IJN achieves global recognition as Asia’s only EAPC Sports Cardiology Centre
April 20, 2026
Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) is home to Asia’s only EAPC-accredited Sports Cardiology Center, meeting rigorous European standards in cardiovascular screening, diagnosis, and management for athletes.
Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has achieved a major international milestone with its sports cardiology service being accredited by the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) — making it the only centre in Malaysia and across the Asian region to receive this prestigious recognition.
The EAPC Centre Accreditation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous European standards in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular conditions in athletes and physically active individuals. This recognition places IJN among a highly select group of centers globally, and positions Malaysia at the forefront of specialized sports cardiology in Asia. As participation in endurance and high-intensity sports continues to rise globally, so too does the importance of specialized cardiac evaluation. International data estimates that sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes occurs in approximately 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 80,000 athletes annually, often in individuals with previously undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions. While rare, such events are high impact and underscore the importance of early detection and proper risk assessment. The rapid growth of marathons, triathlons, cycling events, and competitive fitness has driven the emergence of sports cardiology as a dedicated subspecialty, focused on ensuring safe participation and long-term cardiovascular health. This global trend is increasingly reflected in the country and the wider ASEAN region. Approximately 52% of Malaysians participate in sports, exercise, or recreational physical activity, with a growing number transitioning into higher-intensity and endurance-based activities. This shift is evident in large-scale participation events such as the Kuala Lumpur Marathon, which attracts close to 36,000 runners annually. Across ASEAN, sports participation continues to expand, supported by national policies promoting active lifestyles and increasing interest in competitive and endurance sports. However, while participation is rising, structured cardiac screening and sports-specific cardiovascular assessment remain limited, creating a critical gap in athlete health and safety. Local observations further indicate that sudden cardiac events in recreational athletes are often linked to undiagnosed heart disease, reinforcing the need for early detection and specialized care. Dato’ Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi, Head of Cardiology and Director of Sports Cardiology said this accreditation reflects IJN’s commitment to delivering care aligned with internationally benchmarked standards in sports cardiology. Being recognized as the only accredited centre in Asia underscores the level of clinical rigour, expertise, and systems we have built. He added, as more individuals engage in high-performance and endurance activities, the need for specialized cardiac assessment becomes increasingly important. Sports cardiology is not just about screening — it is about precise diagnosis, appropriate risk stratification, and guiding safe participation in sport. Our priority is to ensure that athletes can perform at their best without compromising their heart health. Professor Dato’ Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer said this recognition is not only a milestone for IJN, but also for Malaysia. Being the only EAPC-accredited Sports Cardiology centre in Asia positions IJN as a regional reference centre for athlete heart health. He added as a national heart centre, our role goes beyond delivering treatment. "We are responsible for advancing clinical capabilities, adopting international standards, and supporting the evolving needs of patients — including the growing segment of athletes and physically active individuals. In 2024, we identified the potential for sports cardiology services in Malaysia, and as the national referral center for cardiovascular care, IJN needed to embark on this journey early. This led to focused efforts in building the service — from developing clinical pathways and training our teams, to working towards recognition by leading international bodies,” he said. IJN is actively engaging with sports associations, professional teams, and fitness communities across Malaysia and the region, while also welcoming international patients seeking specialized sports cardiology care. Through structured screening programs, education initiatives, and clinical pathways, IJN aims to ensure that peak performance is achieved without compromising heart health. |
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