27/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 27, 2026

26

HEALTH

How fainting could signal heart problem F AINTING may look dramatic on screen, but in real life, it is not always harmless. While many episodes are linked to o Why sudden collapse should not be ignored, when to seek urgent medical attention determining whether the fainting episode is linked to a dangerous heart condition. Common cardiac-related presentations in emergency settings include chest pain, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure and uncontrolled blood pressure. While cardiac syncope is more concerning in older adults, Diagnosis and treatment After initial stabilisation, further evaluation focuses on identifying the cause of the fainting episode. Basic assessment typically includes vital signs, blood sugar levels, medical history, physical examination and an electrocardiogram to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm. electrical pathways in the heart. In cases involving blocked arteries, urgent procedures may be needed to restore blood flow. Risk assessment plays a key role in deciding whether patients require hospital admission or can be discharged with follow-up care. Those with abnormal test results, low blood pressure or known heart conditions are more likely to need closer monitoring. abnormalities can occur without prior warning and may not always be detected during routine health screenings.

Patients with higher risk may require continuous heart monitoring and additional tests such as blood work, imaging or cardiac markers. Further evaluation may include heart ultrasound scans, extended rhythm monitoring or stress testing, depending on the clinical findings. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may range from medication to procedures such as implanting pacemakers or defibrillators, or correcting abnormal

particularly those with existing heart conditions or multiple medical issues, younger individuals are not exempt. Episodes that occur during physical activity, are accompanied by palpitations, or involve a family history of sudden death may point to inherited or structural heart problems. Warning signs such as chest pain, breathlessness, repeated fainting or collapse during exercise should always prompt urgent medical attention.

stress, dehydration or standing for long periods, some may signal a more serious issue involving the heart. What appears to be a brief blackout can sometimes be the body’s first warning sign of a potentially life threatening condition. Syncope, or fainting, accounts for about 1% to 3% of emergency department visits. While most cases are not dangerous, cardiac-related syncope carries a much higher risk due to its association with abnormal heart rhythms, sudden deterioration and even death. Although less common, its severity means it should never be dismissed, especially when episodes occur suddenly, repeatedly or alongside other symptoms. What is cardiac syncope? Cardiac syncope refers to fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood flow from the heart to the brain. Unlike common fainting, it often happens without warning and may indicate an underlying heart condition. Causes can include irregular heart rhythms, structural issues affecting the heart muscle or valves, or serious circulation problems such as blood clots in the lungs or tears in major blood vessels. In some cases, the heart may beat too fast or too slow, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Certain structural conditions are more closely linked to cardiac syncope, including thickening of the heart muscle, narrowing of heart valves and inflammation of the heart. Emotional stress may also play a role, as sudden surges in adrenaline can disrupt heart rhythm and blood pressure. Importantly, these

Seek urgent medical attention A quick recovery after fainting does not mean the episode is harmless. In cardiac syncope, loss of consciousness may be brief, but the underlying cause can still be serious. This makes early assessment in the accident and emergency department critical. The immediate priority is to stabilise the patient while

When fainting is a warning sign Fainting should never be automatically dismissed, especially when it happens without a clear trigger or is accompanied by concerning symptoms. Cardiac syncope may sometimes be the only warning before a major heart event. If left undiagnosed, it can carry a high risk of serious complications. Even individuals who appear stable after regaining consciousness may still be at risk of rapid deterioration. Seeking medical attention is essential if fainting is accompanied by chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, occurs during exercise or while lying down, or leads to prolonged confusion or injury. Recurrent episodes, known heart disease or a family history of sudden death should also prompt immediate evaluation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular health screenings can help reduce risk. For those with a family history of heart conditions, earlier screening may be beneficial. Ultimately, listening to the body’s warning signs can make a critical difference. What seems like a brief and isolated episode may be an early signal of something far more serious. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre Velocity consultant emergency physician Dr Cyrus Lai Sin Nan and consultant cardiologist, electrophysiologist and internal medicine physician Dr Lim Chiao Wen. Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras launched a new wing last week with expanded facilities, including isolation units, single rooms and a surgical care unit. The four-storey block now has a total of 180 beds. Specialist clinics and a health screening centre have been added. A dialysis centre will open in late 2026. Many new and high-demand subspecialties are available. NEW TELEHEALTH KIOSK IN BANDAR TUN RAZAK The Bandar Tun Razak Parliamentary Office has launched the Telehealth Kiosk, a long-term initiative that improves overall community access to basic healthcare services. It offers a digital health facility enabling users to conduct essential health checks within minutes. The health data is automatically uploaded to the BIG Pharmacy app, with options to email or print reports, as well as connect with a doctor via teleconsultation and arrange for prescriptions and medication. COLUMBIA ASIA HOSPITAL CHERAS OPENS NEW WING

Fainting suddenly or repeatedly is a sign to seek medical attention as soon as possible. – 123RFPIC

Study: Only 14.7% of Malaysian seniors ageing healthily FINDINGS from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2025 show that only 14.7% of senior citizens in Malaysia meet key criteria for healthy ageing, highlighting major gaps in the country’s preparedness for an ageing population. nearly a century to adapt to ageing populations, Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation by 2036, when those aged 60 and above exceed 15% of the population. He added Malaysia’s pace of ageing is among the fastest in the world. heavy burden involving physical, emotional and financial strain. He added this is compounded by the fact that only 40% of Malaysians have sufficient Employees Provident Fund savings for old age. He said this economic strain often forces families to prioritise basic needs over healthcare. Malaysians are living longer, but not necessarily healthier. He added the key challenge is not only disease, but gaps in a long-term care system that remains underdeveloped and fragmented.

BR I E F S

To address these issues, Dzulkefly outlined four strategic shifts, including a move from treatment to prevention, stronger community based care and reforms in long-term care financing. Among the proposals being considered is long term care insurance to ease financial burdens on families, ensuring seniors can access quality care without hardship. He also stressed the need to strengthen senior activity centres as integrated community hubs offering healthcare, rehabilitation, social support and digital health monitoring. In addition, he highlighted the importance of developing a “silver economy” that recognises seniors not just as dependents, but as active contributors with experience and economic potential. – Bernama

The survey highlights key systemic challenges in Malaysia, including mobility limitations, social isolation and rising financial pressures on seniors and their caregivers. Malaysia’s elderly population now stands at 4.1 million, with 18.8% living alone, almost triple the 6.3% recorded in 2018. Dzulkefly said transportation constraints are a major barrier affecting access to healthcare. He said mobility issues are not only logistical but also a critical factor shaping quality of life and safety. However, the survey also found that 61.3% of seniors living alone still report strong social support networks. On financial pressures, Dzulkefly said one in three caregivers faces a

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the survey, conducted among 7,528 respondents aged 60 and above, is the second national study focusing on elderly health following the first in 2018. He said the criteria for healthy ageing include strong social support, no cognitive limitations or depression, independence in daily activities and either no chronic diseases or well controlled conditions. “These findings underline the urgent need to strengthen public health efforts and social support systems to ensure our elderly can age healthily and with dignity,” he said at the reveal of the survey findings. Dzulkefly noted while countries such as Japan and Sweden took

In terms of mental health, 9.8% of seniors are found to have dementia, slightly higher than 8.5% in 2018, while depression rates decline to 8% from 11.2%. Physical health indicators show some improvement. Limitations in Activities of Daily Living drop to 10% from 17%, while Instrumental Activities of Daily Living limitations decrease to 27% from 33%. However, lifestyle risks remain. The survey finds 30.6% of seniors are physically inactive, while 12.8% engage in high levels of sedentary behaviour. It also shows 45% experience sarcopenia, 60% are at risk of frailty and 11% are already frail. He said the conclusion is clear: