Perki Remembers Dangers Of Heart Disease, Early Detection Can Save Lives

Perki Chair Dr. Ade Meidian Ambari (two from the right) accompanied by the Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi (two from the left) provided information to the media during the 2025 WHD event in Serpong Tangerang, Sunday (28/9/2025). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Public awareness of the dangers of heart disease is increasing, but many still do not understand the importance of prevention from an early age. In fact, cardiovascular disease is still the largest cause of death in the world.

An unhealthy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and low early detection often leave early symptoms ignored, leading to more serious conditions.

The Association of Indonesian Cardiovascular Specialists (Perki) also reminded the public to care more about heart health with simple steps such as routine examinations, controlling risk factors, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

"Don't ignore the symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or swollen legs. Perki invites people to detect early, control risk factors, and maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Perki Chair Dr. Ade Meidian Ambari at the 2025 World Heart Day (WHD) event in Serpong, Tangerang, as quoted by ANTARA.

He added that Indonesia now has technological advances and a world-recognized heart disease management system through collaboration with various institutions in America, Europe, and Asia. Perki, he continued, is committed to strengthening the management of acute heart attacks so that patients get quick and proper help.

Based on data from the World Heart Federation (WHF), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the main cause of death with more than 20.5 million people dying in 2021. This figure is an increase of 60 percent compared to 1990.

"About 85 percent of these deaths were caused by heart attacks and strokes," he said.

Perki also noted that the burden of financing heart disease in Indonesia continues to increase. In 2024, BPJS Kesehatan claims for the treatment of heart disease reached IDR 19 trillion with 22.5 million cases, a significant increase compared to the previous year of IDR 12.5 trillion.

"This figure confirms the high need for prevention and early detection in the community," he said.

The same thing was conveyed by the Director of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi. He said that claims for payment of heart disease from year to year continued to increase, along with the increasing number of cases found and medical actions taken.

"In 2021, we recorded a number of claims for heart disease of Rp. 8.6 trillion. But last year it has reached Rp. 19 trillion. For this year, we continue to provide education in handling heart disease," he said.

As a form of dedication and education, cardiac practitioners throughout Indonesia will hold various activities throughout September 2025. This action involves the general public, health workers, the sports community, educational institutions, and policy makers to jointly reduce the death rate due to heart disease.

"We invite the active role of the community and government support in reducing the burden of Indonesia's heart disease," he said.