Heart Disease in Indonesia: What You Need to Know & How to Stay Healthy

Heart disease (also called cardiovascular disease) is a serious health problem in Indonesia and around the world. It includes conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and blocked blood vessels.

These diseases are now the leading cause of death in Indonesia.

Why is Heart Disease a Big Problem in Indonesia?

• Stroke is the #1 cause of death (19.4% of all deaths).  
• Heart attacks (ischemic heart disease) cause 14.4% of deaths.  
• Together, these two conditions are responsible for more than 1 in 3 deaths in Indonesia.  
• Men are at higher risk due to smoking and untreated high blood pressure.  
• Women often have high cholesterol, which increases their risk.  
• Many people don't realize they have heart disease until it's too late.

What Causes Heart Disease?

The main risk factors in Indonesia include:

1. High blood pressure (1 in 3 adults has it)  
2. High cholesterol
3. Diabetes (nearly 10% of Indonesians have it)  
4. Smoking (over 60% of Indonesian men smoke)  
5. Unhealthy diet (too much salt, sugar, and fried foods)  
6. Lack of exercise
7. Obesity (28% of adults are overweight)  
8. Stress and poor sleep

How Can We Prevent Heart Disease?

The Indonesian government promotes CERDIK, a simple way to stay healthy:

• C (Cek Kesehatan Secara Berkala): Check your health regularly (blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol)  
• E (Enyahkan Asap Rokok): Eliminate smoking (the biggest preventable risk)  
• R (Rajin Aktivitas Fisik)(: Routine exercise (at least 30 minutes a day)  
• D (Diet Sehat dan Seimbang): Diet improvement (eat more vegetables, fruits, and less salt/sugar)  
• I (Istirahat Cukup): Get enough sleep
• K (Kelola Stres): Manage stress and mental health

What is the Government Doing?

1. GERMAS (Gerakan Masyarakat Hidup Sehat or Healthy Living Movement) encourages exercise and early health checks.  
2. Free screenings at local health centers (Puskesmas) for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.  
3. Awareness campaigns to help people detect heart disease early.

How Can You Protect Your Heart?

• Get checked: Visit a clinic for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes tests.  
• Eat healthy: More vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; less fried and salty food.  
• Stay active: Walk, exercise, or do light activities daily.  
• Quit smoking: It's the best thing you can do for your heart.  
• Manage stress: Relax, sleep well, and avoid too much stress.

Where to Get Heart Care in Indonesia?

For the first time, international heart specialists (including Japanese doctors) are working in Indonesia to provide advanced heart care. Bali International Hospital offers expert heart check-ups and treatment.

Don't wait for symptoms; early detection saves lives. Book a heart check-up today to protect your health.

(Source: Ministry of Health, Global Burden of Disease Study, and Health Surveys)