MALAYSIA'S HEART CENTRE LAUNCHES FIRST CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE EQUIPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- For a mere RM4,000 (US$1,168), a heart
patient can now obtain a high resolution and definition of cardiac morphology,
structure and function, thanks to a new revolutionary magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI).

The 'Magnetom Avanto', a fully-dedicated cardiac system available at the
National Heart Institute (IJN) here, is the first of its kind in South East
Asia.

IJN Chief Executive Officer Dr Robayaah Zambahari has described the
RM7 million (US$2.04 million) equipment as a revolutionary, high-end,
non-invasive diagnostic tool
which was non-radiating.

She said it was capable of giving excellent image quality, better
visualisation
of morphology, structure and functionality of the cardiovascular
system.

Between six and eight patients could use the 'Magnetom Avanto' daily, she
said, adding that todate, 50 patients had benefited from the equipment since it
began operation in the middle of last month.

"With early and accurate evaluation, appropriate and effective treatment can
be instituted, in addition to heart diseases.

"The Magnetom Avanto MRI can also be used to diagnose acute stroke, vascular
diseases, cancer and sports injuries without using X-ray," Dr Rabayaah told
reporters after its official launch by Deputy Finance Minister Dr Awang
Adek Hussin at the IJN here Thursday.

IJN, a leading cardiovascular and thoracic health centre, is a wholly-owned
company under the Ministry of Finance (MOF Inc).

Dr Awang Adek said the introduction of the 'Magnetom Avanto' MRI system
would not only create better focus in its area of expertise but also further
propel IJN to a new and exciting phase.

"This first cardiac system dedicated to heart diseases, MRI Magnetom
Avanto is the first in South East Asia. It is something to be proud of, not just
for IJN but also the government," he said in his speech.

He noted that major risk factors for heart disease include high blood
pressure, high blood cholestrol, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity and poor
nutrition.

"In 2006, heart diseases were the second leading cause of death, accounting
for 15.5 per cent of those who died in government hospitals.

"With this equipment, patient management is also further enhanced from the
time a patient is admitted, to the time he or she is discharged," said Dr Awang
Adek. (US$1=RM3.4)

-- BERNAMA