Heart disease — particularly atherosclerosis, the build-up of cholesterol plaque in the arteries — is one of the most significant hidden health threats facing Kenyans today. Often dubbed the “silent killer”, it can lead to heart attacks and strokes — two of the world’s leading causes of death and disability, writes Dr Hazel Kariuki, Cardiology Fellow at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. Doctors recommend regularly monitoring your blood pressure at home and having your blood sugar and cholesterol levels tested at local clinics or laboratories. These simple steps can help detect potential health issues early—before they become life-threatening.