IJN Expands Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic Amid Rising Threats of Cardiovascular Diseases

• Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is a major contributor to cardiovascular deaths globally and Malaysia has highest 1-year mortality rate for STEMI– a type of heart attack that is more serious and has a greater risk of serious complications and death
• IJN’s commitment to pioneering innovative procedures, underscores its dedication to setting new standards in cardiovascular health and transforming nationwide healthcare through the CRRC’s expanded services.

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 22, 2024 – Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) today proudly announced the first-of-its-kind innovative Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic (CRRC), following a visit by Ministry of Health officials who reaffirmed their confidence in IJN as the leading authority in heart care within the nation. This endorsement underscores IJN’s pivotal role in tackling the challenges posed by Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD).

In Malaysia, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as ASCVD account for 71% of premature deaths, with ASCVD alone responsible for 54% of NCD-related fatalities. Worryingly, Malaysia has the highest 1-year mortality rate for STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) in the Asia Pacific region, with a rate of 17.9%. STEMI is a type of heart attack characterized by a complete blockage of a coronary artery, which is considered more severe and poses a greater risk of serious complications and deaths.  

Furthermore, a comprehensive study conducted in the United States, and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reveals that patients who suffer from Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are at a significantly higher risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Specifically, these patients face a 6-fold higher risk of experiencing another cardiovascular event within a year post-discharge.

This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for improved cardiovascular care and prevention strategies within the country. The establishment of IJN’s innovative CRRC reinforces IJN’s status as a leader in cardiovascular care, research, and education. By broadening the CRRC’s reach, IJN aims to deliver specialized care to more patients while revolutionizing cardiovascular healthcare across the nation. This is aligned with the Ministry of Health National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) 2016-2025, aiming to reduce NCD deaths from 20% to 15% by 2025.

IJN – Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic

Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health, said: “Today’s Grand Round and the innovation of IJN’s Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic (CRRC) mark a significant milestone and a responsive initiative in the Ministry’s efforts to optimize cardiovascular disease care in Malaysia, particularly for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.”

“I would like to congratulate IJN and Novartis Malaysia, who have collaborated to get to the root of reducing ASCVD risk by empowering patients to take charge of their health so Malaysians can live healthier.”

“The IJN Grand Round aligns with our Health Ministry’s National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) 2016-2025. The Ministry hopes for more initiatives like this in the near future, as such efforts foster innovative solutions through comprehensive care models, which can further improve health literacy, health outcomes, and the well-being of our ‘rakyat’ in this Madani government.”

Datuk Dr. Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim, CEO, Institut Jantung Negara, said:

“Over the years, IJN has not only treated millions of patients but also spearheaded numerous groundbreaking procedures, and these endeavours are aimed at combating cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia.”

“IJN has also established robust infrastructure and comprehensive manpower training programs to support its growth and ensure the highest standards of healthcare delivery, especially in CRRC. Our efforts, driven by IJN’s mission to remain at the forefront of heart care for Malaysians, ensure that every patient receives world-class treatment and that the institution continues to set new standards in heart health.”

“We stand ready to combine our efforts in cardiovascular risk reduction with that of the Ministry’s. With IJN’s innovative first of its kind CRRC combined with MOH’s own depth and breadth across the Nation we will be able to help more Malaysians live longer and healthier lives.”

Dato Sri Dr. Haji Azhari Rosman, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Institut Jantung Negara, said: “The CRRC represents a significant advancement in cardiovascular care, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to maximize the impact of risk reduction strategies. By integrating health professionals and clinicians, we ensure closer follow-up and monitoring, particularly for high, very high, and extremely high-risk patients who have not achieved LDL-C target goals despite maximum tolerated statins. This seamless integration within our management process at IJN enhances continuity of care and patient compliance. The extension of CRRC services from initially only Mondays to now include Thursdays underscores IJN’s commitment to increasing accessibility, ensuring that more patients can benefit from our specialized care.”

“We would like to thank our partners Novartis Malaysia who had committed to a scientific partnership with IJN which helped us to establish this innovative multi-disciplinary risk reduction clinic that really helped generate positive risk reduction outcomes for patients enrolled into the clinic.” 

Since its establishment two years ago, the CRRC has benefited nearly 600 patients, significantly improving their quality of life and health outcomes. This success is a testament to the unwavering support and buy-in from the IJN administration, led by Dato Azhari and the dedicated management team.