Malaysia experiences more heart attacks in younger patients with an average age of 58 compared to 65 and above in Western countries.
ONCE considered a condition that primarily affects those who are older, myocardial infarction or heart attack are now striking down a growing number of younger Malaysians.
“I have even seen a 27-year old heart attack patient,” observes Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV)'s consultant cardiologist and internal medicine physician Dr Tee Chee Hian.
“Malaysia experiences more heart attacks in younger patients compared to Western countries. The average age of presentation in Malaysia is 58. It is 65 and above in Western countries.
“And when we talk about ‘young’ heart attack patients, we mean those who are 50 and below. In Malaysia, about a quarter of all heart attack patients are below 50 years of age,” emphasises Dr Tee.
“Lifestyle factors play a huge role in this,” adds SMCV’s consultant cardiologist, electrophysiologist and internal medicine physician Dr Lim Chiao Wen.
“We are still the ‘heaviest’ nation in South-East Asia. We are number one in terms of obesity and overweight,” she notes.
“The latest data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey Malaysia shows 54% of Malaysians are overweight and obese. Our diabetes incidence is higher, our hypertension stats are high, all these add to the increased risk of heart disease in younger Malaysians,” reveals Dr Lim.
Dr Lim shares smoking remains as a risk factor for heart attack in the young, with vaping gaining popularity.
Why is it happening?
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in Malaysia. “It’s a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors,” informs Dr Tee and Dr Lim.
1. Today’s diet of fast food, sugary drinks and processed snacks, coupled with minimal physical activity has led to rising obesity and metabolic syndrome rates. These conditions can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes – contributors of heart disease.
2. Smoking remains common, with vaping gaining popularity among the young. Harmful chemicals in these products damage arteries and increase heart attack risks as they cause inflammation, thicken the blood, and encourage clot formation that can restrict blood flow to the heart.
3. Many young people believe they are too young to worry about heart disease, hence they often skip regular health check-ups that can detect diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol.
4. Dependence on traditional remedies for healthcare problems, with many have not accepted that chronic illnesses need long term medication.
What can be done?
While the statistics are concerning, heart disease is largely preventable:
1. Early health screenings: “Previously, we advised screening for those 40 and above. This doesn’t apply now as younger and younger patients are affected,” advise Dr Tee and Dr Lim.
“Now, starting from the late 20s or early 30s, Malaysians should be encouraged to go for annual health screenings to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and body mass index.
“As doctors, we should be stressing the importance of health screenings to ‘catch’ problems early and prevent catastrophic consequences of ill health, especially if you have risk factors,” exhorts the two doctors.
2. Healthy living that involves the community: public health initiatives must continue to promote regular screenings, balanced diets, regular physical activity, weight management, and basic first aid.
“We must promote healthy living from young,” emphasises Dr Lim. “Besides the government and communities, parents should lead the way and set good examples for their children.
“Set up automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at high traffic areas so members of the public can take action when a heart attack occurs without warning. Even if you are a layman, it’s quite simple to follow the instructions enclosed with the AED,” says Dr Tee.
3. Review infrastructure needs and enact laws: careful assessment of our healthcare needs can help identify areas of weakness that can be addressed. More stringent regulations should be considered where necessary, such as on smoking and vaping.
Dr Tee emphasises that with the rising cases of heart attack in the young, those in their late 20s or early 30s are encouraged to go for annual health screenings.
The rising rate of heart attacks among younger Malaysians is a pressing public health issue. Dr Lim and Dr Tee stress that by taking proactive steps – through education, regular screenings and early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices – we can reverse this trend.
And, as the statistics show, heart health isn’t just a concern for the elderly; it starts with the young. It’s not only love that can break hearts, at any age!
To raise awareness on the prevalence of heart disease among Malaysians and especially the younger generation, SMCV will have its “Pulse of Life: The Ultimate Heart Health Experience” event on April 25-27 at Sunway Velocity Mall.
This three-day event will showcase a variety of activities, including complimentary ECG and basic health screenings, immersive visual experience, giant heart exhibit, complimentary medications and vaccination counselling, partner booths and complimentary fitness workshops.
