Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its inaugural Charity Run on 17th November with over 1,700 participants. Flagged off by guest of honour, YB Datuk Dr. Mohd Radzi Jidin, Member of Parliament for Putrajaya, this event marked CVSKL’s 7th anniversary, aiming to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and support the CVSKL Foundation.
CVSKL Person-in-Charge, Datuk Dr. Rosli Mohd Ali (second from left) and Medical Director, Dato' Dr. Sharifah Suraya Mohd Tahir (fourth from the left) handed over a check worth RM45,000 to CVSKL Foundation Board of Trustees, Dato' Dr. Khodijah binti Abdullah (left) and Dato' Azzat Kamaluddin (second from right), witnessed by guest of honor Datuk Dr. Radzi Jidin (third from the left).
The fun run, which began at 7.20am saw participants of all ages, including families with young children and individuals with disabilities. Adding to the festivities, the event featured a walk-through giant heart structure and interactive educational and health screening booths promoting heart-healthy lifestyles. The run concluded with lucky draws and a mock cheque presentation by Datuk Dr. Rosli, Consultant Cardiologist and Person-in-Charge of CVSKL, to Dato’ Azzat Kamaluddin, a Board of Trustee member of CVSKL Foundation, witnessed by guest of honour, YB Datuk Dr. Mohd. Radzi Jidin.
“This run is not just about raising funds; it’s about fostering community engagement and uniting everyone to support a cause that profoundly impacts many lives. The generosity displayed here today sets a powerful example for all of us,” remarked Datuk Dr. Radzi, Member of Parliament for Putrajaya.
Datuk Dr. Rosli stated, “One of the four pillars that make us a Centre of Excellence is our commitment to corporate social responsibility and giving back to the community. This event is particularly special as it marks our 7th year anniversary in November—a perfect way to celebrate through wellness and supporting a worthy cause.”
CVSKL Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organisation established in 2022 to support education and awareness programmes on cardiovascular health, conducting research and extending financial support for underprivileged individuals suffering from cardiovascular conditions. Doctors from CVSKL contributed the first RM1 million to the foundation to jumpstart fundraising efforts. Since its inception, it has helped over 27 individuals.
The participants proudly show off their medals after finishing the 5km run.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous contribution from CVSKL. Every ringgit donated will go towards helping patients in need. We hope that this will inspire others to join us in our mission to raise funds to support our causes,” said Mr. Raymond Wong, Chief Executive Officer of CVSKL Foundation.
CVSKL extends its gratitude to all participants, organisers, and sponsors, including Kinohimitsu, MBT, TAGS Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, and Viatris for their invaluable support to the success of this event.
Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) and Alpro Group proudly announce the initiation of the “Synergistic Hearts” campaign. This collaborative effort seeks to elevate cardiovascular health within the community, with a specific emphasis on addressing irregular heart rhythms, commonly known as arrhythmia.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of irregular heart rhythm condition that affects the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This arrhythmia prevents blood from being pumped efficiently to the rest of your body. AF itself is not life-threatening but if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can result in complications such as stroke and heart failure. It often manifests without obvious symptoms, allowing it to go undetected for long periods of time. Recognising the significance of early detection and intervention, the “Synergistic Hearts” campaign emphasises the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of irregular heart rhythms.
A momentous occasion marking a strategic alliance between leading healthcare providers that are committed to a healthier, heart-conscious community, bringing cardiovascular services closer to the community.
As part of this pioneering collaboration, CVSKL is providing 20 units of KardiaMobile Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Monitor device, a cutting-edge technology that allows for a quick 30-second test to detect reliable, medical-grade ECG results. These devices allow customers to receive prompt results and advice from well-trained pharmacists, guiding them on the next steps in managing their cardiovascular health. The expertise of CVSKL’s reputable cardiologists and electrophysiologists, Datuk Dr. Razali Omar and Dr. Zulkeflee Muhammad has played a crucial role in shaping the campaign’s approach to addressing irregular heart rhythms, ensuring that the community receives the most advanced and comprehensive cardiovascular care.
Regarded widely as a tertiary referral centre, patients from all over Malaysia are referred to CVSKL to seek further cardiac and vascular treatment, especially if their cases are deemed complex by their primary doctor. CVSKL is strategically located in the nation’s transportation hub, KL Sentral where most of the passenger rail networks serve KL Sentral station. Recognizing this. CVSKL also has an initiative with KTMB and KLIA Ekspres to provide free return train tickets from the stations that arrive in KL Sentral.
Tan Eng Ghee, Chief Executive Officer of CVSKL stated, “We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Alpro Group, recognising the invaluable role pharmacists play in changing the narrative on how Malaysians should care for their hearts. Together, we are dedicated to advancing cardiovascular care, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need for a healthier and heart-conscious community.
In appreciation of Alpro’s commitment to this partnership, CVSKL is extending a 10% discount to Alpro Pharmacy members and employees. This discount applies to CVSKL room rates (for self-paying patients), DishRoom restaurant services, PulsePoint Pharmacy products, and Health Screening Packages (HealthScan & Gastro), all available in CVSKL.
“We thank CVSKL for working with us as it will enhance our pharmacists’ ability to better serve the communities,” stated Ph Lim En-Ni, Chief Pharmacist. “Pharmacists play a unique role in the healthcare ecosystem, offering accessible and trusted healthcare advice alongside longer operating hours and convenient locations. This collaboration leverages these strengths, empowering us to identify potential risks early, guide patients towards appropriate next steps, and, above all, instil confidence and reassurance in every healthcare interaction, ultimately contributing to a healthier community.”
In an industry where collaborations between hospitals and retail pharmacies are rare, the partnership between CVSKL and Alpro Group, the holding company of Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain – Alpro Pharmacy, emphasises a common commitment to enhancing patients’ well-being. This strategic alliance recognises the distinctive role of pharmacists within the healthcare ecosystem who often develop personal connections with patients who frequent their pharmacies and are uniquely positioned to promote cardiovascular care. Klang Valley, Seremban and Johor have been selected for the initial phase of this collaboration.
To find out more about these exciting offers or for more information, please call or WhatsApp us at +603 2276 7002 during our normal office hours, email us at appointment@cvskl.com or visit our website at www.cvskl.com
KUALA LUMPUR (March 24th, 2023) – Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur has been awarded the prestigious BrandLaureate Brand of the Year Awards 2023 in the category of Hospital – Cardiovascular Care. This recognition is a testament to CVSKL’s commitment to being the dedicated Centre of Excellence for cardiovascular care.
The BrandLaureate Best Brand Awards celebrates enduring brands that have displayed exceptional brand leadership to thrive and strive amid adversities and emerge as sustainable and awe-inspiring brands. The award ceremony was held at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by The World Brands Foundation.
CVSKL Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Yahya Awang commented on the recognition of this award. “We are proud that our integrated and patient-centric options for cardiovascular treatment are being recognised, The team of specialists at CVSKL pledged to treat the heart “with heart” and we are glad to be reaching new levels of brand leadership”.
CVSKL has also recently celebrated its major milestone of reaching the 50th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) case. TAVI is a highly complex, minimally invasive procedure indicated for individuals with severe aortic stenosis where surgery may not be suitable. The significant milestone is also another testament to CVSKL’s commitment to providing patients with the most advanced and innovative treatments available.
Established in 2017, CVSKL as one of Malaysia’s first private cardiac and vascular hospitals has earned a reputation for being a leader in cardiovascular care. CVSKL has established specific Centre of Excellence Programmes: Structural Heart, CHIP, Arrhythmia, Vascular & Endovascular, Heart & Lung, and Cardiac Diagnostics to cater to each and every patient’s needs.
For more information, please call or WhatsApp +603 2276 7002 during normal office hours or email info@cvskl.com.
With healthcare tourism beginning to find its way back to Malaysia, KTMB and CVSKL have officially launched their partnership initiatives in providing free rides for patients across West Malaysia. This initiative that was held at CVSKL aimed to promote domestic healthcare tourism and enhance the healthcare industry in providing hassle-free transportation for patients who need critical cardiac and vascular treatments.
CVSKL is strategically located in the nation’s transportation hub, KL Sentral where most of the passenger rail networks serve KL Sentral station. Regarded widely as a tertiary referral centre, patients from all over Malaysia are referred to CVSKL to seek further cardiac and vascular treatment, especially if their cases are deemed complex by their primary doctor.
The KTMB – CVSKL partnership was piloted in 2022 with encouraging ticket redemptions. With the official launch, both parties hope to improve healthcare tourism by providing more seamless access for patients who are living in the greater Klang Valley. In attendance at the ceremonious occasion was Chairman of CVSKL, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Yahya Awang, Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Surendran Thuraisingham, Yang Berbahagia, Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin, Group CEO of KTMB Berhad and representatives from both companies.
Commenting on the purpose-driven commitment, Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin highlighted his enthusiasm to facilitate medical tourism by offering comfort and convenient transportation. Quoting Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin, CEO of KTMB Berhad, “We are delighted to be part of this initiative that aligns with the mission of KTMB; to provide safe, reliable, comfortable and sustainable rail services on time, every time.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Yahya Awang commented, “CVSKL is recognized as a Centre of Excellence for all cardiac and vascular matters. The patients that we treat not only come from the Klang Valley but greater cities such as Butterworth, Padang Besar and Ipoh. We hope that this initiative will provide better convenience to our patients and we’d also like to thank KTMB for supporting this wholeheartedly.”
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Surendran Thuraisingham, Consultant Cardiologist of CVSKL also emphasised “This collaboration allows us to address patients’ needs at the same time looking after their transportation welfare, which is what we as a hospital aim to achieve; to envision the patient journey even before they get to the hospital and to make it easier for them.”CVSKL hints at more partnerships with other rail lines, to further serve the community.
With the official launch of this program, CVSKL and KTMB Berhad hope that fellow Malaysians will make use of the free rides offered to CVSKL patients. For more information on the redemption, please call or Whatsapp us at +603 2276 7002 during our normal office hours or email us at info@cvskl.com.
Heart failure is a syndrome of ventricular dysfunction where the heart muscle becomes weak and can’t pump blood and oxygen around the body as well as it usually does.
For people with heart failure, the heart muscle would try to adapt by increasing in size and thickness. But over time this would cause the heart not to be able to contract or relax properly. When this happens, you will experience shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet and many other symptoms.
In this interview, Dr Tamil Selvan Muthusamy, Consultant Cardiologist from Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) will be sharing his insights on the different aspects of cardiology in heart failure, angioplasty, heartbeat rate and more!
Dr Tamil Selvan Muthusamy, Consultant Cardiologist from CVSKL
The volume of blood pumped by the heart is determined by:
The contraction of the heart muscle — how well the heart squeezes
The filling of the heart chambers — how well the heart relaxes and fills with blood
Heart failure is classified based on which of these two functions is abnormal. If the heart muscle is too weak, the condition is known as heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Ejection fraction is used to evaluate the heart’s pump function; it is the percentage of blood pumped from the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) per beat. Normal ejection fractions are greater than or equal to 50%.
Dr Tamil Selvan explained that apart from enlarged hearts, there are also heart conditions which are difficult to recognise. This condition is known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It is where the heart pumps normally but is too stiff to fill properly.
Treating the Underlying Causes
A number of conditions can contribute to heart failure such as:
Coronary heart disease – where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged up with fatty substances, which may cause angina or a heart attack.
High blood pressure – this can put extra strain on the heart, which over time can lead to heart failure.
Conditions affecting the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
Narrow and leaking heart valves.
Congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart.
Infiltrative Cardiovascular Diseases: Cardiomyopathies – Deposition of abnormal substances that cause the ventricular walls to become progressively rigid, thereby impeding ventricular filling.
Metabolism problems such as diabetes, consuming too much alcohol, an overactive thyroid or high pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) can also lead to heart failure.
What should my heart rate be?
The heart rate is one of the most important indicators of health in the human body. Physical activity, threats to one’s safety, and emotional responses would all cause variations in our heart rate.
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness.
“While a normal heart rate does not guarantee that a person is free of health problems, it is a useful benchmark for identifying a range of health issues. If your baseline heart rate is constantly high even if you are at rest, this would greatly affect your cardiovascular health. This is also another sign that you should consult a medical practitioner to make sure that there is no underlying heart disease,” said Dr Tamil Selvan.
What happens if arteries become clogged with plaque?
Healthy arteries are flexible and elastic. But over time, the walls in the arteries can harden, a condition commonly called hardening of the arteries.
Dr Tamil Selvan explained that arteries can become blocked up because of the deposits of plaque — the buildup of fat, cholesterol, cells, and other substances. This condition is called atherosclerosis. These buildups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart which would cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack.
Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in the body.
Angioplasty: Treatment for Heart Disease
Treatment of heart attack is one of the great success stories in modern medicine. A number of innovations have made this dramatic progress possible.
One of them is known as angioplasty, a procedure for quickly restoring blood flow to the heart muscle is one of these key innovations, and it is the best treatment for stopping a heart attack that is in progress.
Angioplasty is often combined with the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent. The stent helps prop the artery open, decreasing its chance of narrowing again. It also reduces scar tissue from forming.
After an Angioplasty
While successful angioplasty improves blood flow in your arteries, it doesn’t fix the underlying condition that causes the buildup in your arteries. To reduce the risk of further blockage in your arteries, you should:
Stick to a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat
Exercise regularly
Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
Manage your stress levels.
Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol down
Outlook for heart failure
Heart failure is a serious condition. It can severely limit the activities you’re able to do and is often eventually fatal. Hence, if you have an underlying heart condition, it’s important to talk with your doctor about these problems.
CVSKL is an integrated cardiac and vascular hospital, one of Malaysia’s heart attack centres that offer comprehensive modern care for patients. Visit CVSKL to make an appointment with CVSKL’s team of experienced specialist doctors and cardiologists today.
KUALA LUMPUR (NOVEMBER 26, 2022) – Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) commemorated its 5th Anniversary this year with its annual Charity Day; this time with the support from CVSKL Foundation, a charitable non–profit organization founded by prominent healthcare professionals and governed by a distinguished Board of Trustees who are industry leaders in various sectors.
CVSKL Charity Day is spearheaded by its Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Yahya bin Awang who believes that private hospitals should always contribute back to society, especially the underprivileged segment who may not be able to afford medical treatment. This campaign has benefitted many B40 patients and now with the CVSKL Foundation as its charity partner, they can increase the assistance to a greater pool of cardiac and vascular patients. Among the cases that were done were angioplasties, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation, and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).
This initiative was also strongly supported by our long-term partners in the medical industry such as Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Biosense Webster, Orbus Neich, Alvi Medica, Bard, B. Braun, Mitsu Scientific, Terumo, MK Trimedic, Medisense, Stellar Medical, BKS Medik, HNA Medical, Biosensors, Cook Medical and Gaia Medical. The participating doctors waived their professional fees and the hospital complemented these efforts by waiving all charges.
Tan Sri Datuk Seri Rashpal Singh Randhay, Chairman of CVSKL Foundation shared that “One of the missions of CVSKL Foundation is to provide support for low-income group patients suffering from cardiothoracic and vascular diseases. On behalf of the trustees, we’d like to thank CVSKL for extending a helping hand to these patients.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Yahya Awang, Chairman of CVSKL also commented on the philanthropic effort, “I am proud that we can make this an annual occasion to highlight our core belief as a private heart center in giving back to the society as much as we can. I am proud that this continuous effort has made an impact on our underprivileged patients and thankful that we were given such a meaningful chance to aspire others to do the same to improve the quality of healthcare to ensure the B40 patients are not being neglected.”
Being the first private cardiac hospital in the region, CVSKL is looking forward to many more future charitable contributions via CVSKL Foundation non-profit body to strengthen their CSR presence in Malaysia. The foundation is currently open for donations where no amount of contribution is too small or too big.
For more information, please call or Whatsapp us at +603 2276 7002 during our normal office hours or email us at info@cvskl.com.
The term “heart disease” often can refer to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease is the coronary artery disease which is also the leading cause of global mortality and morbidity.
Coronary artery disease is a heart condition that affects the major blood vessels. It prevents the blood vessels from supplying enough blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle, which would eventually lead to a heart attack.
In this interview, Dr Lee Li Ching, Cardiologist from Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) would be sharing her insights on the classic symptoms of a heart attack, procedure of a heart screening process, what an individual can do to lower their risk of heart disease and more.
Diseases involving the heart
There are many types of heart disease, and each one has its own symptoms and treatment. Some of the diseases involving the heart include heart failure, the heart muscles not pumping well, leaking valves (heart valves that don’t close tightly enough), arrhythmias (happens when there is an irregular heart beating pattern), congenital heart disease and more,” said Dr Lee.
Classic symptoms of a heart attack
Dr Lee explained that some of the most common symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching. This pain or discomfort will then spread to the shoulder, neck or the left upper arm. You also may experience cold sweat, fatigue, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea and shortness of breath.
“People will often describe it as ‘an elephant sat on my chest’ that sort of constricting feeling”
“Smoking, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity or a strong family history of heart disease makes you more likely to get coronary artery disease. If you’re at high risk of coronary artery disease, talk to your health care provider. You may need tests to check for narrowed arteries or coronary artery disease,” said Dr Lee.
Pacemakers for a weak heart
The most common reason people get a pacemaker is when their heart beats too slowly or it pauses, causing fainting spells and other symptoms. Some special pacemakers can also be used to help your heart chambers beat in sync if your heart is too weak and isn’t pumping enough blood to your body. This can happen because of:
Certain congenital heart diseases
Enlarged or thick heart muscle that makes it harder to pump blood out of your ventricles
Ischaemic heart disease causing weak heart
Dr Lee explained that the heart functions as a house with four rooms. Your heart valves are like doors between your heart chambers. They open and close to allow blood to flow through. Then there is also the wiring as well as the drainage system. Typically the concern is usually the drainage system (where blockage of the artery would occur).
What does a heart screening detect?
Screening tests find disease before symptoms begin. The goal of screening is to detect disease at its earliest and most treatable stage.
Screening tests may include:
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart and records information on heart rate and rhythm.
Exercise cardiac stress test: Involves walking on a treadmill at increasing levels of difficulty. During this test, the doctor checks your heart rate, blood pressure, and the electrical activity of your heart using ECG. This helps check if there is enough blood flow to your heart when it is stressed.
Coronary CT angiography: Uses CT and contrast material to create three-dimensional images of your coronary arteries. This helps your doctor pinpoint the exact location, extent of plaque buildup (both calcified and noncalcified), and if there is blockage or narrowing (called stenosis) of your coronary arteries.
You can prevent heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are strategies to help you protect your heart.
Practise a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Get moving (be physically active)
Avoid smoking or use of tobacco
Manage your stress levels
Prevention is key to longevity
Your health care team can help reduce your risk of heart disease to live a longer, healthier life. Whether or not you are presenting symptoms of cardiovascular disease, you should continue consistent check-ups. This will offer peace of mind or help to catch any dangerous symptoms early on.
Specialising in comprehensive modern care for patients with cardiac and vascular diseases, CVSKL is backed by a sterling track record of achievements and expertise. Their hand-picked team of dedicated specialists ensures the highest standards of evidence-based and professional care.
Visit https://www.cvskl.com/ to make an appointment with CVSKL’s team of experienced specialist doctors and cardiologists today.
Early detection of heart diseases is the first step in ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment, leading ultimately, to better outcomes. Currently, about 3.4 million Malaysians have one or more risk factors which are high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes. Heart diseases have been and are still the number one killer in Malaysia.
Living with a heart disease can be quite disheartening, especially when it’s watching your loved ones go through the recovery period or worse yet, a stroke that results in paralysis. Themed #BreakTheHeartache, this campaign aims to break the physical and emotional distress that comes with the diagnosis of a heart disease, either to themselves or their loved ones by taking an active approach to taking care of one’s’ heart. Driven by social media personality and entrepreneur, Maggy Wang, she recently hosted a panel discussion in collaboration with CVSKL and Viatris.
During the discussion, Maggy shared, “Looking healthy and being healthy are not the same thing as heart disease can affect anyone, this is the reason why I have been an advocate for regular health check-ups and the importance of early detection and screening.” When asked about the reason behind the collaboration with CVSKL for this campaign, Country Manager of Viatris, Jeff Bote shared that “The key to mitigate risks of heart diseases is raising awareness and seeking early treatment. We are proud to collaborate with CVSKL to empower people in Malaysia to live healthier no matter their age or risk factors”. Dr. Al Fazir Omar, consultant cardiologist in CVSKL also took the opportunity to advise all the participants to go for an annual health screening because knowing your health status is the first step to addressing any health issues.
Among those who attended the panel discussion were Maggy’s sixteen selected followers who shared their stories through the campaign hashtag #BreakTheHeartAche. Together, they sat down with Dr. Al Fazir to address the pressing matters of symptoms of cardiovascular disease and help the audience in understanding the patient’s risk journey to managing lifestyle habits.
Our heart functions as the engine in our body as this organ pumps relentlessly from the day that we are born and doesn’t stop beating even when we are asleep. This complex network is truly a marvellous wonder.
However, the prevalence of heart disease in Malaysia is ever increasing. What used to be a disease of the elderly is now seen much earlier. According to the Department of Statistics of Malaysia 2021, ischemic heart diseases (heart problems caused by narrowed heart arteries) remains as the principal causes of death, with 17 percent of the 109,155 medically certified deaths in 2020.
Some symptoms don’t even happen in your chest and it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on. That’s especially true if you are 60 and older, overweight, have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to have heart-related problems.
#BreakTheHeartAche
#BreakTheHeartAche is a public education campaign that focuses on driving awareness on heart diseases in Malaysia. Jointly organised by Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) and Viatris Malaysia, this campaign highlights the importance to allow early heart early detection of heart problems if any and seek relevant treatment to the general public.
According to Host, Podcaster and Fitness Entrepreneur Maggy Wang who is also the campaign ambassador , #BreakTheHeartAche is a campaign that predominantly highlights the issue of heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
“Looking healthy and being healthy are not the same thing as heart disease can affect ANYONE. For instance, if we take a look at today’s lifestyle, the majority of us prefer to consume a lot of processed food and fast food that are readily available. Consuming too much of this would increase your saturated fat intake, which causes a higher risk of heart attack, cholesterol, stroke and many other complication”
How much do you really know about your heart’s health?
It’s easy to be fooled by misconceptions. After all, heart disease only happens to elderly people, right?
The reality is that heart disease can affect people of any age, even those who eat right. Some people have the perception that if my body looks fit or if I exercise everyday, I would not be facing heart issues. We have to take note that relying on false assumptions can be dangerous to your heart.
“This is the reason why I have been an advocate for regular health check-ups and the importance of early detection and screening. Our goal is to create as much awareness as possible on the importance of early screenings for better treatment and diagnosis,” she explained.
Dr Fazir, Heart Specialist from CVSKL
According to Dr Fazir, cardiovascular disease (heart disease) refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels of your body. A person may be symptomatic with chest discomfort or shortness of breath, however some patients may not present with any symptoms at all.
Several risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol or family history and lifestyle can increase your risk for heart disease and heart attack. The more time that passes without treatment, to restore blood flow, the greater the risk of damage to the heart muscle.
Signs of an individual having heart problems
Dr Fazir pointed out that heart disease symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Some of the symptoms includes :
Left sided / central Chest pain.
Sweating.
Lightheadedness.
Shortness of breath
Back pain
Left arm pain and occasional radiates to the jaw
How is cardiovascular disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, personal health and family health history. They may also order tests to help diagnose cardiovascular disease, as appropriate.
Dr Fazir further explained that there are some common tests to diagnose cardiovascular disease which include:
1. Blood test to assess your baseline blood readings such as measuring your cholesterol sugar and kidney levels.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity in your heart.
3. Echocardiogram – Ultrasound (something like a baby scan) which uses sound waves to visualise your heart structure
4. Exercise stress test/stress echocardiogram
5. Advance tools to assess your heart in detail when it is required such as Cardiac CT and Cardiac MRI.
6. Coronary angiogram, when the patient has evidence of significant coronary artery disease or unstable symptoms
A heart screening test is useful to detect the most common cause of heart disease. Knowing about your condition early gives you the heads up for the need for lifestyle changes and medications if appropriate to reduce the risk of heart problems.
The campaign theme #BreakTheHeartAche was born to educate people on breaking the stigma of heart diseases and curb the severity of this illness.
How do Viatris support sustainable healthcare initiatives?
According to the Country Manager of Viatris Malaysia, Jeff Bote, all healthcare industries have a role to play in creating sustainable initiatives. At Viatris, they strive on 3 pillars which are Access, Leadership and Partnership.
Jeff Bote, Country Manager of Viatris Malaysia
Hence, through this partnership with CVSKL, #BreakTheHeartAche campaign will surely bring the message of the importance of early screening to the community. As we all know “Prevention is better than Cure!”
Untreated hypertension can lead to serious consequences such as heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. With the latest data from National Health Morbidity Survey 2019, it shows that 3 in 10 or 6.4 million people in Malaysia have hypertension. Out of this, half of them are unaware that they have the disease.
“This is why we see the need to educate on the importance of heart health among the community, especially in the younger peers. Through this collaboration, we believe it will enhance the public awareness on the danger of cardiovascular diseases and its complications. Most importantly, this campaign will encourage everyone to get early screenings and treatment,” he further explained.
This is in line with Viatris mission of empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life.
Take charge of your body
When it comes to your body, remember you’re in charge. If you’ve noticed any unusual symptoms, immediately speak to your doctor. Don’t put it off or ignore it. It might not be related to heart disease – but if it is, finding it early can make a real difference!
Equipped with the latest and most advanced facilities, CVSKL is a dedicated centre of excellence for cardiovascular care. Visit https://www.cvskl.com/ to make an appointment with CVSKL’s team of experienced specialist doctors and cardiologists today.
CVSKL chalked up another milestone by launching CVSKL Foundation, the hospital’s first foundation to improve a better healthcare system for Malaysian underprivileged patients, especially for those who are seeking complex medical care.
CVSKL Foundation, a charitable, non-profit organization is founded by the team of doctors at CVSKL and is governed by a Board of Trustees who are industry leaders in various sectors. The objectives of the Foundation are to support medical advancement and research initiatives, increase awareness on cardiac and vascular diseases and to provide financial support for the low-income group through management of funds received and raised.
CVSKL Foundation was officially launched by its’ Patron, Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir together with its’ Board of Trustees. Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Rashpal Singh highlighted todays’ launch came together at the most opportune of time when the government is shifting its’ priority from management of Covid-19 to restarting the nations’ economy and recovery from the impact. He added, “The high utilization of public healthcare services has led to overcrowded facilities resulting in longer wait and initiatives such as medical research funding and reducing the burden in public hospitals can be looked into. We are ready to work with the Ministry of Health to complement the governments’ hard work in improving the social wellbeing and health quality of fellow Malaysians.”
Datuk Dr. Rosli, shared, “The establishment of CVSKL Foundation is an essential piece of the puzzle that will amplify CVSKL as a Centre of Excellence. In 2021 alone, our CSR efforts totalled up to RM4.15 million which benefitted 545 patients. With CVSKL Foundation unifying and intensifying this, I am certain we are able to help more people.”
For more information on CVSKL Foundation, please visit https://www.cvskl.com/
