Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) welcomes innovative adoption of heart screening procedures implemented by hospitals to aid early identification of potential cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
The government agency responsible for the growth of the healthcare travel industry said innovative screening procedures are pivotal in promoting cardiovascular health in Malaysia, positioning the country at the forefront of global healthcare excellence.
“The agency recognises the significance of these innovations in fostering trust and capturing the interest of healthcare travellers seeking treatment in Malaysia,” it said in a statement today.
The hospitals, namely, Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) in Johor; Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) in Kuala Lumpur; Mahkota Heart Centre in Melaka; and Sunway Medical Centre in Selangor, have adopted these procedures in their commitment to advancing cardiovascular health in the country.
BTMC has initiated the first Inclisiran® treatment in the country, offering hope to patients with challenging high LDL-Cholesterol cases.
Its consultant cardiologist Dr Yew Kuan Leong stresses the importance of early cardiac screening and appropriate prevention in the fight against heart disease.
“Elevated LDL-Cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease and can remain high despite adequate oral cholesterol-lowering drugs.
“This places them at higher risk of cardiovascular events. To combat this, the use of cutting-edge therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors and siRNA-based treatments is crucial,” he said.
CVDs contribute to nearly 25% of all fatalities in the country, the World Health Organization reported.
Meanwhile, CVSKL, is the first centre in Southeast Asia to introduce the revolutionary Revolution Apex CT scan.
This lightning-fast scanner captures detailed images in a single heartbeat, utilising advanced technology to produce high-resolution images with the lowest radiation dose.
“Early detection allows for early intervention, and thus, a better outcome. The Complex High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Procedure (CHIP) programme uses highly innovative and advanced technologies to deliver the most precise outcomes,” said Dr Al Fazir Omar, Consultant Cardiologist at CVSKL.
Mahkota Heart Centre offers regular community screenings through the MyHeart programme, launched in 2021.
“For symptomatic individuals, we provide one-stop CT scan and echo treadmill packages, cardiologist diagnosis, and treatment,” said its senior cardiologist Dr Ang Eng Lip.
On the other hand, Sunway Medical Centre Penang offers a one-stop centre for heart screening, where patients can conveniently undergo all necessary tests with confidence, under the guidance of professionals.
“We believe actively involving patients in their own well-being plays an important role in ensuring good long-term cardiovascular health,” said its consultant physician and interventional cardiologist Dr Khaw Chee Sin.
