SILENT CARDIAC THREAT TO MALAYSIAN MEN IN THEIR 30S

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- A silent cardiac crisis is emerging among Malaysian men in their 20s and 30s, with many only learning of their condition after suffering a heart attack, stroke, or during routine blood tests, according to consultants at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC), Sunway City.

Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Physician Dr Richard Chan Tze Ming and Consultant Emergency Physician Dr Lim Eu Jack of SMC Sunway City said they are seeing a worrying increase in younger patients with serious heart conditions.

"Heart problems are no longer just an ‘uncle’s disease’. We’re seeing more young adults coming in numbers,” said Dr Richard in a statement.

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The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 revealed that over 33 per cent or 7.6 million Malaysians are living with high cholesterol levels, while cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among Malaysian men, accounting for 17.6 percent of male deaths in 2025.

Dr Lim echoed the trend, noting that the youngest patient he had seen with a serious heart attack was in their early 30s, and that many men only discovered they had high blood pressure or undiagnosed diabetes after arriving at the emergency room with chest pain or a heart attack.

According to Dr Richard, dyslipidemia, or abnormal blood lipid levels can affect anyone regardless of age.

He said studies found that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects about one in 100 people, or 320,000 Malaysians, which is higher than the global averages.

He said while diet contributes to cholesterol levels, genetics also plays a significant role.

"Some people are genetically wired to produce more bad cholesterol, even if they exercise and eat clean. That’s why we see patients who hardly eat oily food but still end up with high cholesterol. It’s not just about what you eat, it’s about how your body works," he added.

Dr Richard also emphasised that lifestyle factors are worsening the problem among younger men and that poor eating habits continue to be a major concern.

“Even after exercising, many young people head to mamak stalls or fast-food outlets. Processed food, reused cooking oil and trans fats all increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol,” he said.

Dr Lim also highlighted that high cholesterol often goes undetected in emergency settings, as it requires fasting and is not routinely tested.

He said high blood pressure and diabetes are among the most commonly undiagnosed conditions, often only discovered once complications develop.

“These conditions are silent for years, which is why regular health screening is so important,” he said, adding that many men ignore early signs like chest discomfort, fatigue or breathlessness, often blaming gastric issues or tiredness.

Dr Lim also noted that with risk factors like smoking, poor diet, and family history, delaying treatment can be fatal, with smoking being the most significant among younger patients.

Both doctors stressed that early screening can prevent serious complications.

"A blood test and blood pressure check can quickly reveal issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension. Knowing your numbers is the first step to taking control. These are modifiable risk factors, and if managed early, we can prevent serious complications like heart attacks and strokes," said Dr Lim.

Dr Richard advised that individuals should not wait until symptoms appear, emphasising that those with a family history of high cholesterol, overweight, or who smoke should undergo screening as early as in their 20s.

He added that patients with very high cholesterol may require medication, as lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient, stressing the importance of moderation rather than strict dietary restrictions.

"But does this mean giving up all your favourite food? Not at all. I always tell patients, don’t deprive yourself. Eat in moderation. A healthy lifestyle must be sustainable. If you go too strict, you’ll rebound and overeat later,” he said.

Both specialists agreed that early intervention is key, regardless of age whether a man is in his late 20s or mid-40s, the message remains the same: start screening early.

“Your heart health doesn’t wait. The best gift you can give yourself is awareness and action before it’s too late,” said Dr Richard.

-- BERNAMA