On 25th April 2026, Northern Heart Hospital Penang brought together general practitioners, healthcare professionals, and clinical experts for an evening centred on one critical message — an irregular heartbeat should never be ignored.
Held at Ascott Gurney Penang, the session “Multidisciplinary Approach to Atrial Fibrillation (AF): When to Treat, When to Refer in Primary Care” marked more than just a knowledge-sharing event. It was the official launch of the AF & Arrhythmia Clinic — a dedicated, multidisciplinary service designed to diagnose, treat, and manage heart rhythm disorders through a coordinated and patient-centred approach.
Why This Matters: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Is Common, But Often Missed
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of heart rhythm disorder, yet many patients remain undiagnosed until complications arise.
An irregular heartbeat may seem harmless at first. But untreated AF significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious cardiovascular conditions.
“An irregular heartbeat is not something to ignore. Many people think it’s just stress or fatigue — but it could be a sign of atrial fibrillation, a condition that significantly increases the risk of stroke.” — Dr Tuan Jiun Haur
What makes AF even more concerning is that some patients experience no symptoms at all — until a major event happens.
This silent nature is what makes awareness so critical.
Through expert-led sessions, attendees gained practical insights into:
- Early detection of atrial fibrillation symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and breathlessness
- Understanding AF risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease
- When to treat in primary care, and when to refer to a cardiologist in Penang
- How a multidisciplinary AF clinic improves long-term patient outcomes
Building Knowledge First: CME Sessions for Primary Care
The event began with a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session, setting a strong clinical foundation for general practitioners — who are often the first line in detecting atrial fibrillation.
Dr Tuan Jiun Haur, Consultant Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, opened the session with “Atrial Fibrillation: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Management.”
He highlighted the evolving landscape of AF care — from early detection strategies to modern treatment approaches — reinforcing the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention to reduce stroke risk and long-term complications.
This was followed by a second CME session by Dr Michelle Kao, Consultant Nephrologist & General Physician, titled “Risk Factors and Comorbidities in Atrial Fibrillation: A Cardiorenal Perspective.”
Her session brought a deeper dimension to AF management, emphasising how conditions such as kidney disease, hypertension, and metabolic disorders are closely linked to atrial fibrillation — and why managing these comorbidities is essential for better patient outcomes.
The CME sessions concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where attending GPs had the opportunity to raise real-world clinical scenarios, clarify uncertainties, and engage directly with the specialists.
This open discussion allowed for deeper understanding, practical takeaways, and meaningful exchange — bridging knowledge from theory into day-to-day clinical practice.
Together, these sessions emphasised a key takeaway:
effective AF management starts with early recognition, comprehensive assessment, and timely referral.
A Defining Moment: The Official Launch of the AF & Arrhythmia Clinic
The event transitioned into the official launch. CEO Ms Kelen Leong and Dr Tuan Jiun Haur were invited to place their hands on a digital screen, triggering a heart beating. The heart beat began fast — reflecting atrial fibrillation. Then slowly the rhythm stabilised. Returning to a normal sinus rhythm.
A simple yet powerful representation of how early AF treatment and specialist care can restore heart rhythm and reduce complications.
This was followed by a short video highlighting the AF patient journey — from symptom detection and diagnosis, to treatment and long-term management at Northern Heart Hospital Penang. View full video here.
Inside the AF & Arrhythmia Clinic in Penang
The newly launched clinic provides comprehensive care for patients with atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, including:
- Heart rhythm monitoring and diagnostic testing
- Specialist consultation with cardiologists and electrophysiologists
- Management of underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease
- Long-term follow-up and lifestyle optimisation
This multidisciplinary heart care approach ensures patients receive accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, and continuous care — all in one place.
How Our Multidisciplinary Team Supports Patients
Following the launch, a multidisciplinary sharing session highlighted how each team member plays a role in managing atrial fibrillation (AF) — beyond just treating the heartbeat.
The electrophysiologist leads in diagnosing and managing heart rhythm disorders, determining the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient.
The AF nurse acts as a key coordinator, guiding patients through their care journey, ensuring follow-ups, and helping them understand and manage their condition.
The pharmacist supports safe and effective treatment, especially in managing medications like anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk.
The dietitian focuses on lifestyle and nutrition, helping patients manage underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol — all of which can impact AF.
The rehabilitation team plays an important role in long-term recovery, supporting patients to improve cardiovascular health, regain confidence, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Together, this multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive coordinated, holistic care — from diagnosis to long-term management.
A Meaningful Launch, A Stronger Mission Ahead
The AF and Arrhythmia Clinic launch concluded with a full house, a committed crowd, and an overwhelming sense of purpose.
At Northern Heart Hospital Penang, Restoring Rhythm of Life is not just a tagline, it is our daily commitment. As the only purpose-built cardiac and vascular specialist hospital in the Northern Region, we remain dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and offering advanced vascular care.
If you’re experiencing irregular heart rhythm or related symptoms, don’t wait. Book a consultation with our AF & Arrhythmia Clinic and get the right care at the right time.
More to Come in 2026
The “AF and Arrhythmia” launch is just the beginning. In 2026, Northern Heart Hospital Penang will continue to bring more community events, health screenings, and educational programmes to the public.
Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates, and be part of our ongoing journey to restore the rhythm of life.
