In Brunei Darussalam, cardiovascular disease has claimed the top spot as the leading cause of death in 2023, with a troubling toll of 520 lives lost—31 per cent of which were classified as premature deaths. Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Md Isham bin Hj Jaafar highlighted these figures during the opening of the 11th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Cardiac Society of Brunei Darussalam on Sunday.
“There were more than 13,000 cases diagnosed to be cardiovascular related last year,” he added.
Last year, a total of 1,241 angiographic studies and 621 coronary interventions were conducted, along with 171 surgical procedures, predominantly coronary artery bypass graft surgeries, at Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre – the sole tertiary cardiac centre in Brunei offering specialised cardiac treatment.
The Minister added that the steady increase in cardiovascular disease cases, particularly among younger age groups, is raising alarm due to the economic and social pressures it places on society. In 2023, the median age of patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease was recorded at 62.
“It is important to recognise various risk factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases, including behavioural factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy dietary practices involving excessive fat and salt consumption, and sedentary lifestyles,” said the Minister.
Other risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and diabetes – all of which are preventable or manageable when detected early.
The Minister has reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to tackling heart disease, a key priority in the nation’s health strategy on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“The government, through the Ministry of Health, continues to place a strong emphasis on non-communicable diseases, and heart disease is one of the key focus areas in our national strategy,” said the Minister.
Highlighting the importance of early detection, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Md Isham pointed to initiatives such as the ‘Health Index and Risk Assessment’, which encourages Bruneians to assess their health status and undergo screenings.
“Early detection through health screenings facilitates timely treatment and helps prevent related complications,” he noted.
By using the BruHealth app, users can estimate their cardiovascular risk profile and receive guidance on preventive actions. Additionally, anonymised data gathered through this platform aids research, refining risk assessments and enhancing prevention strategies.
Brunei’s dedication to reducing NCD-related mortality is also reflected in the Brunei Darussalam Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (BruMAP-NCD) 2021-2025.
This action plan targets a 10 per cent reduction in premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases by 2025.
Despite these strides, the demand for cardiology services remains high, with Brunei facing a shortage of specialists.
“The ratio of cardiologists to the population currently stands at approximately 1 per 37,500 people,” the Minister stated, comparing it to the United Kingdom’s ratio of 1 per 33,000 but highlighting the disparity with countries like the United States, which boasts a ratio of 1 per 7,000.
Addressing this, he encouraged local doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to pursue specialised training in cardiology to meet the rising demand.
In support of this, the Ministry of Health is investing in continued medical education and access to international training programmes for healthcare professionals.
“We must build a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to manage the growing burden of heart disease,” the Minister stressed, emphasising the importance of a skilled and well-trained workforce.
The Minister also applauded the Cardiac Society for organising the meeting, calling it essential for exchanging expertise and inspiring further advancements in cardiovascular care.
“Meetings like this are crucial in shaping the future of heart care in Brunei,” he said, wishing the participants success in their discussions and research endeavours. – James Kon
