Marathon cardiac procedures signal alarming heart disease burden in Malaysia

A GRUELLING 17-hour medical marathon involving the treatment of 76 cardiac patients in one day, including 48 stent implantation procedures, has highlighted the worrying state of heart health among Malaysians rather than showcasing medical achievement, said Datuk Dr Asri Ranga Abdullah Ramaiah.

The head of the cardiology department at Hospital Sultan Idris Shah (HSIS) stressed that such an intense workload is a clear indicator that heart disease in the country has reached an alarming level.

Dr Asri pointed to the latest figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, which show that heart disease remains the leading cause of death nationwide, accounting for about 13 per cent of all recorded deaths last year.

“This is not something to be proud of from a health perspective. For example, just yesterday in a single day, the hospital had to receive more than 70 cases for angiograms and nearly 30 emergency cases, including PCI procedures,” Astro AWANI quoted him saying an interview on Saturday.

He emphasised that the situation underscores the urgent need top rioritise prevention and early healthcare measures rather than relying primarily on treatment after disease has already set in.

At the same time, Dr Asri noted that Malaysia’s cardiology expertise is at a high level and comparable to leading heart centres around the world, supported by the use of advanced technology, including internationally certified angiogram equipment.

HSIS Serdang, he said, is backed by nearly 100 medical personnel comprising specialists, consultants, trainee doctors and support staff.

“In fact, at HSIS, we receive many referrals from private hospitals and others for complicated or complex cases that are difficult to manage,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dr Asri said cardiology services and expertise would be expanded to several hospitals in Melaka as well as in Sabah and Sarawak, including districts such as Tawau, Miri and Sibu, to cope with the rising number of heart patients across the country. - January 12, 2026