Prioritise heart health: Make lifestyle changes today - Expert

KUALA LUMPUR - Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that by 2030, around 23.6 million people will be affected by chronic heart disease worldwide.

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a rise in heart-related diseases, with cases increasing from 11.6 per cent in 2000 to 17 per cent in 2020.

What is most alarming, experts say, is that heart disease no longer affects only older individuals, as it once did, but now impacts people across all age groups.

YOUNG PEOPLE

Consultant Cardiologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Dr Patrick Tiau said, based on the latest data in Malaysia, the average age of heart attack patients is between 50 and 60 years. However, there is a growing number of cases involving individuals in their 30s and 40s.

"Current studies indicate that heart disease is increasing among younger people, and in reality, anyone can develop heart problems, regardless of age," he told Bernama recently.

According to the latest data from the National Cardiovascular Database (NCVD), the average age of heart attack patients in Malaysia is 57, which is younger than that of patients in developed countries.

More concerning is that the NCVD reports approximately 24 per cent of heart attack patients are under 50 years old.

Dr Patrick noted that the most common heart conditions affecting these individuals include ischemic heart disease and heart attacks.

"Ischemic heart disease occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the heart. This is usually caused by arteriosclerosis, which is the accumulation of cholesterol or fat plaque in the blood vessels, leading to progressive narrowing.

"The symptoms are almost the same as a heart attack, but ischemic heart disease usually happens gradually and progressively, where blood flow to the heart decreases over time. Patients often experience signs like chest pain and shortness of breath, especially during exercise," he explained.

(Arteriosclerosis refers to a condition where the artery walls become hard, thick, and lose elasticity.)

Dr Patrick said that a heart attack occurs when the blood flow is completely blocked, causing damage or death to heart cells.

"This can happen suddenly or unexpectedly, where the individual may not have previously experienced any symptoms (commonly related to heart disease) or may be considered to be in good health," he added.

Therefore, he emphasised that it is essential for everyone to be mindful of their heart health from a young age and to ensure that their overall well-being is maintained at its best.

LIFESTYLE

Elaborating further, Dr Patrick noted that several factors put young people at risk of heart problems, with one significant factor being an unhealthy lifestyle.

"An unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, which has become a worrying trend among teenagers, makes a person more likely to develop heart disease.

"People often believe that smoking solely leads to respiratory issues and lung cancer, but few realise that regular smokers are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease," he said.

He explained that this is because the nicotine in cigarettes can thicken and narrow blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart.

This condition, he said, can potentially cause parts of a person's body to become paralysed and may even lead to death.

He also noted that stress also contributes to the risk of heart disease among young people.

"Many don't realise that those under stress often unknowingly adopt unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, overeating, and not getting enough sleep, which in turn can negatively impact their overall health and increase the risk of chronic heart disease.

"As such, they need to manage stress wisely, avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, and maintain a healthy diet from a young age to prevent the risk of heart disease," he said, adding that young people should educate themselves about heart problems, including recognising early symptoms.

HEART CHECK-UP

In line with this year's World Heart Day theme, ‘Use Heart for Action,’ Dr Patrick urged the public to be more proactive in preventing heart disease by adopting preventive measures.

This includes undergoing regular health screenings and comprehensive heart check-ups.

"This is especially crucial for those at high risk, such as smokers and individuals with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure,” he said.

He added that blood tests can help detect cholesterol levels and diabetes, which are two conditions that increase the risk of heart disease.

"Individuals can also undergo an Exercise Stress Test (EST), a heart screening that helps assess their heart health.

"This test can also determine whether a person is at high risk of having a heart attack," he said.

At the same time, he stressed that collaboration between the health and education sectors is crucial for raising awareness about heart disease in Malaysia, as the issue affects people of all ages.

"Public and private health organisations can provide expertise and resources, while educational institutions can promote early intervention by raising awareness about heart disease.

"This collaborative approach will undoubtedly foster a more informed and health-conscious society, ultimately helping to reduce the incidence of heart disease and improve overall public health," he said. - BERNAMA