KUALA LUMPUR, 17 JULY — Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has achieved a significant international milestone after receiving Centre Accreditation for Cardiovascular Risk Management and Prevention from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), becoming the first centre in Asia to receive the prestigious recognition. The achievement places IJN among a select group of internationally recognised institutions that have demonstrated excellence in providing comprehensive, evidence-based preventive cardiovascular care in line with rigorous European standards.

The EAPC accreditation is recognised as a mark of excellence for institutions with strong multidisciplinary expertise, effective clinical governance, high standards of patient care and a sustained commitment to continuous improvement in cardiovascular disease prevention. The recognition highlights IJN’s dedication to delivering world-class preventive cardiology services while reinforcing its position as a regional leader in cardiovascular risk management and prevention.

The accreditation also supports the vision of IJN’s Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic (CRRC), which regards preventive cardiology as the future of cardiovascular care. As cardiovascular disease continues to be influenced by modifiable risk factors, the recognition validates the CRRC’s comprehensive approach to early cardiovascular risk assessment, targeted risk-factor management, patient education, lifestyle intervention and long-term preventive care.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Azhari Rosman, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Director of the Customer Experience Department at IJN, who leads the CRRC, said cardiovascular disease often develops gradually, with various risk factors accumulating long before symptoms become apparent. He emphasised that preventive cardiology enables healthcare professionals to identify and address these risks early, before patients experience serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes.

At the CRRC, patients receive personalised care plans based on their medical conditions, lifestyles and overall cardiovascular risk profiles. The multidisciplinary approach is designed to provide patients with comprehensive support while helping them make sustainable changes to improve their long-term heart health. The EAPC accreditation further validates this model of care as being evidence-based, multidisciplinary and aligned with internationally recognised standards.

Preventive cardiology plays an important role in reducing the overall burden of cardiovascular disease by focusing on early detection, individualised risk assessment, lifestyle changes and effective management of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. It also supports individuals who have already experienced cardiovascular events by helping reduce the risk of recurrence through structured secondary prevention programmes and long-term follow-up.

At IJN, preventive cardiovascular care involves close collaboration among cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists and other allied health professionals. This integrated approach enables patients to receive coordinated support in areas such as medication management, nutrition, physical activity, weight management and sustainable lifestyle changes, helping them take a more active role in managing their cardiovascular health.

Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer of IJN, described the accreditation as another major international recognition of the institution’s commitment to comprehensive cardiovascular care. He said becoming the first centre in Asia to receive the accreditation is a significant achievement for both IJN and Malaysia, reflecting the dedication of its multidisciplinary teams to delivering preventive cardiovascular care of the highest standards.

He added that IJN’s responsibility extends beyond treating existing heart disease, with equal emphasis placed on identifying cardiovascular risks at an early stage, preventing future complications and empowering patients to take greater control of their heart health throughout their lives.

Beyond patient care, the accreditation is expected to further strengthen IJN’s role in education and professional capacity building. As the national training hub for Ministry of Health Family Medicine Specialists in cardiovascular disease prevention, the CRRC will continue to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement evidence-based preventive strategies across Malaysia.

The international recognition also creates opportunities for greater collaboration, research and professional development with leading cardiovascular institutions around the world. It further strengthens IJN’s clinical and educational capabilities in preventive cardiology while supporting efforts to shift the focus of cardiovascular healthcare from treating established disease towards earlier intervention and prevention.

Datuk Dr. Shaiful Azmi Yahaya, Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Consultant Cardiologist at IJN, said the accreditation affirms that the institution’s approach to cardiovascular risk management and prevention meets internationally recognised standards. Supported by evidence-based practices and multidisciplinary expertise, the achievement highlights the importance of early intervention in reducing the long-term impact of cardiovascular disease.

For patients, the accreditation offers greater confidence that they are receiving cardiovascular care aligned with international best practices, from early identification of risk factors to strategies aimed at preventing future cardiovascular events. With its position as Asia’s first and only EAPC-accredited preventive cardiology centre, IJN is further strengthening Malaysia’s standing as a regional leader in cardiovascular disease prevention.

The milestone also reflects the growing importance of preventive healthcare in addressing cardiovascular disease, which remains a major health challenge worldwide. By combining early risk assessment, personalised care, multidisciplinary expertise and long-term patient support, IJN continues to advance its mission of improving cardiovascular health outcomes and helping individuals lead healthier lives.