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Category: Health & Awareness

  • How Hypertension Slowly Reshapes the Heart Without Warning Signs

    How Hypertension Slowly Reshapes the Heart Without Warning Signs

    High blood pressure often does not produce immediate warning signs and is frequently perceived as just a number on a monitor. However, if left untreated, it can quietly place continuous strain on the heart and blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of serious and long-term cardiovascular complications.

    In Malaysia, nearly one in three adults is affected by hypertension, yet many remain unaware of their condition. Often referred to as a “silent killer,” it typically develops without clear symptoms, while hidden damage gradually accumulates over time. In conjunction with World Hypertension Day, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), Dr Gary Lee Chin Keong, highlights the importance of understanding high blood pressure, recognising its symptoms, and being aware of key health indicators to protect heart health.

    The heart and blood vessels function as a continuous circulatory system, with the heart acting as a pump and the vessels forming a network of pathways. When blood pressure remains consistently high over time, the heart is forced to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. Dr Gary explains that the heart initially adapts by becoming thicker and stronger, but this adaptation is not beneficial in the long term. Over time, the persistent strain causes the heart muscle to stiffen, reducing its ability to fill and pump blood efficiently.

    One of the earliest manifestations of this process is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber. As the muscle wall thickens, the chamber has less capacity to fill with blood, and the heart may struggle to receive adequate oxygen. Eventually, it becomes stiffer, less flexible, and more vulnerable to failure. LVH is particularly concerning because it can develop long before any symptoms appear and is often only detected through diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, which reveals structural changes in the heart.

    Many individuals with hypertension remain unaware of underlying heart damage because they feel well even as significant internal changes are taking place. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting are often mistaken for stress, fatigue, or indigestion. By the time these symptoms become more apparent, complications may already be advanced. This is why regular health screening is essential, even in the absence of symptoms, as long-term high blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and abnormal heart rhythms.

    woman patient suffering from heart attack

    Dr Gary also highlights the link between hypertension and atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that can disrupt normal blood flow and increase the risk of blood clot formation, potentially leading to stroke, one of the leading causes of death in Malaysia. He explains that hypertension does not only affect the heart, but also has widespread effects on the brain, kidneys, and blood vessels throughout the body.

    He further notes a concerning trend of increasing hypertension and heart disease among younger Malaysians. Previously regarded as a condition affecting older adults, hypertension is now being diagnosed more frequently in individuals in their 20s and 30s. Modern lifestyle factors such as long working hours, chronic stress, inadequate sleep, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive salt intake, and high consumption of processed foods are major contributors. Obesity and diabetes further increase the risk, creating what Dr Gary describes as a “dangerous cluster” of cardiovascular risk factors. As a result, complications are appearing earlier and affecting individuals over a longer period of time.

    The good news, however, is that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Dr Gary encourages Malaysians to begin monitoring their health numbers as early as their 20s, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight. Depending on individual risk profiles, doctors may also recommend further investigations such as ECG, echocardiography, stress tests, or CT cardiac scans. When hypertension is detected early and managed appropriately, changes to the heart can be slowed and, in some cases, partially reversed or improved over time.

    Management typically involves a combination of medication, dietary changes, regular exercise, weight control, smoking cessation, stress management, and consistent follow-up care. Dr Gary also emphasises that patients should not discontinue medication without first consulting their doctor.

    He concludes with a simple but powerful reminder: knowing your numbers and taking timely action are essential steps in protecting heart health. Early detection remains the most effective way to reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure.

  • Lifebuoy, Watsons dan HOPE worldwide Lancar Kempen “Kekal Segar & Bersih” untuk Sokong Kebersihan 2,300 Keluarga

    Lifebuoy, Watsons dan HOPE worldwide Lancar Kempen “Kekal Segar & Bersih” untuk Sokong Kebersihan 2,300 Keluarga

    Lifebuoy, jenama sabun antibakteria terkemuka dunia, dengan kerjasama Watsons Malaysia dan HOPE worldwide Malaysia, telah melancarkan kempen “Kekal Segar & Bersih” menerusi program pembangunan komuniti di Kampung Bindu, Chenderiang. Majlis pelancaran ini menghimpunkan pemimpin tempatan, keluarga serta rakan komuniti, sekali gus menandakan permulaan usaha berskala nasional yang akan diperluaskan merentasi beberapa negeri. Inisiatif ini memberi tumpuan kepada komuniti Orang Asli dan golongan yang kurang mendapat perhatian melalui usaha memperluas akses kepada sanitasi asas, pendidikan kebersihan serta sokongan keperluan harian.

    Sebagai sebahagian daripada kempen ini, Lifebuoy bersama rakan kerjasama akan memperkukuh akses kebersihan dalam kalangan komuniti rentan melalui penyediaan sokongan sanitasi serta pengagihan pek penjagaan kebersihan yang mengandungi produk Lifebuoy dengan formulasi 10X Perlindungan Kuman di lima lokasi terpilih. Inisiatif ini dimulakan di perkampungan Orang Asli di Perak sebelum diperluaskan dengan pembinaan 10 tandas di kawasan yang kurang mendapat perhatian di Seremban, Melaka, Gerik, Pulau Pinang dan Kuching. Selain itu, pengagihan pek penjagaan kebersihan turut diperluaskan kepada komuniti yang memerlukan di seluruh negara. Secara keseluruhannya, kempen ini menyasarkan untuk membantu sekitar 2,300 keluarga melalui penyediaan produk kebersihan asas dan keperluan harian bagi menyokong amalan kebersihan yang lebih baik dalam komuniti terlibat.

    Menurut Ketua Pembersihan Kulit Unilever Malaysia, Siti Suhaila Abd Hamid, Lifebuoy telah lama komited dalam memperjuangkan pendidikan kebersihan kerana amalan mencuci tangan yang betul terbukti mampu menyelamatkan nyawa. Misi syarikat bukan sekadar menghasilkan produk kebersihan, tetapi turut merangkumi usaha melindungi nyawa melalui peningkatan kesedaran, peluasan pendidikan serta penambahbaikan akses kepada keperluan kebersihan asas. Beliau menambah bahawa melalui kempen “Kekal Segar & Bersih”, pihaknya berharap dapat memperluas akses kepada sanitasi serta memperkasa keluarga dengan ilmu dan amalan yang diperlukan untuk melindungi kesihatan mereka dan generasi akan datang.

    Majlis pelancaran tersebut melibatkan lebih 150 penduduk dari Kampung Bindu dan Kampung Landor. Dalam program ini, dua tandas komuniti dan empat tandas keluarga yang dibina serta ditaja oleh Lifebuoy Malaysia telah diserahkan kepada keluarga yang sebelum ini tidak mempunyai kemudahan sanitasi mencukupi di kediaman mereka. Penambahbaikan ini memperkukuh akses kepada sanitasi yang selamat, yang merupakan hak asasi manusia serta asas penting kepada kesihatan dan kesejahteraan komuniti secara keseluruhan.

    Sepanjang program, keluarga turut didedahkan kepada pendidikan mengenai bagaimana kuman boleh merebak melalui sentuhan pada permukaan, makanan dan persekitaran, sekali gus menekankan kepentingan amalan kebersihan yang baik dalam melindungi kesihatan keluarga. Pengarah Negara HOPE worldwide Malaysia, Darick Wong, menyatakan bahawa akses kepada kemudahan sanitasi yang selamat serta pendidikan kebersihan secara langsung dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan komuniti, selain memastikan keluarga mempunyai pengetahuan dan keyakinan untuk mengamalkan kebersihan yang baik setiap hari.

    Penduduk turut menerima pek penjagaan yang mengandungi kit kebersihan dan produk mandian daripada rangkaian Lifebuoy dengan formulasi 10X Perlindungan Kuman. Mereka juga menerima barangan keperluan asas daripada Watsons Malaysia termasuk barangan runcit bernilai RM69,000 bagi menyokong keperluan harian serta amalan kebersihan di rumah. Pelbagai aktiviti dan permainan interaktif turut dijalankan bagi membantu keluarga memahami cara kuman merebak serta kepentingan mengekalkan amalan kebersihan yang baik.

    Antara pengisian utama program ialah sesi pendidikan kebersihan interaktif yang dikendalikan oleh profesional penjagaan kesihatan, bertujuan membantu ibu bapa memahami bagaimana amalan kebersihan asas dapat mencegah penyakit dan melindungi kesihatan keluarga. Sesi ini turut menampilkan demonstrasi glo-germ yang membolehkan peserta melihat dengan jelas bagaimana kuman boleh merebak melalui sentuhan harian. Melalui visualisasi ini, peserta lebih memahami kepentingan amalan kebersihan yang betul termasuk penggunaan sabun untuk menghapuskan kuman secara berkesan. Kanak-kanak pula mengambil bahagian dalam aktiviti pembelajaran dan mewarna di luar yang direka untuk memperkenalkan konsep kebersihan dengan cara yang menyeronokkan dan mudah difahami.

    Sebagai pelengkap kepada inisiatif ini, Lifebuoy dan HOPE worldwide Malaysia turut memperkenalkan program Latihan Jurulatih (Train-the-Trainer) yang bertujuan melengkapkan sukarelawan NGO dengan kemahiran dan pengetahuan untuk terus menyampaikan pendidikan kebersihan dalam komuniti masing-masing di seluruh Malaysia. Siti Suhaila Abd Hamid menambah bahawa ilmu yang disampaikan melalui kempen ini diharapkan dapat diteruskan dan dikembangkan walaupun selepas program berakhir, sekali gus mendorong perubahan positif dalam amalan kebersihan harian dari kawasan luar bandar hingga ke bandar.

    Kempen “Kekal Segar & Bersih” merupakan inisiatif berteraskan komuniti oleh Lifebuoy Malaysia dengan sokongan Watsons Malaysia serta dilaksanakan melalui kerjasama HOPE worldwide Malaysia. Program ini memberi tumpuan kepada peningkatan akses kebersihan, pemerkasaan pendidikan serta sokongan kepada komuniti Orang Asli dan golongan B40 di seluruh Malaysia.

  • Before Pregnancy Begins: Steps for a Healthier Start to Motherhood

    Before Pregnancy Begins: Steps for a Healthier Start to Motherhood

    From conception through the first days of life, early care lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong health. According to Dr Sharmina Kamal Binti Shamsul Kamal, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), preparation for a healthy pregnancy should ideally begin even before a positive pregnancy test.

    She explained that good health ideally starts before pregnancy, and women are encouraged to undergo medical check-ups beforehand to detect conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or any underlying health issues. If present, these conditions should be optimised early. With rising rates of diabetes and hypertension among young Malaysians, pre-pregnancy screening is becoming increasingly important, as undiagnosed or poorly controlled conditions can affect both mother and baby. She also highlighted the importance of reviewing medications to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.

    Dr Sharmina further emphasised that folic acid supplementation is equally critical and should begin even before conception. This is because the baby’s neural tube develops very early in pregnancy, and starting folic acid early provides the best protection against serious neural tube defects.

    During pregnancy, each trimester brings important developmental milestones. The first trimester is the most delicate as the baby’s organs begin to form, while the second and third trimesters focus on growth, maturation and bonding, as babies begin responding to voices and movement. She noted that diet is often underestimated during this period, yet a lack of essential nutrients in the mother can directly affect the baby’s development.

    She advised expectant mothers to avoid smoking and alcohol, limit caffeine intake and prioritise a balanced diet. In Malaysia, iron, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are commonly seen among pregnant women. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, causing persistent fatigue and increasing the risk of poor foetal growth, while calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can weaken maternal bone health during and after pregnancy. However, supplements should only be taken under medical supervision, alongside a balanced diet rich in protein, leafy greens, whole grains and dairy or fortified alternatives.

    Antenatal visits, she stressed, are far more than routine appointments. These consultations are essential to ensure the pregnancy is progressing well, detect complications early and confirm that the baby is developing as expected. Early scans help determine viability and accurate dating, while regular monthly reviews up to 28 weeks allow close monitoring unless more frequent follow-ups are needed. Conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can often be detected before symptoms become severe.

    During festive seasons, Dr Sharmina encouraged moderation rather than restriction. She advised mothers to enjoy celebrations while prioritising balanced meals, avoiding alcohol, ensuring food is properly cooked and getting adequate rest. Eight to ten hours of sleep, proper hydration and pacing of activities are important to support maternal wellbeing.

    After childbirth, the first hours are especially important. She recommended immediate skin-to-skin contact, which helps stabilise the baby’s blood sugar, supports breastfeeding and strengthens early bonding between mother and child.

    Emotionally, many mothers may experience temporary postpartum blues, affecting about 60 to 80 per cent of women in the first two weeks after delivery. However, persistent sadness, withdrawal or worsening symptoms may indicate postpartum depression and should be promptly assessed by a medical professional. Physical recovery also requires attention, particularly if there is increasing pain, fever, poor wound healing or foul-smelling discharge.

    During confinement, proper nourishment is essential for recovery and milk production. Adequate intake of protein, iron and fluids supports healing, while restricting water intake may increase dehydration, reduce breast milk supply and raise the risk of blood clots. Gentle movement is encouraged to improve circulation, while prolonged immobility should be avoided. Family support is crucial, especially in easing household responsibilities so parents can focus on recovery and bonding with their newborn.

    Breastfeeding offers significant benefits, although many mothers face challenges due to limited support or misinformation. Early milk production is naturally small, requiring frequent feeding to establish supply. Education, workplace understanding and family encouragement are key to supporting successful breastfeeding.

    As families gather to welcome a newborn, simple practices such as proper hand hygiene and limiting close contact when the baby is very young can help reduce infection risks while still maintaining meaningful family connections.

    Dr Sharmina concluded that with informed choices, appropriate medical care and strong family support, mothers can experience a healthier pregnancy journey and provide their children with the best possible start in life.

  • Karnival SunMed 2026 Perkasa Komuniti Petaling Dengan Inisiatif Kesihatan Holistik

    Karnival SunMed 2026 Perkasa Komuniti Petaling Dengan Inisiatif Kesihatan Holistik

    Pusat Perubatan Sunway, Bandar Sunway (SMC) mencatat sambutan menggalakkan bagi Karnival Gaya Hidup Sihat SunMed 2026 apabila lebih daripada 4,000 peserta hadir bagi mengambil langkah proaktif dalam meningkatkan kesihatan dan kesejahteraan secara menyeluruh. Karnival yang berlangsung dari Menara C hingga Menara D hospital itu dimeriahkan dengan pelbagai aktiviti interaktif dan informatif seperti bola sepak, refleks pantas, pickleball serta latihan keseimbangan. Pengunjung juga berpeluang mengunjungi stesen khas yang memberi tumpuan kepada kesedaran kesihatan pendengaran dan kanser, selain Healthy Living Marketplace yang menghimpunkan pelbagai jenama dalam bidang kesihatan, pemakanan, kecergasan dan gaya hidup, sekali gus mencerminkan komitmen hospital terhadap kesejahteraan holistik komuniti.

    Menurut Pengarah Kanan Pembangunan Perniagaan dan Komunikasi Korporat SMC, Tan Mei Shin, pihaknya mengalu-alukan kehadiran pengunjung daripada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat ke karnival kesihatan tahunan tersebut. Beliau berkata acara itu bukan sahaja mencerminkan komitmen berterusan SMC terhadap kecemerlangan penjagaan kesihatan, malah turut menyatukan orang ramai untuk mengutamakan kesihatan dan kesejahteraan dalam suasana yang positif dan menyokong. Katanya lagi, amat menginspirasikan untuk melihat setiap individu saling menjaga diri serta antara satu sama lain, dengan matlamat bersama ke arah kehidupan yang lebih sihat dan berkualiti.

    Karnival ini turut menyediakan pelbagai saringan kesihatan percuma yang dikendalikan oleh Pusat Kecemerlangan SMC, termasuk analisis komposisi badan, penilaian kesakitan, pemeriksaan tekanan darah postural dan saringan memori. SMC merupakan hospital kuaternari swasta terbesar di Malaysia dengan 28 Pusat Kecemerlangan serta lebih 300 perunding perubatan tetap merangkumi 80 kepakaran. Baru-baru ini, SMC telah disenaraikan sebagai hospital nombor satu di Malaysia dalam Hospital Terbaik Dunia 2026 oleh Newsweek bagi tahun kedua berturut-turut, selain turut menduduki tempat pertama di Malaysia dalam kategori Hospital Pintar Terbaik Dunia 2026 oleh penerbitan yang sama.

    SMC juga merangkul anugerah Hospital Terbaik – Malaysia dan Inisiatif Hospital Pintar Terbaik – Malaysia di Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, sekali gus mengukuhkan kecemerlangannya dalam aspek keselamatan pesakit dan penjagaan berpusatkan pesakit. Selain itu, SMC merupakan hospital pertama di Malaysia yang menerima tiga akreditasi hospital utama, iaitu Akreditasi Suruhanjaya Bersama Antarabangsa dari Amerika Syarikat, Majlis Piawaian Penjagaan Kesihatan Australia Antarabangsa serta Persatuan Kualiti Kesihatan Malaysia.

    Kejayaan penganjuran karnival ini turut disokong oleh penaja dan rakan kerjasama seperti BLACKMORES, Herbaland, Anytime Fitness, Sunway Lagoon, Gintell dan Julie’s. Kerjasama ini mencerminkan usaha kolektif dalam mempertingkatkan kesihatan komuniti serta membuka ruang kepada lebih banyak inisiatif berimpak tinggi pada masa hadapan demi kesejahteraan rakyat Malaysia.

  • Healing Little Hearts: How Modern Cardiology is Changing Children’s Futures

    Healing Little Hearts: How Modern Cardiology is Changing Children’s Futures

    The birth of a child is one of life’s purest joys, yet that joy can quickly turn into fear when a heart defect is discovered. Today, however, rapid advancements in paediatric cardiology in Malaysia have transformed such a diagnosis from a sentence of despair into a journey of hope.

    “Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects about one in every 100 babies,” says Dr Lim Wooi Kok, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Cardiologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC). “But with today’s imaging and interventional techniques, many children can now live to see adulthood compared to decades ago.”

    Heart problems in children generally fall into two categories: congenital and acquired. Congenital conditions are present at birth and include acyanotic or “pink” heart defects as well as cyanotic “blue baby” conditions. These are often detected soon after birth, particularly when newborn pulse oximetry screening reveals oxygen levels below 95 percent, with diagnosis confirmed through cardiac ultrasound or echocardiography. More serious cyanotic conditions such as Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of the Great Arteries, and Pulmonary Atresia require early medical attention, especially when a baby’s lips and extremities turn blue.

    Acquired heart conditions develop later in life and include Kawasaki disease, rheumatic valve disease, and arrhythmias. These conditions often present with symptoms such as prolonged fever, chest pain, or fainting spells. Heart murmurs may be detected during examination, and an echocardiogram is typically required to confirm the diagnosis.

    Advancements in cardiac imaging now allow specialists to visualise the heart with greater clarity and precision. Dr Lim, who has extensive expertise in cardiac multimodality imaging, uses tools such as echocardiography, CT scans, and MRI to produce two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and cardiac strain images that are essential for assessing how well each segment of the heart muscle contracts. These technologies are particularly valuable for newborns, infants, children, teenagers, and even adults living with congenital heart disease. He notes that not all cardiologists are trained to perform cross-sectional imaging or interpret these complex images, but having this expertise enables a far more accurate understanding of a child’s heart.

    The ability to visualise the heart in three dimensions also supports safer and more personalised treatment planning. Dr Lim explains that newer technologies, such as photo-counting CT imaging, provide detailed 3D images while carefully managing radiation exposure, which is especially important in paediatric cases. These advancements help clinicians visualise small structures more clearly and support safe, precise treatment decisions for children with heart conditions.

    Many congenital heart conditions, including Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), can now be treated through percutaneous interventions. This minimally invasive procedure is performed using a small catheter inserted through the groin, typically takes only a few hours, and allows the child to return home within a couple of days, compared to the longer recovery period associated with open-heart surgery. After treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene and following endocarditis prevention advice are essential for long-term heart protection.

    Caring for a child with CHD requires patience and resilience. Many children experience feeding difficulties, slower growth, and frequent hospital visits. Dr Lim explains that even simple activities such as drinking milk can be physically demanding, as these children use significant energy just to breathe. Parents must carefully manage medications, attend regular follow-up appointments, and balance work and financial responsibilities, making it a lifelong journey.

    Despite technological advancements, the emotional burden on families remains significant. “Parents often blame themselves. They wonder if it was something they ate or did during pregnancy. But most cases are genetic or occur by chance. The risk rises slightly to about two to three percent if a parent or sibling is affected,” says Dr Lim. He adds that emotional support from both healthcare providers and other parents is crucial, and families are continually reminded that they are not alone. With proper care, most children can go on to lead full and active lives.

    This ongoing care fosters a lasting bond between patients and their cardiologists, ensuring continuous support into adulthood. “Children with congenital heart conditions need lifelong care. I still see some of my patients 20 years later, now adults, some even married. It’s a bond that lasts a lifetime,” he says. Dr Lim reassures parents not to panic, emphasising that with early diagnosis and proper care, many heart defects can be effectively treated. He also highlights the importance of prevention and follow-up, including regular screenings and vaccinations to protect children from infections.

    Malaysia’s healthcare system has made significant progress in paediatric cardiology, including advancements in fetal echocardiography that allow heart defects to be detected even before birth. This enables parents to prepare early and allows doctors to plan for safe delivery and immediate intervention if needed. “Expectant mothers can now have their baby’s heart examined in the womb as early as 18 to 22 weeks, and proper care can be coordinated with the obstetrician if a defect is detected. This can make the difference between life and death,” Dr Lim explains.

    Looking ahead, Dr Lim remains optimistic about the future of paediatric cardiology in Malaysia. With more specialists being trained in advanced imaging and interventional techniques, the outlook continues to improve. “The future is bright. We are seeing more specialists trained in advanced imaging and interventions, each bringing even more hope,” he says. Ultimately, he adds, at the heart of every breakthrough is a parent’s wish to see their child grow, laugh, and live life fully. Thanks to continuous advancements, that hope is increasingly becoming a reality for children across Malaysia.

  • KPJ Healthcare dan Novo Nordisk Jalin Kerjasama Perkasa Rawatan Obesiti Berasaskan Hospital

    KPJ Healthcare dan Novo Nordisk Jalin Kerjasama Perkasa Rawatan Obesiti Berasaskan Hospital

    KPJ Healthcare Berhad dan Novo Nordisk Malaysia hari ini memeterai kerjasama strategik melalui Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) bagi memperkukuh penjagaan berstruktur berasaskan hospital di Malaysia. Langkah ini selaras dengan peningkatan permintaan terhadap sokongan yang lebih selamat, terselaras dan dipantau secara perubatan bagi individu yang mengalami obesiti serta keadaan metabolik berkaitan. Kerjasama ini akan menyokong pembangunan Program Pengurusan Metabolik dan Berat Badan KPJ, iaitu satu model penjagaan berasaskan hospital yang direka untuk menyediakan rawatan berstruktur, dipimpin oleh pakar dan melibatkan pendekatan multidisiplin dalam persekitaran penjagaan kesihatan yang terkawal.

    Kerjasama ini dilaksanakan ketika Malaysia terus berdepan beban kesihatan obesiti dan metabolik yang ketara. Data saringan terkini daripada Kementerian Kesihatan menunjukkan seorang daripada dua orang dewasa Malaysia mempunyai berat badan berlebihan daripada 1.2 juta individu yang disaring, sekali gus mencerminkan skala serta keperluan mendesak untuk menangani isu ini. Selain itu, sebanyak 15.6 peratus orang dewasa, iaitu kira-kira satu daripada enam, hidup dengan diabetes, dengan ramai yang masih tidak menyedari keadaan mereka. Obesiti juga dianggarkan menelan kos melebihi RM64 bilion setahun melalui perbelanjaan kesihatan, kehilangan produktiviti dan kematian pramatang.

    [Dari Kiri ke Kanan] Puan Patricia Tan, Pengarah Pemasaran Bersekutu Novo Nordisk
    Pharma (M) Sdn Bhd (“Novo Nordisk), Encik Ahmad Rizal Che Wan, Pengarah Kewangan &
    Operasi Bersekutu Novo Nordisk, Dr Praful Chakkarwar, Pengurus Besar Novo Nordisk,
    Encik Chin Keat Chyuan, Presiden dan Pengarah Urusan KPJ Healthcare, Dato’ Mohd Farid
    Salim, Ketua Pegawai Operasi (Operasi Hospital) KPJ Healthcare dan Profesor Dato’ Dr
    Hanafiah Harunarashid, Ketua Pegawai Perubatan KPJ Healthcare mengambil gambar
    kenangan selepas majlis pelancaran Program Pengurusan Berat Badan KPJ.

    Di bawah kerjasama ini, kedua-dua pihak akan menyokong pembangunan laluan penjagaan yang lebih komprehensif dengan menggabungkan rundingan pakar, sokongan dietetik, panduan gaya hidup serta terapi perubatan yang bersesuaian secara klinikal. Pada fasa pertama, program ini dijangka diperkenalkan di 10 hospital KPJ, iaitu Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Damansara Specialist Hospital, Damansara 2 Specialist Hospital, Ipoh Specialist Hospital, Johor Specialist Hospital, KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital, KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital, KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital, Kuching Specialist Hospital dan Tawakkal Specialist Hospital, dengan pelaksanaan diperluas secara berperingkat dalam tempoh 12 bulan. Pesakit dijangka boleh mengakses program ini melalui laluan saringan kesihatan hospital serta rujukan dalaman.

    Program ini akan mengintegrasikan saringan kesihatan bersama profesional kesihatan sekutu merangkumi bidang endokrinologi, perubatan dalaman, pembedahan bariatrik, psikologi, fisioterapi, rehabilitasi, dietetik dan farmasi di bawah satu model penjagaan yang lebih tersusun. Penjagaan pesakit dalam laluan ini melibatkan penilaian awal, saringan komposisi badan, penilaian risiko metabolik, perancangan rawatan yang diperibadikan, kaunseling tingkah laku serta susulan berkala, dengan tempoh penjagaan lazim sehingga enam bulan bergantung kepada keperluan klinikal individu.

    Encik Chin Keat Chyuan, Presiden dan Pengarah Urusan KPJ Healthcare semasa
    berucap di majlis pelancaran Program Pengurusan Berat Badan KPJ.

    Presiden dan Pengarah Urusan KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Chin Keat Chyuan, berkata obesiti merupakan penyakit kronik yang kompleks dan berkait rapat dengan pelbagai penyakit metabolik serta tidak berjangkit lain, justeru memerlukan pengurusan jangka panjang yang terselaras. Beliau menjelaskan bahawa kerjasama ini memperkukuh pendekatan penjagaan yang lebih berstruktur dan bersepadu di seluruh hospital KPJ, selaras dengan KPJ Health System yang menggabungkan kepakaran klinikal, sokongan kesihatan bersekutu serta intervensi berasaskan bukti dalam model penjagaan yang konsisten. Menurut beliau, usaha ini mencerminkan komitmen berterusan KPJ dalam menyediakan penjagaan berpusatkan pesakit yang mudah diakses, lestari dan berfokuskan hasil. Selain penjagaan pesakit, kerjasama ini turut meneroka aspek pendidikan klinikal serta komunikasi bertanggungjawab berkaitan pengurusan obesiti, termasuk penggunaan terapi berasaskan GLP-1 dalam persekitaran penjagaan kesihatan yang terkawal. Inisiatif ini dijangka merangkumi sesi Pendidikan Perubatan Berterusan dan kandungan pendidikan di media sosial, dengan fasa pertama melibatkan 10 hospital KPJ serta 19 pakar endokrinologi perunding.

    Encik Praful Chakkarwar, Pengurus Besar Novo Nordisk semasa berucap
    mengenai Novo Nordisk di majlis pelancaran Program Pengurusan Berat Badan
    KPJ.

    Pengurus Besar Novo Nordisk Malaysia, Praful Chakkarwar, berkata obesiti merupakan penyakit kronik yang memerlukan pengurusan jangka panjang berasaskan bukti. Seiring dengan peningkatan kesedaran di Malaysia, beliau menegaskan kepentingan memastikan pesakit disokong melalui laluan penjagaan yang dipantau secara perubatan dengan kepakaran klinikal yang tepat serta susulan berterusan. Beliau turut menyatakan bahawa kerjasama ini diharap dapat menyumbang kepada penjagaan menyeluruh bagi individu yang mengalami obesiti, yang lazimnya melibatkan pelbagai keadaan kesihatan yang saling bertindih, serta mengiktiraf KPJ Healthcare sebagai rakan strategik yang signifikan dalam usaha tersebut.

    Kerjasama ini juga bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai obesiti sebagai penyakit kronik yang boleh dirawat dalam kalangan pesakit, majikan dan masyarakat umum. Dalam beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, pakar klinikal dan kesihatan di Malaysia semakin menekankan bahawa obesiti perlu diuruskan melalui pendekatan penjagaan jangka panjang yang menyeluruh, bukannya sekadar intervensi jangka pendek atau sementara. Dengan menggabungkan kepakaran klinikal, sokongan berstruktur serta pendidikan yang bertanggungjawab, KPJ Healthcare Berhad dan Novo Nordisk Malaysia berharap dapat memajukan penjagaan obesiti secara mampan, berasaskan bukti serta memberi impak yang signifikan kepada rakyat Malaysia.

  • Lace Up! Yayasan MR D.I.Y. Debuts the Him & Her Health Run 2026.

    Yayasan MR D.I.Y. has unveiled the inaugural Him & Her Health Run 2026, a nationwide campaign designed to rally Malaysians in support of heart health and cancer awareness through a spirited 5KM fun run.

    Developed to champion a more active way of life, the event encourages individuals, families, and friends to unite for a day of running, walking, and collective wellbeing.

    The Him & Her Health Run 2026 will be hosted in three key locations: Pulau Pinang on 17 May 2026, Sarawak on 19 July 2026, and Kuala Lumpur on 18 October 2026. Welcoming participants from age 5 and above, the run provides an accessible platform for the community to stand together for a vital cause.

    With this launch, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. strives to empower Malaysians to take charge of their physical health while highlighting the importance of cancer and heart disease awareness. The Him & Her Health Run 2026 transcends a typical sporting event; it is a community movement dedicated to fostering healthier lifestyles.

    All funds generated from the event will be channeled to health-centric organizations and programs focused on education, prevention, treatment, and patient care. Featured beneficiaries include Yayasan Jantung Malaysia, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society, Persatuan Sokongan Kanser Kanak-Kanak (CAKNE), and Kumpulan Ibu Bapa Dan Sokongan Anak-Anak Kanser (KIDS).

    The race is made possible by a diverse network of partners, including CUCKOO International (M) Berhad, Kumon Education Malaysia, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, The Mines Resorts and Hotels, Merdeka Waterfront Hotel, Delfi Marketing, Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd, and NCS Science Sdn Bhd.

    Registration is currently open and will end on the following dates:

    • Pulau Pinang: 3 May 2026
    • Sarawak: 1 July 2026
    • Kuala Lumpur: 1 October 2026

    Participants are advised to sign up early to guarantee their entry. Every runner will receive a fun run kit featuring an event t-shirt, a limited edition towel, a race cap, a bib, and a finisher medal.

    Join the nationwide movement by registering at https://www.mrdiy.com/him-her-health-fun-run-2026. For further details on Yayasan MR D.I.Y.’s CSR and sustainability efforts, visit yayasanmrdiy.com or follow their updates on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

  • Just a “Blackout” or a Heart Alarm? Don’t Ignore the Signs.

    Just a “Blackout” or a Heart Alarm? Don’t Ignore the Signs.

    Often dismissed as a minor reaction to heat or exhaustion, a sudden loss of consciousness—medically known as syncope—could actually be the body’s only warning before a catastrophic cardiac event. Experts at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) are now urging the public to look beyond the surface of a “simple blackout” to identify hidden heart threats.

    While most fainting episodes are benign, Cardiac Syncope accounts for a critical portion of emergency visits and is linked to a higher risk of sudden mortality.

    The Danger of the “Quick Recovery”

    The most deceptive aspect of cardiac syncope is how fast a person appears to “bounce back.” Dr. Cyrus Lai Sin Nan, Consultant Emergency Physician at SMCV, explains that a quick recovery does not equal safety.

    “In the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, our goal is to look past the stability of the moment,” says Dr. Cyrus. “Cardiac-related collapses are often the result of serious arrhythmias or sudden heart failure. Even if a patient feels fine minutes later, the underlying cause could lead to rapid deterioration if not caught immediately.”

    Identifying the Structural Triggers

    The cause of these sudden drops in blood flow to the brain can often be traced to the heart’s physical structure or its electrical system. Dr. Lim Chiao Wen, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at SMCV, notes that conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle) or aortic stenosis (valve narrowing) are major culprits.

    “Because these conditions can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow without warning, blood pressure drops instantly,” Dr. Lim explains. She also warns that even emotional stress can trigger adrenaline surges that disrupt heart rhythms, making routine screenings vital even for those who appear healthy.

    Red Flags Across Generations

    Cardiac syncope does not discriminate by age. While older adults with multiple health conditions are at higher risk, younger individuals are also vulnerable—particularly if they experience:

    • Fainting during physical exertion or exercise.
    • Palpitations or a racing heart prior to collapsing.
    • A family history of sudden cardiac death.

    Precision Diagnostics and Intervention

    To prevent a fatal outcome, SMCV utilizes a comprehensive diagnostic suite including 12-lead ECGs, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and Holter monitoring to track heart rhythms over extended periods.

    Treatment at SMCV is highly personalized, ranging from life-saving pacemakers and defibrillators to coronary angioplasty for patients identified with restricted blood flow or heart attacks.

    When to Act

    Public awareness is the first line of defense. SMCV encourages immediate medical evaluation if a fainting spell is accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness, or happens repeatedly.

    “A fainting episode should never be ignored,” concludes Dr. Lim. “It may be the only chance you have to diagnose a life-threatening condition before it’s too late.”

  • Simple Faint or Warning Sign of a Heart Problem?

    Simple Faint or Warning Sign of a Heart Problem?

    Syncope, commonly referred to as fainting, accounts for approximately 1 to 3 percent of visits to emergency departments worldwide. While many of these cases are non-threatening, healthcare professionals from Sunway Medical Centre Velocity caution that cardiac-related syncope represents a far more serious category due to its association with potentially life-threatening heart conditions.

    Cardiac syncope occurs when the heart fails to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain, often due to arrhythmias, structural abnormalities, or acute cardiovascular events. Unlike vasovagal fainting, which may be preceded by warning signs such as dizziness or nausea, cardiac syncope frequently happens without any prior symptoms. This lack of warning increases the risk of injury from sudden collapse and complicates early detection.

    In emergency settings, rapid and structured evaluation is critical. Initial assessments typically include airway, breathing, and circulation checks, alongside vital signs monitoring and blood glucose testing. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a cornerstone investigation, allowing clinicians to detect abnormal heart rhythms or signs of cardiac stress. Depending on the clinical presentation, further diagnostic tools such as blood tests, imaging, and continuous cardiac monitoring may be required.

    Dr Cyrus Lai Sin Nan
    Dr Lim Chiao Wen

    From a cardiology standpoint, additional investigations like echocardiography and Holter monitoring provide deeper insights into heart structure and rhythm over time. Treatment strategies vary widely depending on the underlying cause, ranging from medication to advanced interventions such as pacemaker implantation, defibrillator therapy, or catheter ablation. In acute cases, such as heart attacks, urgent procedures like angioplasty may be necessary to restore blood flow.

    Given the potential severity of cardiac syncope, risk stratification plays a crucial role in determining patient management. Individuals with abnormal findings or high-risk features often require hospital admission for further monitoring, while lower-risk cases may be managed on an outpatient basis with appropriate follow-up.