman's Lipedema Story
A 37-year-old woman struggled for years with heavy, painful legs before receiving a dual diagnosis of lipedema and venous reflux. Through ultrasound and combined treatment, she achieved significant relief.
Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk: What You Need to Know
AF raises stroke risk fivefold. In Singapore, NOACs have replaced warfarin as standard care — and new research suggests selected ablation patients may safely stop anticoagulation under specific conditions.
How Long Does a Cup of Coffee Keep You Awake?
A cup of coffee reaches peak caffeine levels within 15–45 minutes and maintains noticeable effects for 5–6 hours due to caffeine's half-life. Here's what that means for your sleep.
The Search for Sleep: Finding Rest in a Restless World
Chronic insomnia raises the risk of depression, anxiety, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These evidence-backed strategies address the root causes — not just the symptoms.
You Will Never Regret Washing Your Face at Night
Nightly face washing removes accumulated bacteria, supports skin healing during sleep, and helps prevent wrinkles. Here is why it matters — and how to do it properly.
Battle of Cats and Dogs: Which Pet Is Better for Your Heart?
Research shows both cats and dogs benefit cardiovascular health — but dogs hold a slight edge through the exercise and activity they encourage. Here is what the science says.
Milk Does a Body Good: Why Adults Should Keep It on the Menu
A daily glass of milk delivers nine essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, and protein — with a 2018 Lancet study linking regular dairy intake to a 22% lower risk of heart disease.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Risks & Treatment Options
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder. Learn how to recognise the symptoms, what risks it carries, and the treatment options available in Singapore.
5 Warning Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease You Should Not Ignore
Peripheral artery disease affects millions globally and is often missed. Dr. Chang explains the key warning signs and why early diagnosis is critical.
Managing High Blood Pressure: Lifestyle Changes That Actually Work
Hypertension is often called the silent killer. Beyond medication, evidence-based lifestyle changes can significantly lower your blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins: What to Expect
Modern treatment for varicose veins is minimally invasive and highly effective. Dr. Chang walks through the radiofrequency ablation procedure step by step.
What Does Your Coronary Calcium Score Mean?
A coronary calcium score is one of the most powerful tools for assessing heart attack risk — even before symptoms appear. Here's how to interpret your results.
Deep Vein Thrombosis: Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment
DVT can be life-threatening if a clot travels to the lungs. Dr. Chang covers who is at risk, how it is diagnosed, and the full range of treatment options available.
More articles coming soon.
This section will be updated regularly with new posts from Dr. Chang.