Trends in cardiovascular diseases and risk factors in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Data from the Information and Documentation System Unit of the Ministry of Health of Malaysia showed that cardiovascular disease had been the principal cause of death in government hospitals over the years, accounting for 23% to 26% of deaths from 1994 to 2001. Heart disease accounted for 14% to 16.6%. Of cardiovascular disease admissions and deaths in government hospitals from 1985 to 2000, ischaemic heart disease accounted for 25% to 33% of admissions and 27% to 35% of deaths. A National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) conducted in 1996 to evaluate health status, health-related behavior and health services utilization in 21,708 individuals aged 30 years or older, of whom 17,390 (80%) agreed to participate, 39% had no risk factors, 34% had one risk factor, 19% had 2 risk factors, 7% had 3 risk factors and 1% had 4 risk factors. Conclusions: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of hospital admissions and death in government hospitals in Malaysia. The National Health and Morbidity survey showed 61% of Malaysians had one risk factor or more.