The HEALTH | July-August. 2026

“ Heart disease? I’ m still young. No need to worry yet.”

It is a familiar response— and, according to consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali, one of the biggest obstacles to improving cardiovascular health in Malaysia.

“ Malaysians are now getting heart attacks at a younger age, around 10 years younger than the global average,” he said.

“ This has been true for the past several years, and it’ s unlikely to change if Malaysians don’ t change their attitude towards heart health.”

The numbers give weight to his concern. National cardiovascular registry data indicate that approximately one in four patients with acute coronary syndrome is below 50.

Heart disease, meanwhile, has remained one of Malaysia’ s most persistent health threats.

“ While cardiovascular disease may not account for the largest proportion of hospital admissions, heart disease and stroke remain among the leading causes of death,” said Datuk Dr Rosli.

THE SILENT THREAT

Part of the danger lies in what people cannot see or feel.

Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol( LDL-C), commonly called“ bad cholesterol”, can remain unnoticed for years.

LDL-C contributes to fatty deposits, or plaques, building up inside blood vessels. As the arteries narrow, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases.

But cholesterol is not simply about what is on the dinner plate.

While diets high in saturated and trans fats can increase LDL-C, genetics and the way an individual’ s body produces and clears cholesterol can also play an important role.

“ The majority of LDL-C is actually produced by the body,” Dr Rosli explained.

“ In some people who naturally produce more cholesterol than others due to genetic factors, heart disease and stroke may occur at a much younger age.”

That is why apparently doing everything right does not necessarily provide immunity.

“ It can be a huge misconception to believe that if you feel healthy, you must be healthy,” he said.

WHEN 18 IS NOT TOO YOUNG

Dr Rosli has seen just how early cardiovascular risk can emerge. One of his youngest patients was only 18. The teenager sought medical attention after experiencing chest discomfort. Investigations uncovered a striking family history: his father had developed heart disease in his 30s and died suddenly. At the same time, several siblings had also been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease at a young age.

“ In his case, his family background may be a factor,” said Dr Rosli.

“ Cases like this remind us that cardiovascular risk isn’ t always visible and it doesn’ t only

• Malaysians are experiencing cardiovascular disease at comparatively young ages, making early awareness increasingly important.

• A person can be slim, active and apparently healthy while still carrying significant cardiovascular risk. Genetics and family history matter alongside lifestyle.

• Know your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels and discuss your overall cardiovascular risk with a healthcare professional— particularly if premature heart disease runs in the family.

" If you have significant risk factors or a family history of heart disease, do not wait until you experience a cardiovascular event. Get checked earlier."

- Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali affect older adults.” And appearances can deceive in another way.

Dr Rosli recently treated a 40-year-old sportsman who exercised regularly, maintained a healthy body weight and believed he was taking good care of himself.

Further testing revealed significant blockages in his coronary arteries.

“ He told me that he was careful with his diet and got regular exercise. Generally, he took good care of his health,” Dr Rosli recalled. Yet the disease was there. Being slim, physically active and outwardly healthy, therefore, cannot tell the whole story.

“ You never really know your cardiovascular risk until you check.”

Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali