With extraordinary technology developments in the field of cardiac medicine and surgery, Malaysia’s heart centres are pushing forward as Asia's Cardiac Hub, inspiring world-class cardiac care.

Malaysia's heart care infrastructure has evolved considerably since its inception in the 1960s^[1]. Leveraging exceptional technological advances, facilities and infrastructure, as well as highly competent and qualified specialists, cardiac centres in Malaysia are unlocking a future of efficient, low-risk heart care with minimally invasive procedures.

With the collaborative efforts of the National Heart Association of Malaysia and the Ministry of Health, cardiology care in Malaysia has experienced a remarkable evolution in terms of the development, research and maintenance of cardiology-related treatments and medical service quality, contributing to a robust ecosystem for cardiology care. This significantly facilitated the establishment of Malaysia as a trusted and preferred choice for cardiology treatment in Asia Pacific, as well as earning prominence as Asia's Cardiology Hub.

The National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara or IJN), recently introduced transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) replacement therapy to help congenital heart disease patients^[2]. The procedure focuses on restoring pulmonary valve function and is intended for children and adults with congenital heart disease who also have pulmonary valve disease, particularly those who need surgical valves or conduits replaced. TPV therapy can easily replace the defective valves without necessitating patients to undergo invasive procedures such as open-heart surgery, as was previously required^[3]. IJN's TPV method has been clinically evaluated and proven, with a 10-year track record of evidence demonstrating its safety and efficacy^[4].

“IJN is the first in Malaysia to introduce TPV, which is part of our broader goal of making high-quality treatments more accessible. At IJN, we have always been enthusiastic about exploring and introducing better procedures to improve the quality of cardiovascular health of all our patients,” shared Datuk Dr. Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim, Chief Executive Officer of IJN.

As one of Malaysia's leading cardiology centres, Penang’s Island Hospital reinforces Malaysia's world-class cardiac amenities, technology and services through its low-risk heart surgery alternatives that have higher success rates. "It is true that most patients have excellent outcomes with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), but with minimally invasive bypass surgery, a patient is at a lower risk, perhaps one to two percent. This procedure will undoubtedly benefit higher-risk patients, particularly those with severely damaged hearts or diabetes and kidney failure,” said Dr. Eng Ji Bah, Island Hospital’s Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Advancements in digital technology are also facilitating the progress of cardiology care in the country. “Digital technology advancement in health, particularly in cardiology, will enable cardiologists who embrace such technology to offer the most up-to-date and advanced cardiology care. This will allow us to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease early and offer a more comprehensive range of affordable treatments to those who need cardiology care in public and private hospitals,” said Dr. Annam Muthu, Consultant Cardiologist and Interventional Cardiologist, Structural and Adult (Grown Up Congenital Heart (GUCH) Interventionalist at Gleneagles Hospital Penang.

Malaysia has acquired worldwide recognition for its strength in cardiology care, notably through its numerous breakthrough achievements, in addition to receiving numerous recognitions from industry players and favourable feedback from patients over the years. Healthcare travellers can expect to experience a holistic model of cardiology care and recovery while experiencing the best of Malaysia Healthcare in a safe and trusted destination. For more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org/ or visit its social feeds at: www.facebook.com/MHTCMalaysia  or at LinkedIn (Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council).

^[1] https://empowerenglish.edu.vn/mhtc/2021/12/03/malaysia-the-cardiology-hub-of-asia/

^[2] https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2022/11/04/ijn-introduces-new-treatment-procedure-for-congenital-heart-disease-patients/

^[3] https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2022/11/04/ijn-introduces-new-treatment-procedure-for-congenital-heart-disease-patients/

^[4] https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2022/11/04/ijn-introduces-new-treatment-procedure-for-congenital-heart-disease-patients/