SEA has near 150% rise in heart disease
The number of people with cardiovascular disease surged by 148% in South-East Asia over the past three decades, with the condition becoming the region's leading cause of mortality and morbidity, according to new research.
A total 37 million people in the region suffered from cardiovascular disease in 2021 and 1.7 million died from it.
The findings by researchers at Seattle's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the National University of Singapore are based on analysis of data between 1990 and 2021 from the 10 nations that make up Asean.
The results, published this week in a special edition of The Lancet Public Health, highlight the growing burden of public health, including cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, smoking and road injuries.
The main reasons contributing to cardiovascular disease were high systolic blood pressure, dietary risks, air pollution, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and tobacco use.
The region's ageing population also contributes to the big jump in case numbers, according to Marie Ng, the study's lead author.
'Without immediate action from each of the countries, these preventable health conditions will worsen causing more death and disability across Asean,' said Ng.
It's worth noting that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the incidence of deaths due to cardiovascular disease rose more than predicted and a separate study from 2023 flagged the risk of increase in cardiovascular disease in children born to mothers infected with Covid during pregnancy. — Bloomberg
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
From pandemic to endemic: Do you know what these terms mean?
For many of us, the year 2020 might have been the first time we were introduced to epidemiological terms such as 'pandemic', 'epidemic', and even 'endemic', as Covid-19 began to spread its devastating effect around the world. You may vaguely understand that these terms refer to infectious illnesses, but what do they really mean and what differentiates these terms? Key terms defined 'Pandemics', 'epidemics' and 'endemic diseases' are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on the rate of disease spread. What makes an epidemic and a pandemic different is not the severity of the disease, but the scale of its spread. Hence, a pandemic is not necessarily worse than an epidemic or an endemic disease. Pandemics do have the largest potential to cause worldwide disruption, but this depends on the specific disease and how we manage it collectively. Here are the definitions of these terms: An endemic disease is consistently present in a specific region or population with a fairly stable prevalence or frequency. This makes the spread of the disease predictable. For example, malaria is endemic to some parts of Africa due to the continent's higher average temperature, while dengue fever is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions like Malaysia. Another example is hepatitis B, which is endemic worldwide, with higher endemicity in Africa and Asia. An epidemic is a sudden and rapid increase in the number of disease cases above what is normally expected in a specific region or population. It can happen when a new disease appears in the population or when an endemic disease becomes more prevalent or widespread. An epidemic disease is not necessarily contagious and may refer to other diseases or health issues with a prevalence higher than the projected occurrence in a population. Examples include the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil (2015-2016), the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa (2014-2016), and the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States due to the increasing use of opioids and overdose cases in the past decades. A pandemic happens when a disease spreads across multiple countries or continents, impacting a large number of people. A disease may be declared as a pandemic if it spreads at a very fast rate, with more new cases reported every day. An ongoing epidemic may turn into a pandemic if it spreads beyond the originating region or population. Properties of the pathogen, population immunity or severity of the disease are not factors in determining whether or not a disease is a pandemic. Examples include the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (2020-2022), and the swine flu (2009) and 1918 influenza pandemics (also known as the Spanish flu pandemic, 1918-1920), both caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. Other important terms There are also other terms that may be used to describe the spread of disease in a population, such as: This is when a disease happens rarely or occasionally. Examples include tetanus, which tends to happen only in unvaccinated individuals, or foodborne illnesses such salmonella or Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) infections. This is when there is a persistent presence of a disease at a higher level in a population compared to other populations. For example, in parts of Africa, as many as one in five adults has HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hence the disease is considered hyperendemic in those places. This is when a disease occurs at a higher rate in a specific geographical area or time period, but the exact cause may be uncertain. For example, a cluster of cancer cases that arises after a chemical contamination event or a nuclear plant accident. This has the same meaning as an epidemic, but is typically used to describe a disease spread that is more limited geographically. Is Covid-19 endemic? This is a question that has been asked many times since the world started reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic. To answer this, we need to understand what it means for Covid-19 to be endemic. For Covid-19 to be considered endemic, its continued presence in the population must be at a certain predictable level or trend. The closest example is influenza, which is typically present at an expected level throughout the year in Malaysia. Yet, being endemic is not necessarily a good thing as the disease can still have severe effects on patients. Plus, it is possible for an endemic disease to turn into a pandemic again. Covid-19 is no longer categorised as a pandemic and was officially considered as having become endemic in Malaysia on May 1 (2025) after a three-year transition period that began on April 1, 2022. Regardless, continued surveillance and vigilance are necessary to prevent another pandemic from happening. Other than practising personal hygiene, taking Covid-19 vaccine booster doses is also part of the preventive measures recommended to everyone, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Whether it's endemic or an epidemic or pandemic, let's continue to prioritise our health and safety! Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin is a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, and Dr Husna Musa is a paediatrician. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association's Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Global risks, threats to a sustainable world economy — Ahmad Ibrahim
MAY 30 — Climate change and resource depletion are two of the defining risks to the global economy. This explains the growing worldwide efforts to reduce carbon emission and practise the efficient use of resources. But the climate and resource risks, though major, are not the only threats. The world economy today faces a complex, interlinked set of risks. As a country, Malaysia also has to deal with similar risks. Effectively managing them is key to our sustained economic performance. The other major risks include geopolitical tensions and conflicts, global health crises, financial system instability, technological disruptions, cybersecurity risks, inequality and social unrest, and demographic shifts. We also know for a fact that where there are risks, there are also opportunities. There is no doubt that political instability and trade disputes can disrupt supply chains, energy markets, and global investment flows. The Ukraine-Russia war and US-China trade tensions are recent examples. Though many know that diplomacy and multilateralism through forums like the UN, Asean, G20, and WTO are the ways to manage them, executing is never easy. Aside from diplomacy, diversifying trade and energy routes, as well as building regional trade agreements to minimise overdependence on specific countries can be possible solutions. The Covid-19 pandemic showed how a health emergency can cripple economies, disrupt labour markets, and affect global travel and trade. — Unsplash pic The Covid-19 pandemic showed how a health emergency can cripple economies, disrupt labour markets, and affect global travel and trade. Dealing with such health crisis includes investing in global health infrastructure, early warning systems, and pandemic preparedness. They also include building resilient, flexible supply chains for essential goods like medicines and food and of course international cooperation for the rapid deployment of vaccine and treatment. It is no secret that financial crises, market volatility, and debt defaults can destabilise economies. Possible solutions include strengthening global financial regulations and oversight, maintaining sound fiscal and monetary policies. Rapid technological change is also a risk. It can displace jobs, widen inequality, and increase vulnerability to cyberattacks on financial systems, infrastructure, and data. We need to invest in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, updating regulations to keep pace with technology (AI ethics, data privacy), and reskilling and upskilling the workforce for the digital economy. Rising wealth and income inequality form another risk. They can trigger social unrest, political instability, and economic stagnation. This is where implementing inclusive economic policies and access to education matter. Small businesses need support and strengthening the social protection systems can make a difference. Furthermore, the ageing populations in developed countries create mismatches in the labour markets, pensions, and healthcare. Reforming pension and healthcare systems for ageing societies, investing in education and job creation for young populations, and managing migration policies effectively can be the tonic to neutralise such risks. How then can the world sustain the global economy amid these risks? A popular suggestion is to adopt a circular economy model. And decouple economic growth from resource use and emissions through renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. Also need to build resilient supply chains by diversifying suppliers, investing in local production capacity, and use digital tools for real-time risk management. No country can tackle these risks alone. Strengthening global governance and partnerships is crucial. Not to mention promote responsible technological innovation. This is where we ensure that emerging technologies are developed with ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability in mind. The risks to the global economy are increasingly interconnected. A financial crisis can amplify social unrest. A pandemic can trigger supply chain and geopolitical tensions. A systems-thinking approach to risk management, grounded in sustainability, resilience, and global cooperation, is the most effective path forward. Systems thinking is increasingly recognised as a powerful approach for managing complex, interconnected risks in today's global economy. Systems thinking is an approach to problem-solving that views challenges as parts of a broader, interconnected system rather than isolated issues. It focuses on understanding relationships and feedback loops, and identifying leverage points for interventions. How then to apply systems thinking to risk management and sustainability? First map the system. Use tools like causal loop diagrams, systems maps, or stock-and-flow models to visualise how different risks and factors interact. Identify reinforcing and balancing loops within the system. Economic inequality reinforcing social unrest, which in turn destabilises markets and worsens inequality. Focus on areas where small interventions can produce large system-wide changes. Education reforms can uplift economies, improve health, reduce crime, and empower communities simultaneously. Move beyond siloed thinking. Address climate, health, financial, and social risks through integrated policies and partnerships. There is no denying that by effectively managing such global risks, the impending threats to the world economy can be neutralised. The systems approach is the right way. * The author is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. He can be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Bridging global excellence with local relevance to shape future healthcare leaders
A prominent medical school in Malaysia and the international campus of Newcastle University in the UK, NUMed connects global expertise with local needs. As healthcare becomes increasingly globalised, there is a growing need for medical professionals who are both internationally competent and locally grounded. As a leading medical school in Malaysia and the international branch campus of the renowned Newcastle University, UK, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) is in a unique position. Rooted in the academic excellence of its parent campus, NUMed brings a globally acclaimed medical curriculum to the Asean region. The university is also currently the only one in Malaysia that integrates the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) in its MBBS curriculum, providing a seamless pathway for aspiring doctors to establish their careers in the UK and other countries where the UK's medical standards are highly favoured. 'Our Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme is aligned with both the UK's General Medical Council (GMC) and Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) standards. 'Importantly, students have plenty of opportunities to gain knowledge and hands-on experiences within local and international epidemiological landscapes, healthcare infrastructure and cultural realities, allowing them to develop clinical skills that are globally benchmarked yet locally applicable,' said clinical affairs dean Prof Dr Harinarayan Radhakrishna, From the outset, NUMed's medical students engage in immersive cross-cultural clinical experiences, working in local healthcare settings and community initiatives. These include annual health camps held in rural areas, volunteer initiatives in aid of various local issues, and workshops and talks to raise awareness of selected health issues. 'These events place our students in real-world settings where they get to interact with the public in different settings. 'By being on the ground, they develop a deeper understanding of health challenges faced by local communities, learn to ask more insightful questions and listen with greater empathy, and adapt their medical knowledge to serve diverse patient populations effectively,' added Prof Harinarayan. NUMed's medical students have many opportunities to interact with the public in diverse settings. In addition to that, students also have the option to pursue student exchange programmes, intercalations, electives and research opportunities abroad, enabling them to expand their perspectives and reinforce their adaptability across healthcare systems. As part of Newcastle University, UK, NUMed benefits from a robust network of academic and clinical partners worldwide. Collaborative research, faculty exchanges, joint symposia and other professional development opportunities further enrich students' educational experience. At the same time, NUMed works closely with local healthcare providers, ministries and non-governmental organisations to ensure its students are aligned to community needs. These partnerships translate knowledge into application and ensure students graduate with a sound understanding of various healthcare systems. 'We are committed to ensuring that our students are not only internationally prepared but also regionally impactful,' Prof Harinarayan shared. Graduates emerge well-prepared to thrive in a variety of healthcare settings. To date, nearly a thousand have taken their expertise to diverse locations around the world. In bridging international education standards with local healthcare delivery, NUMed is shaping a new kind of medical professional who is agile, globally minded and committed to service. Find out more about its programme offerings at email admissions@ call 07-555 3800, or WhatsApp 011-1231 5411/012-784 9456.
