By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 20: The Sarawak Heart Centre performed approximately 6,500 heart procedures last year, with over 2,000 cases related to blocked arteries.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted that heart disease, particularly cardiovascular issues, continues to be the leading cause of death in Sarawak, Malaysia, and globally.
“You hear of younger people collapsing during workouts or while playing badminton. Why? Because you don’t love your heart enough,” he remarked at a press conference held at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia, announcing events for World Heart Day 2024, organised by the Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF).
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, stressed the importance of understanding one’s health metrics—cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels—to address potential heart issues early.
“It’s just a matter of time before arteries, which measure only two to four millimetres—smaller than the diameter of a pen—become blocked.
“In today’s society, if you’re over 60 and don’t have at least one of the ‘three highs’—high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar—you’re considered abnormal. This is the unfortunate reality. In the past, having just one of these conditions was considered unusual,” he pointed out.
He likened the heart to a house with walls, wiring, doors, and water pipes with wiring maintained by Sesco, the walls and doors by the Public Works Department (JKR) and water pipes under the water board.
“The most common heart disease is blocked arteries—like water pipes getting clogged. These pipes function well when new, but after 60 years, they start to rust,” he reminded.
Hence, Dr Sim emphasised that the importance of World Heart Day in raising awareness about heart health.
“On World Heart Day, which falls on Sept 29, we join the global community in educating the public about heart disease. Events like Walk-A-Mile aim to bring people together to take action and take care of their heart,” he said.
“The theme ‘Use Heart for Action’ serves as a reminder to take care of your heart unless, of course, you want to see me in the hospital,” he quipped.
SHF Board of Trustee members Datuk Anne Teng and Pauline Kon were present.
Meanwhile, the World Heart Day celebration will take place at Reservoir Park on Sept 29, starting at 6.30am, with over 2,000 participants expected for the ‘Walk-A-Mile’ event.
The registration fee is RM30, which includes an SHF t-shirt, cap, breakfast, and a lucky draw ticket with various household electrical items as prizes.
The Sarawak Heart Centre will also provide free basic health screenings, including checks for body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with health consultations. Additional activities include fitness tests by physiotherapists, aerobics, and line dancing.
For more information, the Sarawak Heart Foundation can be reached at 082-233784 or 012-8868491. — DayakDaily
