World Heart Day Celebration at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, UKM
The World Heart Day Celebration at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (HCTM), organized by the Cardiology Unit of the Department of Medicine HCTM, was held on December 12, 2024, at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Training Institute. The event was officiated by YBrs. Dr. Zairul Azwan Mohd Azman, Deputy Director (Medical Services), representing the Director of HCTM.
The purpose of this World Heart Day celebration was to raise awareness about healthy living, educate staff on heart health care through healthy activities and diets, as well as to avoid smoking, and to provide exposure regarding heart disease and its impact on the population in Malaysia. The Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, in collaboration with the Nursing Services Department, Pharmacy Department, Emergency Medicine Department, Dietetics and Food Services Department, and Physiotherapy Unit, Department of Medical Rehabilitation Services, took the initiative to successfully organize the World Heart Day 2024 celebration at HCTM with the theme ‘Use Heart For Action.’ This year, the event was particularly special as it was held for the first time in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
In his speech, the Deputy Director (Medical Services) quoted a statement from the Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah (2022), highlighting that 80% of hypertension patients are exposed to serious heart disease complications, and heart disease has remained the leading cause of death among Malaysians for 13 years from 2005 to 2017. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits also contribute to the increase in heart disease. According to the Malaysia “National Cardiovascular Disease (NCVD) ACS/PCI registry” data, the age of patients suffering from heart attacks is significantly younger compared to other countries (about 10 years younger, with an average age of 58 years). 25% of patients are under 50 years old.
Several activities were carried out, including knowledge sharing and raising awareness about heart health issues. A forum titled ‘Heart Attacks Know No Age’ was held as part of the celebration. In addition, activities such as health screenings, heart health tests (ECG and Echo), health exhibitions, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) demonstrations, and consultations with heart specialists were also organized. The forum discussed the critical importance of heart health and its connection to the professions of Kuala Lumpur City Hall staffs.
Also present at the event were YBrs. Dr. Nor Halizam binti Ismail, Senior Deputy Director of the Environmental Health Division, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, YBrs. Dr. Mohd Shawal Faizal Mohamad, Head of the Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine HCTM, YBrs. Dr. Beh Boon Cong, Chairman of the HCTM Heart Day Committee, cardiology experts, heads of divisions from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and invited guests.
