Kuala Lumpur:Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) continues to be the leading cause of death in Malaysia, with diabetes and hypertension being significant risk factors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that 17,421 Malaysians died from IHD in 2024. Other leading causes of death included lung-related diseases, stroke, and cancer.

Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that Malaysia is currently experiencing a pandemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Although the country has moved past the COVID-19 pandemic, these NCDs present a more significant challenge, particularly as they affect the younger population and often remain undetected until severe.

Responding to a query from Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar) in the Dewan Rakyat, Dr Dzulkefly added that high cholesterol levels and obesity are also critical risk factors for NCDs. The 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) estimated that 192,464 individuals aged 18 to 29 had diabetes, and 339,853 had hypertension, with over 80% of cases remaining undiagnosed.

For those aged 30 to 39, the NHMS estimated 378,508 individuals had diabetes and 938,865 had hypertension. To address this, the Health Ministry has been running the National Health Screening Initiative since 2022 to enhance early detection of NCD risk factors in individuals aged 18 and above.

As part of this initiative, 2,659,841 individuals under 40 have been screened, identifying 339,854 with high blood pressure and 176,415 with high blood glucose levels. Those at risk or diagnosed with a condition are referred for follow-up and holistic treatment by a multidisciplinary team.