More than 1,000 people participated in a heart health event organized by Northern Heart Hospital Penang at Gurney Plaza, Penang, on Saturday in observance of World Heart Day. The event, dubbed "Heartchella 2026," combined health screenings, fitness activities, technology demonstrations, and educational sessions to promote cardiovascular wellness in an engaging community setting.
Attendees began by undergoing basic health checks, including blood pressure measurements, glucose testing, and finger electrocardiogram (ECG) assessments to monitor heart rhythm. An artificial intelligence-based tool was also available to help participants evaluate their individual heart risk profiles. The event featured instructional stations where visitors could learn lifesaving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED).
Fitness opportunities included personalized exercise advice tailored to participants' health statuses, followed by participation in Body Combat workout sessions and a Bike Challenge that allowed participants to monitor their heart rhythms while cycling. Visitors who completed various activities collected stamps to enter a lucky draw, adding a recreational element to the health-focused event.
Penang Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen emphasized the importance of routine health monitoring, noting that people often prioritize vehicle maintenance over regular health check-ups. “By right, our health and wellness is more precious compared to our personal vehicles,” he said. Gooi highlighted the need for early detection of heart-related risks, which can remain unnoticed until symptoms appear, underscoring the event’s goal to make prevention accessible and meaningful for the community.
Northern Heart Hospital chief executive officer Keleen Leong explained that the event’s name, "Heartchella," stems from a local phrase meaning "heart check la!" and reflects the hospital’s effort to blend health education with fitness, technology, and entertainment. Dr. Tan Chiang Soo, the hospital’s person-in-charge for the event, said the initiative aimed to encourage individuals to recognize potential heart issues and seek medical advice earlier.
The event also showcased the hospital’s ongoing Heartbeats of Penang corporate social responsibility program, which provides free percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatments to eligible low-income patients. Since its inception two years ago, the program has supported five patients this year alone. One beneficiary, 38-year-old IT technician Md Azan Yusrie Md Yusof from Bayan Baru, underwent PCI treatment last month after being diagnosed with 80% to 90% blockage in multiple blood vessels. Md Azan expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the treatment, which would have cost between RM70,000 and RM80,000, was beyond his means.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Bukit Bendera Member of Parliament Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Penang Hospital director Dr. Goh Hin Kwang, and Seberang Jaya Hospital director Dr. Shameni Sunasundram. Organizers expressed hope that Heartchella 2026 would foster greater awareness and proactive management of heart health across the region.