Minangs prone to heart attacks

PADANG, West Sumatra: An expert stated on Saturday that the people of West Sumatra were more prone to heart attacks in comparison with other areas due to the habit of consuming red meat and coconut oil.

The West Sumatra people, known as Minang, regularly ate rendang (beef simmered in spices and coconut milk) and various kinds of heavy, coconut-based curries in their food. But worse, according to hospital director Gawitri Chaernaliza, was that they had low awareness about healthy food such as vegetables and fruit. She added that her hospital in Padang regularly treated local people with heart ailments; in men starting at age 45 and women around age 55.

Heart disease is the third deadliest in the world, said Gawitri. In order to prevent heart problems, people should begin consuming healthier food coupled with regular exercise, she said. -- Antara