INSTITUT Jantung Negara (IJN) has unveiled the first-of-its-kind innovative Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic (CRRC) following a visit by Health Ministry (MOH) officials who re-affirmed their confidence in IJN as the leading authority in heart care within the nation.
This endorsement underscores Malaysia’s largest heart hospital as a pivotal role in tackling the challenges posed by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
In Malaysia, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as ASCVD account for 71% of premature deaths with ASCVD alone responsible for 54% of NCD-related fatalities.
Worryingly, Malaysia has the highest one-year mortality rate for STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) in the Asia Pacific region with a rate of 17.9%.
STEMI is a type of heart attack characterised by a complete blockage of a coronary artery which is considered more severe and poses a greater risk of serious complications and deaths.
Furthermore, a comprehensive study conducted in the US and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that patients who suffer from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at a significantly higher risk of recurrent cardiovascular events.
Specifically, these patients face a six-fold higher risk of experiencing another cardiovascular event within a year post-discharge.
Specialised cardiovascular care
This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for improved cardiovascular care and prevention strategies within the country. In this regard, the establishment of IJN’s innovative CRRC reinforces IJN’s status as a leader in cardiovascular care, research and education.
By broadening the CRRC’s reach, IJN aims to deliver specialised care to more patients while revolutionising cardiovascular healthcare across the nation. This is aligned with MOH’s National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) 2016-2025 which aims to reduce NCD deaths from 20% to 15% by 2025.
“The innovation of IJN’s CRRC mark a significant milestone and a responsive initiative in MOH’s efforts to optimise cardiovascular disease care in Malaysia, particularly for ASCVD which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality,” Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad pointed out.
“I would like to congratulate IJN and Novartis Malaysia who have collaborated to get to the root of reducing ASCVD risk by empowering patients to take charge of their health so Malaysians can live healthier.”
Since its establishment two years ago, the CRRC has benefited nearly 600 patients by significantly improving their quality of life and health outcomes.
This success is a testament to the unwavering support and buy-in from the IJN administration led by its senior consultant cardiologist Datuk Seri Dr Azhari Rosman and the institute’s dedicated management team.
“We would like to thank our partners Novartis Malaysia who had committed to a scientific partnership with IJN which helped us to establish this innovative multi-disciplinary risk reduction clinic that really helped generate positive risk reduction outcomes for patients enrolled into the clinic,” added Dr Azhari. – July 23, 2024
