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PETALING JAYA: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and diabetes among Malaysians is leaving them at an increased risk of developing complications from Covid-19, health experts say.
Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association President Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar said Malaysians needed to re-evaluate their lifestyle as the nation had one of the highest risk factors due to the high prevalence of NCDs.
“We have a large number of people with risk factors, such as old age, obesity, and smoking. When they become infected with Covid-19, it is high risk, “he said.
Covid-19 patients with NCDs fare worse than others, with more than 85% of those who died in Malaysia with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, the Health Ministry said.
According to the World Health Organization, people with cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer also appeared to be more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill when they contracted Covid-19.
Statistics showed that 3.6 million Malaysians live with diabetes, the highest number in Asia, while 6.1 million Malaysians have hypertension.
Malaysia is also the most obese nation in Asia, with approximately half of its more than 32 million people overweight or obese.
Last year, the heart attack remained the number one killer in Malaysia for the fourteenth consecutive year, with 50 people dying daily of ischemic heart disease.
Dr. Zainal cited calorie-laden meals and sedentary lifestyles as contributing factors to Malaysia’s NCD burden.
“The Ministry of Health has carried out investigations for more than 20 years and little by little we are starting
to see some changes in terms of lifestyle and diet, but not in terms
of chronic diseases, “said Dr. Zainal.
He added that even those in their 20s and 30s now exhibited obesity and NCDs.
He advised Malaysians to take the Movement Control Order (OLS) period as an opportunity to review their diet, control their weight, and increase physical activity.
Dr. N. Ganabaskaran, president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), said the Covid-19 pandemic could be seen as a wake-up call for those with chronic conditions.
“Malaysians are also neglecting scheduled medical check-ups. This is evident by the number of health problems that are diagnosed late, “he said.
He added that the number of people using the Health Assessment Program of the Social Security Organization (Sosco) and the PeKa B40 Scheme remained low, even when those assessments were free.
“MMA is also concerned that, according to the MCO, decreased physical activity from staying home may increase the risk of people with hypertension, heart disease, stroke and affect mental health.
“We urge the public to stay active with light activity or exercise, avoid processed foods and get some sunlight,” he added.
General practitioner Dr. Lee Chee Wan agreed, saying Malaysians should adopt healthier lifestyles.
“People of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at increased risk for serious Covid-19 disease,” said Dr. Lee.
He recommended sunlight and physical activities for people to stay healthy during OLS.
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