A Growing Concern: Why Cardiovascular Disease Is on the Rise in Malaysia
Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer in Malaysia, taking more lives each year than any other condition? Even more surprising, it is no longer something that happens only to the elderly. More young adults in their 30s and 40s are now being diagnosed with cardiovascular problems, and the numbers continue to rise.
This trend is worrying because many people assume heart disease is a distant issue, one that might only matter decades down the line. But the reality is very different. Long hours at work, modern diets, high stress, and underlying health issues are pushing Malaysians of all ages into higher risk categories.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at what cardiovascular disease really is, how it is shaping the health landscape in Malaysia, why even the younger generation needs to pay attention, and what steps can be taken to reduce the risk.
What Is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
Cardiovascular disease, often called CVD, refers to a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common is coronary heart disease, which happens when arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Other examples include heart failure, where the heart cannot pump effectively, or strokes, which occur when blood supply to the brain is cut off.
Many of these conditions progress quietly over time. Symptoms may only appear once the disease is advanced, which is why CVD is often described as a “silent threat.”
Common Heart Diseases in Malaysia
Heart disease isn’t just one condition, it covers several problems that affect how the heart works. Here are the most common ones in Malaysia:
1. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)
This is the leading cause of death in Malaysia. It happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, usually due to fatty deposits. Less blood flow means less oxygen for the heart muscle, leading to chest pain, heart attacks, or even sudden death.
2. Heart Failure
This doesn’t mean the heart stops working, but it struggles to pump blood effectively. It often develops after long-term conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or previous heart attacks. People with heart failure may feel tired easily, short of breath, or have swollen legs.
3. Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
This happens when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can be dangerous and cause fainting or sudden cardiac arrest.
4. Valvular Heart Disease
The heart has four valves that make sure blood flows in the right direction. When these valves are damaged (due to aging, infections, or congenital issues), it can cause leakage or blockage, leading to chest pain, swelling, or fatigue.
5. Congenital Heart Disease
Some people are born with structural problems in the heart. These can range from small holes in the heart chambers to more complex issues that need surgery. With modern treatment, many live normal, healthy lives.
Why Younger Malaysians Are Also at Risk
According to Bernama, heart attacks are no longer just a problem for older people. In Malaysia, around one in four heart attack patients are below 50 years old, and some cases even involve people in their 20s and 30s. This shows that younger Malaysians are also facing serious risks.
Doctors point out that lifestyle plays a big role. Many young people are affected because of smoking, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and high stress levels. These habits increase cholesterol, blood pressure, and obesity, which all raise the chance of a heart attack. Moreover, many young people spend long hours on computers and mobile phones. With less physical activity and more sitting time, the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increases all of which can lead to heart disease.
What makes it more worrying is that many do not go for health check-ups. Since symptoms can be hidden in the early stages, young people often don’t realize they have heart problems until it becomes serious. This is why doctors encourage Malaysians to start caring for their heart health earlier, even in their 20s.
Key Factors That Drive Heart Disease
1. Unhealthy Diet
Eating foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and excess sugar raises cholesterol and blood pressure. Over time, these changes damage blood vessels, making the heart work harder than it should.
2. Physical Inactivity
When the body doesn’t move enough, it struggles to burn excess fat and regulate blood sugar. This increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure conditions that push the heart toward disease.
3. Smoking
The chemicals in tobacco harm the lining of blood vessels, trigger plaque build-up, and reduce oxygen in the blood. This forces the heart to pump harder while receiving less oxygen itself.
4. Excessive Alcohol Intake
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and triglyceride levels, both of which strain the heart and contribute to cardiovascular problems.
5. Stress
Chronic stress leads to the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which increase blood pressure and blood sugar. Stress can also encourage unhealthy coping habits such as overeating or smoking.
6. Family History
Genetics play a role. If close relatives had heart disease, you may inherit a higher risk. Still, lifestyle choices can make a big difference in reducing this inherited tendency.
7. Medical Conditions (Diabetes & Hypertension)
Uncontrolled diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, while high blood pressure puts constant strain on artery walls. Both conditions greatly speed up the progression of heart disease.
Key Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
1. Healthy Eating Patterns
A good diet is one of the strongest ways to prevent heart problems. Instead of focusing on how much fat you eat, it is more important to look at the type of fat. Unsaturated fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and fish are healthier choices, while trans fats and too much saturated fat should be avoided. Eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains supports healthy cholesterol levels and lowers the buildup in arteries.
2. Regular Physical Activity
Staying active is another important step. Any movement is better than sitting all day. Brisk walking, cycling, or even light exercise at home helps improve circulation, manage body weight, and keep blood pressure under control. This makes the heart stronger and lowers the overall risk of disease.
3. Avoid Smoking
Smoking continues to be one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, and there is no safe level of smoking. Even secondhand smoke can damage blood vessels. Quitting smoking is one of the fastest ways to improve heart health, and the benefits start almost immediately.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight management plays a big role in preventing heart problems. Being overweight increases the chances of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which all raise the risk of heart disease. Keeping track of body weight and waist size can help identify risks early.
5. Start Screening from Age 30
Screening should not wait until old age. Regular heart health checks from the age of 30 are encouraged. Tests such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can detect risks early, allowing people to make changes before problems become serious.
6. Identify and Manage Risk Early
Doctors use tools such as the Framingham Risk Score to estimate a person’s chance of developing heart disease over the next ten years. If someone is found to be at higher risk, they should make lifestyle changes right away, and in some cases, medication may be started to bring the risk down.
7. Use Medication When Needed
For people with very high risk, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. Medicines such as statins to lower cholesterol or drugs to control blood pressure can be used together with healthy habits. This combined approach offers the best protection against long-term complications.
Useful Medical Devices at Home
There are some medical devices you can purchase to help monitor your health and support a healthier lifestyle. These tools can be especially helpful in managing risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD):
- Blood Pressure Monitor – Tracks your blood pressure regularly to spot early warning signs.
- Blood Glucose Meter – Helps monitor sugar levels if you’re at risk of or living with diabetes.
- Cholesterol Test Kit – Some home kits can give a quick check on cholesterol levels.
- Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker – Monitors heart rate, activity levels, and sleep quality.
- Weighing Scale – Keeping track of body weight helps in managing risk factors like obesity.
PharmaRise: Supporting Better Heart Health Together
While lifestyle changes and personal health checks are vital, access to the right healthcare products also plays a big role. At PharmaRise, we work closely with healthcare providers, pharmacies, and partners to make sure essential medicines, supplements, and medical devices are readily available. From blood pressure monitors to daily-use health products, our goal is to support communities in staying healthier and more prepared against risks like cardiovascular disease.
By strengthening the supply chain and collaborating with our partners, PharmaRise helps bring health solutions closer to the people who need them most.
