Heart Disease Still Major Threat In Malaysia - Dr Ismuni

LABUAN, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Heart disease remains a serious threat in the country, as it is still the leading preventable cause of death, said deputy director-general of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari.

He said data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia in 2024 showed that ischaemic heart disease was the second-highest cause of medically certified deaths, accounting for 15.1 per cent, and the leading cause of death among those aged 41 to 59, wth men more affected than women.

“This is a worrying trend because it not only affects health but also the nation’s economy,” he said at the World Heart Day programme here today.

Dr Ismuni said diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and prolonged stress were the main contributors to heart disease, apart from smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits.

He said the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey reported that 15.6 per cent of adults had diabetes, hypertension (29.2 per cent), high cholesterol (33.3 per cent), obesity (21.8 per cent) and smoking (19 per cent).

“As of August 2025, Labuan recorded 93 new cardiovascular cases, with 1,388 patients receiving treatment for heart disease. 

“This is a warning for us to take preventive action before it is too late,” he said.

He urged the public to adopt healthy lifestyles, undergo regular health screenings and take part in awareness activities, noting that 3,877 people in Labuan had undergone health check-ups as of August.

“This year’s World Heart Day, themed ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’, calls on Malaysians to adopt active lifestyles and healthier eating habits to protect their hearts,” he said.

-- BERNAMA