Lack of awareness in vascular diseases pose challenges, says surgeon

11 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: One of the greatest challenges of Vascular surgical services is the lack of awareness of vascular diseases.

A vascular surgeon Datuk Dr Benjamin Leong said that lack of awareness was not only among the public, but also among health care workers.

“Late presentation of the patients with vascular diseases and, as well as, late referrals from our colleague, are, sadly, not uncommon.

“Much effort is needed, indeed, to improve the awareness so that we can treat our patients earlier and more effectively,” said the organising chairman for the 3rd Borneo Vascular Conference held at a hotel here.

Vascular diseases, which encompass disorders of the arteries, veins, and capillaries, have become a growing public health concern in Malaysia.

These conditions — including peripheral artery disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis, and atherosclerosis — disrupt blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and limb amputations.

Often linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, vascular diseases represent both a medical and economic burden.

The World Health Organization estimates that Malaysia spends more than RM9.6 billion annually managing cardiovascular and related diseases — a figure expected to rise as the population ages and lifestyles become more sedentary.

Recent national data reveal the gravity of the situation.

Cardiovascular diseases account for about 23 percent of all deaths in Malaysia, with ischaemic heart disease alone responsible for over 16 percent.

A 2023 study found that 21.4 percent of Malaysians aged 30 and above — roughly 3.6 million people — are at high 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease, while one in three adults has high cholesterol.

Peripheral artery disease, a form of vascular disease that limits blood flow to the limbs, affects as many as 23 percent of high-risk urban patients and 16 percent of those with diabetes.

These statistics paint a stark picture of a population where vascular health risks are pervasive yet often underdiagnosed.

Dr Leong said that the recently concluded Vascular Awareness Month of September with nationwide activities, including television and radio interviews, hospital based activities and workshops for health care providers regarding vascular diseases were held, with the hope of having more people looking after their wellbeing.

Present to open the conference was Sabah interim Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

The event was attended by more than 300 people.