THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HEART SCREENING AND STROKE PREVENTION IN MALAYSIA

Table of Contents

Why is Cardiovascular Disease the Biggest Threat in Malaysia?

Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD), commonly referred to as a heart attack, has consistently been Malaysia’s leading cause of death for the past two decades. In 2022, IHD accounted for 16.1% of all medically certified deaths in the country.

More alarmingly, approximately 35% of heart attack fatalities occur in individuals below the age of 60, meaning many Malaysians are losing their lives in their prime working years.

This epidemic is driven by modifiable risk factors prevalent across the Malaysian adult population:

High Cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia)

Affecting up to 38.1% of adults.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Affecting 30% of adults.

Diabetes

Affecting 18.3% of adults.

Obesity

Classified as a primary modifiable
factor.

Smoking

A non-negotiable step in prevention is quitting, as tobacco use doubles IHD risk.

Worried about your risk? Our Gold Health Screening Package includes all core heart function tests including an ECG, Lipid Profile, and Blood Glucose screening.

Stop waiting for symptoms—start screening today!

The Top Risk Factors: What You Must Screen For

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for nearly 23.3% of all deaths in Malaysia. To start preventing heart disease, you first need to understand the problems that secretly hurt your heart and blood vessels.

Hypertension damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. A person is classified as having hypertension with a Diastolic pressure (DBP) of ≥ 90 mm Hg and/or a Systolic pressure (SBP) of ≥ 140 mm Hg. Early and regular screening is vital to monitor these readings.

Dyslipidaemia (High Cholesterol)

Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes

Your Cardiac Screening Roadmap at LifeCare Diagnostic

Level 1 Screening (Foundational Check-Ups)

This level provides your critical baseline metrics. It is recommended as an annual check for all adults, especially those with a family history of heart issues.

    • ECG (Electrocardiogram): A basic test of the heart’s electrical activity.
    • Fasting Glucose (Blood Sugar): Checks for pre-diabetes and diabetes.
    • Lipid Profile: Measures LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides (TGs).

Need a comprehensive health screening? Check our main Health Screening page for all packages.

Level 2 Screening (Advanced Imaging And Assessment)

These tests are advised if your Level 1 results indicate high risk, or if you are over 30 and have a history of smoking, hypertension, or high cholesterol.

    • Cardiac Stress Test (Treadmill): Assesses heart function during physical stress.
    • Carotid IMT Ultrasound: Measures the thickness of the carotid arteries to detect early signs of arterial plaque buildup.
    • Advanced Scans: Cardiac CT is fast and assesses coronary arteries for calcium deposits, while Cardiac MRI is superior for detailed soft tissue characterisation and assessing muscle viability without using ionising radiation.

Level 3 Screening (The Total Prevention Plan)

This is the most detailed level, often involving advanced imaging and specialist consultation to create a personalised, ten-year risk profile.

TOTAL BODY PREVENTION
For a total body prevention plan that includes specialist review and advanced diagnostics, explore the LifeCare Diamond Health Screening Package.

The Stroke Prevention Connection​

Stroke is consistently ranked among the top five leading causes of death in Malaysia. Heart screening is your most effective primary defence against a stroke caused by cardiovascular events.

Recognising the Warning Signs (F.A.S.T.)

Knowing the warning signs is vital for immediate action:

Prevention Beyond Diet: The Role of Screening

The primary cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol) that cause heart attacks are also the main drivers of stroke. Identifying and managing these through screening is the most effective way to reduce your 10-year risk of a stroke or major cardiovascular event.

Understanding your cardiovascular risk factors  is key to preventing stroke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended age to start heart screening in Malaysia?

It is generally recommended to start cholesterol screening in young adulthood, but comprehensive screening (ECG, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose) should begin for all adults by age 30, and earlier if you have a strong family history of heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension.

Do I need to fast before a cardiac screening?

Yes, for accurate Lipid Profile (cholesterol) and Fasting Glucose results, you will typically need to fast for 8-12 hours before your blood test. You may still drink plain water.

How long do the results take?

ECG results are typically immediate. Blood test results usually take 3 hours, while complex imaging results like Cardiac MRI may take longer depending on the specialist’s reporting time.

View All Heart Packages at LifeCare Diagnostic and purchase your heart screening today!

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