More than 1,000 visitors turned a heart health campaign into a day of checking, learning, moving and fun at Heartchella 2026, held at the Gurney Plaza alfresco area in Penang. Northern Heart Hospital Penang organised the event in conjunction with World Heart Day, bringing health checks, technology, fitness activities and practical lessons together in one relaxed setting, The Star reported.
Visitors began with blood pressure checks, glucose tests and heart rhythm screening through finger electrocardiogram (ECG) tests. An artificial intelligence-based heart risk assessment then showed them where they stood on cardiovascular risk before they moved on to the rest of the day.
A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) hub carried the lifesaving skills sessions. Those who wanted to stay active received personalised exercise advice based on their health, then put it into practice through Body Combat workout sessions or the Bike Challenge, where participants rode while their heart rhythm was monitored.
The programme also carried mass CPR and AED training and mass Body Combat sessions, each built for more than 100 participants, alongside exhibits of medical technology and an appearance by the event mascot, Jimmy Jantung. Visitors collected stamps as they completed activities and entered a lucky draw for prizes, keeping the health-focused day light.
Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Penang’s health committee chairman, said people were generally more willing to send their cars for routine maintenance than to have their own health checked. “We are able to schedule an appointment to send our car for routine maintenance. But unfortunately, we don’t do the same for our own body and our own health. By right, our health and wellness is more precious compared to our personal vehicles,” he said. Gooi added that many risks could go unnoticed until it was too late.
Northern Heart Hospital chief executive officer Kelen Leong said the name Heartchella came from the local phrase “heart check la!”, reflecting the hospital’s aim of combining health education with fitness, technology and entertainment. The Penang state government’s official media Buletin Mutiara noted that the organisers framed the campaign around four pillars: Check, Learn, Move and Enjoy.
Northern Heart Hospital person-in-charge Dr Tan Chiang Soo said the event aimed to help people understand their heart risks and take action earlier. “From a doctor’s perspective, there is one message I hope everyone remembers today: Do not wait for symptoms before you start thinking about your heart,” he said.
The event also carried the hospital’s Heartbeats of Penang corporate social responsibility initiative, which provides free percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment to eligible B40 patients. Five patients have received free PCI under the programme this year, its second year, Dr Tan said.
One of them, IT technician Md Azan Yusrie Md Yusof, 38, of Bayan Baru, was found to have an 80% to 90% blockage in three of his blood vessels after heart problems developed in October last year. “The PCI treatment would have cost RM70,000 to RM80,000, which I could not afford. I am very grateful for the free treatment by Northern Heart Hospital,” he said. Md Azan, who received the treatment last month, is back to his normal routine but continues to monitor his health and diet.
Also present at the event were Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Penang Hospital director Dr Goh Hin Kwang and Seberang Jaya Hospital director Dr Shameni Sunasundram.
