HEART disease remains the leading cause of death in Malaysia, with experts warning that the public’s ongoing reluctance to undergo regular health screening is contributing to the country’s high cardiovascular mortality rate.
Datuk Dr Azmee Ghazi, Head of Cardiology at the National Heart Institute (IJN), said while awareness of heart disease has improved, many Malaysians only seek medical attention after being diagnosed, rather than taking proactive measures.
“People are generally aware of the risks, but few take early action. Annual health checks are critical to detect early issues like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol,” he told *Harian Metro*.
Dr Azmee added that while there has been a rise in fitness activities such as recreational running, they are insufficient on their own to prevent heart disease if not complemented by proper nutrition, adequate sleep and stress management.
“I’ve observed many people exercising regularly, but without dietary discipline, the risk of heart disease remains high,” he said. “Even after being diagnosed, many only adopt a healthy lifestyle temporarily before reverting to old habits. That’s why early education and a mindset shift are essential.”
He also expressed concern over the low rate of routine health screenings, noting that some individuals undergo a check-up only once every five to ten years, despite recommendations for annual assessments starting at age 30.
Worryingly, he added that younger people are increasingly at risk, due to rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor diets — with some cases of heart attacks already being reported in those as young as their 20s.
The issue was echoed by Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, who revealed that ischaemic heart disease accounted for 15.1 percent of all deaths in 2024, making it the leading cause of mortality among those aged 41 to 59.
Contributing factors include diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity, Dr Ismuni said at the *World Heart Day* event on Sunday.
He warned that the upward trend in cardiovascular deaths not only affects public health but also places a significant burden on the national economy. - September 22, 2025
