PETALING JAYA: When media consultant Aerius Low recorded a blood pressure reading of 140/110 after a stressful period, he turned to an AI chatbot for guidance.
The 45-year-old said the chatbot advised him to sit down, relax and monitor his condition while asking follow-up questions about the symptoms.
He recalled experiencing a spike in blood pressure to 140/110 several months ago due to stress and anxiety linked to a relocation and increased work responsibilities.
“I felt fidgety and had a slight headache after coming home late at night, so I checked my blood pressure and shared the reading, along with my symptoms, with the AI chatbot,” he said.
“It gave practical advice such as sitting down, relaxing and monitoring my condition. It also asked follow-up questions and did not immediately suggest medication.
“What stood out was that it consistently reminded me to seek medical attention if my condition worsened or required professional care.”
Low described AI as a tool that helps people better understand their health rather than as a substitute for doctors.
“I don’t see AI as something that simply tells you what to do. It’s more like a thinking partner that helps you make better-informed decisions,” he added.
“AI is smart, but we need to be smarter in how we use it.”
When copywriter Lai Mee Yee started vomiting and had a bad headache, she did not go to a clinic – she opened an AI chat on her phone.
“I was really unwell,” said the 40-year-old. “Instead of going straight to a doctor, I went online and asked AI what I should do.”
The chatbot listed danger signs such as the worst headache of her life, stiff neck, confusion or vomiting blood, and told her to seek urgent care if any appeared.
“It explained when I needed to go to the emergency department and when I could rest at home,” she said.
Still, Lai told the chatbot she did not want to see a doctor.
“I admitted I was afraid. I’m scared of bad news and I find clinics very stressful,” she said.
“With AI, I don’t feel embarrassed. I can ask simple questions and it doesn’t judge me.
“It can help me think more clearly, but it cannot examine me or run tests. In the end, we still need real doctors to make the final call.”
For 50-year-old manager Jack Yip, AI is just a reference.
“I use AI to read up on medicines and herbal ingredients, like things people say are cooling, good for the liver or helpful for sleep.
“It lists the names and explains what they do. I find that useful.
“After I read all that, I still go and see a doctor or a qualified practitioner. I don’t just buy and take whatever it recommends,” he said.
University student Sanjeet Kumar, 21, said he often turns to AI for minor problems.
“If I have a small cut or a headache, I’ll ask what medicine it suggests. If I can’t sleep, I ask what I can do, or what food can help me concentrate when I’m studying,” he said.
“I know AI is not a real doctor. For small, everyday issues, I’ll still ask AI first. But if it sounds serious, I won’t take that risk – I’ll go to a clinic.”
