Beyond chest pain
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Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in Malaysia, accounting for 17,421 or 13 percent of all deaths in 2024, according to the Statistics Department. The country's leading cardiologist, Dr Beh Ting Yuen, from Prince Court Medical Centre, emphasizes the need for Malaysians to be educated about heart health. Dr Beh notes that many patients do not exhibit any symptoms until it is too late, stressing the importance of recognizing other warning signs.
In addition to chest pain, fainting or collapsing during physical activity can indicate an abnormal heart rhythm. A family history of sudden, unexplained death in younger relatives may also suggest an undiagnosed heart condition that requires further screening. The cardiologist highlights that poor sleep can impact the heart in subtle ways, with sleep apnea often linked to obesity and repeatedly lowering oxygen levels, thereby placing additional strain on the heart over time.
Dr Beh clarifies that there is a common misconception about sleep debt, stating that one cannot simply catch up on lost sleep over the weekend. He stresses that what matters most is consistent, good-quality rest. Cynthia Jetan, a consultant nutritionist at LAC Malaysia, adds that sleep and nutrition are interconnected in supporting heart health.
She likens nutrition to fuel and sleep to the recovery time needed for the body, emphasizing that both are crucial. According to Jetan, good nutrition and adequate sleep are the keys to a healthy heart, much like a car requiring both fuel and rest to function properly.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
