Beat the block launches to empower cholesterol management in Singapore
The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) and Novartis Singapore have unveiled Beat the block, a campaign designed to demystify cholesterol management and give Singaporeans practical tools to protect their heart health. At its core is science-based information and a user-friendly cardiovascular risk calculator that estimates a person’s 10-year risk of coronary artery disease using the SG-FRS-2023 model. The calculator also suggests an LDL-C target tailored to individual risk profiles.
What Beat the block offers
Beyond education, Beat the block provides a concrete plan. The cardiovascular risk calculator allows users to input age, blood pressure, smoking status, and other factors to generate a personalized risk score and an LDL-C target. The campaign emphasizes LDL-C control as a proven guardrail against heart attacks and strokes, while acknowledging that cholesterol is only one piece of the puzzle.
Tools and guidance
Participants are encouraged to discuss results with their healthcare providers, and to combine lifestyle changes—diet, physical activity, weight management—with any indicated medications, such as statins, to reach targets.
Survey findings: revealing gaps in knowledge
The campaign follows a joint survey conducted by IQVIA that explored Singaporeans’ understanding of cholesterol management. While overall high blood cholesterol prevalence declined from 39.1% in 2020 to 31.9% in 2022, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for about one in three fatalities. Alarmingly, only about one-third of respondents felt that high cholesterol requires urgent attention.
- 93% believed diet and exercise are as effective as prescription medication for managing cholesterol, underscoring a misconception about the role of medicines.
- 72% feared statins could harm the liver and kidneys.
- 60% worried about long-term cancer risks from statin use.
- Among those diagnosed with high cholesterol, three in ten did not take medication.
- For patients on treatment, 37% reported non-adherence, often because they felt well or were managing other health issues.
- Fewer than one-third knew their total cholesterol level or the recommended range.
Why managing LDL-C matters
Experts say that lowering LDL-C is central to preventing heart attacks and strokes. The SG-FRS-2023-based calculator helps people quantify risk and set realistic, personalized goals. Adopting evidence-based strategies—whether it’s healthier eating, regular exercise, or statin therapy when prescribed—can reduce the likelihood of future cardiovascular events even when daily life feels fine.
Voices from SHF and Novartis
Geoffrey Ong, CEO of SHF, remarked that the campaign aligns with the foundation’s 55th anniversary in 2025: “By spotlighting the importance of blood cholesterol management, we reinforce the prevention of cardiovascular disease and help reduce preventable disability and premature death.” Poh Hwee Tee, country president of Novartis Singapore and Asian Emerging Markets, added that proactive cholesterol management should be part of routine health maintenance, not only for visible illnesses.
A broader regional context
The Beat the block launch sits within a regional pattern of patient-empowerment campaigns. Similar efforts in Asia Pacific, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Dual Control initiative for inflammatory bowel disease, emphasize patient–provider collaboration and ongoing education to help people pursue long-term health goals.
What readers can do now
If you’re concerned about your cholesterol, try the SG-FRS-2023 calculator, speak with a clinician about your LDL-C targets, and adopt practical lifestyle changes—while staying informed about your medications and possible side effects. Proactive management can protect your heart health today and tomorrow.
Practical steps to start
- Ask your doctor for a lipid panel to measure LDL-C, HDL, and triglycerides; determine your target LDL-C based on risk.
- Track progress with the SG-FRS-2023 calculator and set reminders for follow-up tests.
- Adopt a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight management; discuss medications with your clinician if prescribed.
