Prioritising heart health in young adults

To mark World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29, the National Heart Institute (IJN) held a public health forum titled “30s and Thriving: Prioritise Heart Health Early”. The event aimed to raise awareness about the increasing risks of high cholesterol and cardiovascular health issues among young adults in their 30s and 40s.

The forum featured a comprehensive panel of IJN’s experts, including a cardiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian, alongside patient and influencer Ili Sulaiman. Moderated by Dr Rowina Lynne, who is a Clinical Cardiologist at IJN, the session was part of IJN’s World Heart Day 2024 campaign under the theme “Neon Sparks, Healthy Heart Embarks”.

Prof Dato’ Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Chief Executive Officer of IJN, emphasised the institute’s commitment to enhancing Malaysians’ heart health, saying, “At IJN, we are dedicated to providing exceptional cardiovascular care and bridging the gap between the public and healthcare. These initiatives, like today’s forum, reflect our broader mission to instil a sense of urgency, especially among younger adults, to take charge of their heart health and see their doctors for regular screenings.”

The open forum focused on essential heart health topics such as how to understand cholesterol levels, risk factors associated with heart disease, and proactive measures to prevent heart diseases. The audience gained valuable insights into the importance of recognising warning signs and how early medical intervention can greatly improve a patient’s health and quality of life.

Sarjit Singh Jahal (second left) shares his expert opinion on the importance of regular physical activity in managing cholesterol levels.

Speaking at the forum, Datuk Dr Ahmad Khairuddin, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at IJN, shared insights into the prevalence of high cholesterol among young Malaysians.

“High cholesterol is a major risk factor for sudden heart attacks and strokes. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 7.6 million adults have high cholesterol in Malaysia, and it’s increasingly affecting individuals aged 25-29, putting them at a heightened risk for heart disease,” he said.

Popular influencer and chef Ili Sulaiman also shared her personal experience of suffering a heart attack earlier this year.

“I was only 38 years old when I had a heart attack. In retrospect, there were warning signs, such as regular inflammation and high-stress levels that I had overlooked prior. As a mother and wife, my health has now become a top priority so I can be there for my family. I urge everyone, especially those in their 30s, to get checked for high cholesterol and protect your heart today,” she said.

Other speakers at the forum included Sarjit Singh Jahal, a physiotherapist at IJN, who discussed the importance of regular physical activity in managing cholesterol levels and stress. Foong Pui Hing, the Senior Principal Dietitian at IJN, also highlighted heart-friendly foods, such as oily fish, vegetable oils, beans, peas, fruits, and vegetables, which can help manage cholesterol levels.