*Vessel Health Series by Name*

1. Professor Kim Dong-ik of vascular surgery at Samsung Medical Center, the key to vascular management is 'first treatment'

2. Kim Mi-hyun, a professor of circulatory medicine at Ilsan Cha Hospital, "vascular red light" that comes to women after menopause

3. Chung Geun-hwa, a professor of neurology at Seoul National University Hospital, signals indicating 'stroke'

4. Choi Yoon-seok, a professor of circulatory medicine at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, "stroke"

regardless of age

5. Han Dong-ha, director of Han Dong-ha Oriental Medicine Clinic, How to Get Out of 'Fat Vascular Syndrome'

Professor Kim Mi-hyun of

What do you think is the most important thing in vascular disease management? 

I think men quit smoking, women manage postmenopausal hyperlipidemia. Although it is widely known that tobacco has no benefits, quite a few people do not know that estrogen, a female hormone, has a cholesterol-lowering effect. As this function disappears with menopause, the cardiovascular system begins to turn red, such as gaining weight and hyperlipidemia.

There seems to be a tendency to take hyperlipidemia lightly compared to

hypertension. 

Hypertension has direct symptoms, such as immediate blood pressure and headaches, but hyperlipidemia is sometimes left unattended because there are no immediate symptoms. However, if not properly managed, it will cause scary diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis, so be careful.

In fact, among patients, after being diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and recovering to normal levels through medicine or exercise, they often visit hospitals by developing diseases by arbitrarily quitting drugs.

This requires careful management, but unfortunately, the national examination cycle has changed from once every two years to four years. There are many cases where you don't know, so I make sure to explain, but if you're in your 50s or older, it's better to take a blood test for hyperlipidemia at least every two years.

What is the most frequently asked question by

patients about vascular health? 

I have a lot of questions about healthy food. What's really good for improving blood circulation, whether it's okay to take it with medicine, etc. The only substance that has been recognized for its effectiveness in cardiovascular improvement is omega-3. Nevertheless, I'm reluctant to take medicine, so I ask a lot if I can replace it with this and that oil instead. There may be some beneficial functions, but you should remember that healthy foods are distinctly different from medicines.

Any house has omega-3s on the table. Is there a standard for choosing "quality" among many products? 

Since

oxidized oil is rather harmful to health, individually packaged products are preferred, and small fish species with a relatively low risk of heavy metal exposure are suitable as raw materials. It is usually divided into two components: DHA, which helps brain cell activity, and EPA, which increases good cholesterol, which is advantageous in terms of vascular health. The recommended amount is also important. The daily intake varies slightly from country to country, but the view is the same that at least 250mg can be expected to be effective.

What efforts do you make for blood vessel health? 

I enjoy eating

Omega3 and walnuts, and I am taking care of my health with aerobic and core muscle exercises.