iHEAL organises community event to combat rising heart disease

iHEAL Medical Centre will host a major community cardiovascular health event on Sunday, Oct 4, aiming to combat Malaysia’s alarming rise in premature heart disease.

The initiative comes as ischaemic heart disease continues to be the country’s leading cause of death, accounting for roughly 13% to 16% of all medically certified fatalities nationwide, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the Ministry of Health.

Alarmingly, cardiovascular complications are no longer restricted to the elderly. Heart disease is now the primary cause of death for Malaysians aged 41 to 59, with local registries indicating that the average Malaysian heart attack patient is significantly younger than those in Western nations.

Clinical studies demonstrate that up to 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. However, healthcare leaders warn that delayed awareness, infrequent routine screenings, and late medical interventions remain the primary obstacles to prevention.

Public drive targets preventable cardiovascular deaths

Aligned with the global World Heart Day movement, the event, themed “Use Heart for Action: One Heart. One Life. Take Action”, will take place from 9.00am to 3.00pm at iHEAL Medical Centre in Mid Valley City.

The programme begins at 9.00am with a welcome address by iHEAL Group chief executive officer Seth Wai Kit, followed by an aerobic workout. Attendees will receive a “Heart Passport” guiding them through health screening booths and interactive activity zones.

Medical specialists will deliver educational briefings throughout the day. Consultant endocrinologist Dr Kang Waye Hann will discuss metabolic links to heart health, while consultant interventional cardiologist Dr Wong Teck Wee will outline essential cardiac screening methods. Medical staff will also conduct live Basic Life Support demonstrations, teaching attendees CPR.

Afternoon sessions feature consultant nephrologist Dr Rafidah Abdullah on kidney and heart health, with consultant bariatric surgeon Dr Harnavandeep Singh Mann addressing obesity. The event concludes with a cooking demonstration.