The HEALTH | January-February . 2025

UKM forum explores CVD prevention and treatment

BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN

In 2019 , 24.5 per cent of CVD patients in Malaysia were under the age of 50 , revealing an alarming health crisis that demands immediate action .

Recognising this health challenge , the Faculty of Medicine of University Kebangsaan Malaysia ( UKM ) organised a forum session titled , ‘ Challenges in Dealing With Cardiovascular Diseases Hope and the Future ,’ following the public lecture ,‘ Carpe Diem , Seizing the Day : A Personal Journey .’

UKM Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof . Dato ’ Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid underscored the importance of the forum : “ Through events such as today ’ s public lecture and health forum , we aim to bridge the gap between science and society and translate research findings into practical solutions that benefit everyone .”

The forum featured panellists Prof . Datuk Dr Rohaizat Yon and Prof Dr Chim C Lang . Dr Rohaizat is a professor in public health , a consultant public health physician , and a member of the Board of Governors of the Management & Science University ( MSU ).

He was also the former Deputy Director-General of Health ( Medical ) at the Ministry of Health Malaysia ( MOH ). Meanwhile , Dr Lang is a professor of cardiology and head of molar and clinical medicine at the University of Dundee , United Kingdom ( UK ).

Their combined expertise in public health policy and clinical advancements contributed to a comprehensive discussion on tackling CVD from both a policy and medical innovation perspective .

Dr Rohaizat elucidated the severity of non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ) in Malaysia , most commonly diabetes , hypertension , high cholesterol , and obesity , citing : “ Almost 2.3 million Malaysians live with at least three of these conditions .”

Among those affected , 5.1 per cent of Malaysians have diabetes , hypertension , and high cholesterol combined , while 1.2 per cent suffer from diabetes , hypertension and obesity together .

The widespread prevalence of these conditions further underscores the severity of this issue . Diabetes affects one in six Malaysians , with 40 per cent undiagnosed . Hypertension affects

( From left ): Dr Norlaila Mustafa , Dr Chim C Lang , and Dr Rohaizat Yon .

Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid

one in three adults , and hypercholesterolemia affects 33.3 per cent of the population , with one in two Malaysians being unaware .

Overall , these findings suggest that a substantial demographic of the population is at considerable risk of early-onset CVD .

PREVENTING CVD

According to Dr Lang , obesity and diabetes are the root causes of CVD , contributing to high blood pressure , high cholesterol , and inflammation . “ The nation is a regional epicentre for these conditions , driving premature CVD ,” stated Dr Lang .

He stressed the need for a multi-level intervention , from government policies to community engagement and individual action .

Addressing NCD is essential to re duce the risk of CVD . “ If Malaysia can manage NCDs , alongside tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ), it could resolve 60 to 80 per cent of the country ’ s major health challenges ,” stated Dr Rohaizat .

Correspondingly , Dr Rohaizat underscored the government ’ s strategic approach to NCD management . This entails shifting from sick care to preventive care , a strategy that ensures people remain healthy through early intervention . Moreover , the Malaysian Integrated Primary Care Services

Initiative ( MIPSI ) are clustering hospitals and community clinics to provide more preventive healthcare .

While this move aligns with Malaysia ’ s National Health Agenda ( ANMS ), 80 per cent of health outcomes are actually shaped by external factors . According to Dr Rohaizat , these social determinants of health can be categorised into several key areas .

• Socio-economic Conditions ( 40 per cent ): Income , education , and employment .

• Physical Environment ( 10 per cent ): Living conditions and pollution .

• Individual Behaviour ( 20 per cent ): Diet , exercise , and smoking . Despite government-introduced initiatives like the # QuarterQuarterHalf campaign ( 2017 ) and the sugar tax ( 2019 ) to combat NCDs , their impact has been limited . Many Malaysians still consume high-sugar foods , and unsweetened beverage options remain limited , making it difficult for Malaysians to adopt healthier dietary choices .

Therefore , both Dr Lang and Dr Rohaizat advocate for expanding educational efforts and appointing a dedicated obesity prevention champion , similar to those found in successful programmes in Scandinavia and the UK .

TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN APPROACH

Dr Lang believes the future of CVD care will be shaped by Artificial intelligence ( AI ): “ AI is going to come into healthcare in a big way , and we need to learn how to integrate it effectively .”

Navigating complex healthcare policies and practices is a known challenge . AI-driven tools can offer a solution by simplifying complex medical guidelines , ensuring doctors can efficiently apply evidence-based treatment protocols .

“ For hospital policymakers , the challenge lies in engaging everyone and incentivising adoption . Having guidelines in place is important , but making them practical and actionable is what truly makes a difference .”

In Scotland , an investment of £ 3 million was allocated to develop an AI-powered clinical dashboard system for general practitioners ( GPs ) as part of a case study involving 500,000 people .

“ When doctors review a diabetic patient , AI analyses the patient ’ s test results in real-time and advises doctors on the appropriate course of action , simplifying clinical decisions .”

When AI integrates these calculations into a clinical dashboard , GPs can instantly see what actions need to be taken . The system provides real-time prompts , guiding doctors toward prescribing the most effective treatments .

As Malaysia begins integrating AI into its healthcare system , such innovations could revolutionise the management of chronic diseases like CVD . – The HEALTH