KUALA LUMPUR: Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has achieved a major international milestone with its Sports Cardiology service being accredited by the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) – making it the only centre in Malaysia and across the Asian region to receive this prestigious recognition.
The EAPC Centre Accreditation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous European standards in the prevention, diagnosis and management of cardiovascular conditions in athletes and physically active individuals.
This recognition places IJN among a highly select group of centres globally and positions Malaysia at the forefront of specialised sports cardiology in Asia.
As participation in endurance and high-intensity sports continues to rise globally, so too does the importance of specialised cardiac evaluation.
International data estimates that sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes occurs in approximately 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 80,000 athletes annually, often in individuals with previously undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions. While rare, such events are high impact and underscore the importance of early detection and proper risk assessment.
The rapid growth of marathons, triathlons, cycling events and competitive fitness has driven the emergence of sports cardiology as a dedicated subspecialty, focused on ensuring safe participation and long-term cardiovascular health.
This global trend is increasingly reflected in Malaysia and the wider Asean region.
More than half of Malaysians (approximately 52%) participate in sports, exercise, or recreational physical activity, with a growing number transitioning into higher-intensity and endurance-based activities. This shift is evident in large-scale participation events such as the Kuala Lumpur Marathon, which attracts close to 36,000 runners annually.
Across Asean, sports participation continues to expand, supported by national policies promoting active lifestyles and increasing interest in competitive and endurance sports.
However, while participation is rising, structured cardiac screening and sports-specific cardiovascular assessment remain limited, creating a critical gap in athlete health and safety.
Local observations further indicate that sudden cardiac events in recreational athletes are often linked to undiagnosed heart disease, reinforcing the need for early detection and specialised care.
IJN cardiology head and sports cardiology director Datuk Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi, who leads the Sports Cardiology programme, said this accreditation reflects IJN’s commitment to delivering care aligned with internationally benchmarked standards in sports cardiology.
“Being recognised as the only accredited centre in Asia underscores the level of clinical rigour, expertise and systems we have built.”
He added that as more individuals engage in high-performance and endurance activities, the need for specialised cardiac assessment becomes increasingly important.
“Sports cardiology is not just about screening – it is about precise diagnosis, appropriate risk stratification and guiding safe participation in sport.
“Our priority is to ensure that athletes can perform at their best without compromising their heart health.”
IJN group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said this recognition is not only a milestone for IJN, but also for Malaysia.
“Being the only EAPC-accredited Sports Cardiology centre in Asia positions IJN as a regional reference centre for athlete heart health.”
He added as a national heart centre, its role goes beyond delivering treatment.
“We are responsible for advancing clinical capabilities, adopting international standards and supporting the evolving needs of patients – including the growing segment of athletes and physically active individuals.”
Prof Dr Mohamed Ezani shared: “In 2024, we identified the potential for sports cardiology services in Malaysia and as the national referral centre for cardiovascular care, IJN needed to embark on this journey early.
“This led to focused efforts in building the service – from developing clinical pathways and training our teams, to working towards recognition by leading international bodies.
“This capability strengthens Malaysia’s position as a destination for specialised cardiovascular care, particularly for athletes and active individuals seeking internationally benchmarked evaluation and management,” he added.
