Advancements in cardiac imaging technologies have made it easier for patients to get proper screening and preventive care.
Cardiology care in Malaysia is on par with international standards of competency and skills, owing to the availability of 58 cardiothoracic surgery specialists and over 200 cardiologists. The country, rising to world-class standards, is home to numerous renowned, world-class heart centres known for their high level of cardiology treatments and expertise. These centres are well-equipped to perform a wide range of cardiology services, including state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic procedures, minimally invasive interventions and other complex procedures.
With an excellent healthcare ecosystem, Malaysia plays an instrumental role in providing quality, affordable and accessible heart care to all. Since the country started offering cardiothoracic surgery services in the 1960s[1], its expertise in this area has been growing from strength to strength, earning it the trust of healthcare travellers from all over the world.
In conjunction with World Health Day, Malaysia Healthcare extends a warm invitation to healthcare travellers looking to prioritise their health to come and take advantage of the cutting-edge cardiac care technologies available in the country. Malaysia has the capabilities to meet diverse demands for cardiology services – from screening and preventive measures to treatments, even of complex cases, and post-surgery care. With virtually no waiting time needed, healthcare travellers are easily able to receive consultation, screening and diagnostics, which could include cardiac assessments, electrocardiography, blood testing and even nutrition counselling, thus ensuring that they are able to address and treat any issues detected promptly.
With the rapid progression of cardiac imaging technology, patients can now expect better precision and reliability in their cardiac screening procedures. “The transition from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has allowed for more precise quantification of the cardiac functions, which is useful in monitoring the progress of patients receiving heart failure therapy. 3D visualisation of the cardiac valves has become the gold standard for patients with valvular heart disease. For example, the 3D capability of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can be used to assess blockages in the coronary artery,” said Dr. Patrick Tiau Wei Jyung, Consultant, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Sunway Medical Centre (SMC).
The landmark ULTIMATE trial in 2020[2] revealed that IVUS-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was superior to angiography-guided PCI in preventing target vessel failure by nearly 50%. The debut of a newer form of intravascular imaging, called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), provides even better resolution, further improving the outcome of patients undergoing angioplasty. Both the IVUS and OCT are available at SMC.
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) is one of a few medical establishments in Malaysia that houses a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MR) machine. According to Dr. Muhammad Imran bin Abdul Hafidz, a Consultant Cardiologist at the hospital, “A cardiac MRI gives us detailed information, including regarding muscle abnormalities, which cannot be obtained from an echocardiogram or angiogram. An MRI scan can help to detect any blockages in the coronary arteries; it offers an in-depth look into the heart muscles and blood vessels, is able to identify the presence of any blood clots and, thus, can determine one’s risk of heart attack.”
In keeping abreast with the latest advancements in cardiac imaging technology, Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre (LGL) brought in the latest 64-slice computerised tomography (CT) scanner last year. “This CT scanner is able to detect the initial stages of coronary artery disease. It measures the patient’s calcium score, which can reveal early indicators of the disease. Elevated calcium levels can increase the patient’s risk of cardiac arrest and heart attack. The machine also allows us to look for any significant stenosis,” shared Dr. Goh Eng Leong, a Cardiologist and Physician at LGL.
Malaysia Healthcare recently rolled out Premium Wellness Packages, featuring collaborations with top-tier hospitals, hotels and travel and tour agents in the country, making it even easier for healthcare travellers to access comprehensive health screening packages while enjoying luxurious accommodations, wholesome meals and beautiful attractions.
The health screening will be tailored according to the healthcare traveller’s age, gender and current health status. However, they are also welcome to add on more targeted screenings for various diseases, including heart-related issues. With the abundance of leading-edge cardiac technologies and expertise available in Malaysia, healthcare travellers seeking preventive cardiology care will be assured of experiencing true care in a safe and trusted destination.
For more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org or visit our social feeds at: www.facebook.com/MHTCMalaysia or at LinkedIn (Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council).
[1] https://www.mhtc.org.my/2021/12/03/malaysia-the-cardiology-hub-of-asia/
[2] https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/clinical-trials/2018/09/22/21/04/ultimate
