Dr Sim: Prevent heart disease by monitoring cholesterol, blood pressure levels

KUCHING: Sarawakians are urged to take preventive steps against heart disease by monitoring their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said heart disease remains the leading cause of disease-related deaths in Malaysia and Sarawak, making early prevention and public awareness important.

Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak Heart Foundation’s chairman, said the number of cases recorded at Sarawak Heart Centre increased annually, with some patients in their 40s already suffering from heart disease and blocked arteries.

“Prevention also means knowing your numbers. What is your cholesterol level? Is your blood pressure high? Is your blood sugar high? You need to know your numbers,” he said in his welcoming address when officiating the World Heart Day 2026 at Kuching Civic Centre here on Sunday (Oct. 18).

He also highlighted the use of wearable blood sugar monitors, which allow users to track their glucose levels and observe how different foods affect their blood sugar.

The devices, which can be worn on the upper arm for up to two weeks, help users identify foods that may cause significant increases in blood sugar levels.

“Knowing your numbers is important, but after that, you must act on them. So, this morning, at least we are taking the first step. After that, of course, you must eat properly,” he added.

He also said this year’s World Heart Day theme, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’, served as a reminder that everyone could take steps to protect their heart health.

Earlier, he said the heart disease claimed about 20 million lives worldwide annually, while more than 17,000 people in Malaysia died from the condition each year, equivalent to about 50 deaths daily.

To help the public understand how heart disease develops, Dr Sim compared the heart to a house and likened blocked arteries to clogged water pipes, explaining that blockages could develop over time, particularly when people neglected their health.

He urged Sarawakians to take advantage of the World Heart Day activities, including free health screenings, the Walk-A-Mile, exercise sessions, Tai Chi, Senamrobics and games.

About 500 participants joined the event, organised by the Sarawak Heart Foundation with support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, and Kuching Civic Centre.