KUALA LUMPUR — A new heart treatment workshop at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital is giving Malaysia a leading role in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest, one of the nation’s deadliest health threats.
The hospital hosted its first-ever workshop last month on minimally invasive defibrillator implants, drawing heart specialists from Malaysia and Vietnam to learn the latest techniques in treating dangerous heart rhythm problems.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad praised the hospital’s efforts.
“This initiative shows our shared commitment to improving patient care. Providing timely, high-quality cardiac services requires teamwork and leadership at every level of our healthcare system,” he said.
He added that Sultan Idris Shah Hospital was recently recognised as a Ministry of Health Centre of Excellence (COE) for cardiac care — a sign of its growing reputation.
The new implant technique offers patients a safer, less invasive option compared to traditional surgery, especially for younger and high-risk patients. The hospital has already seen a 59% jump in defibrillator procedures from 2023 to 2024, reflecting rising demand.
For visiting cardiologist Dr Nguyen Xuan Tuan from Hanoi Heart Hospital, the training was invaluable.
“I’ve gained important insights today and plan to apply this safer treatment option in my practice back in Vietnam,” he said.
Local specialist Dr Mohd Asyiq Al-Fard from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre highlighted its benefits for patients on dialysis and younger patients, noting that it helps reduce long-term risks and allows them to live more active lives.
Heart disease remains Malaysia’s second leading cause of death. In 2023 alone, ischemic heart disease claimed 12,648 lives, or nearly 18% of all medically certified deaths. Alarmingly, sudden cardiac arrest is not limited to the elderly — about 35% of cases affect people under 60, with many showing no symptoms beforehand.
Experts say this underlines the importance of regular health checks, especially for those with palpitations, fainting spells or a family history of sudden cardiac death. Survival rates for cardiac arrest outside of hospitals remain below 5%, making prevention and advanced treatment all the more critical.
Sultan Idris Shah Hospital says it will host regular training workshops for regional doctors, building Malaysia’s role as a hub for innovative heart care and giving patients, especially the young, a chance at healthier, more active lives. — August 29, 2025