Saint James invests in new Cardiac Suite amid rising demand for heart care

If you think heart disease is only something to worry about in your silver years, think again. Cardiac issues are becoming an increasingly common reality among young adults, with specialists warning that prevention and early detection are more important than ever.

Matthew Balbi, a specialist interventional cardiologist, says doctors are witnessing a notable upward trend in cardiovascular disease among young people.

This, he explains, is often driven by lifestyle-related risk factors such as stress, obesity, diabetes, smoking, sedentary habits, and high stress levels.

Heart disease remains Malta’s leading cause of death and Dr Balbi says he sees a high volume of patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, and structural heart conditions.

Building heart health in your 30s is a critical long-term investment, he advises. Small, consistent habits at this age, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, prioritising sleep, and managing stress, can all prevent plaque buildup and significantly reduce your lifetime risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It’s not all sombre news, and there have been encouraging signs over the years. Dr Balbi says more patients are now proactively seeking cardiac screening and preventative care.

“There is growing public awareness around heart health, early detection, and risk-factor management,” he says, following the opening of the Saint James Hospital’s new Cardiac Suite in Żejtun.

“This new facility will be the gold standard for invasive treatment and diagnostic procedures locally. It will elevate private cardiac care in Malta to an entirely new level. Patients will have access to a comprehensive cardiac service in a dedicated environment, equipped with advanced imaging and interventional capabilities.

“It will allow us to provide a more complete patient journey – from assessment and diagnosis to intervention and follow-up – within one institution. Importantly, it also improves accessibility and reduces waiting times for many cardiac investigations and procedures,” he says.

Dr Balbi adds that the private sector can now play a much larger role in delivering high-quality cardiovascular care alongside the national healthcare system.

Saint James Hospital’s CEO Jean Claude Muscat amplifies this point and says the investment of €1.4 million will play a complementary role in the overall context of the Maltese national healthcare service, both directly and indirectly.

“Given the high incidence of cardiac-related conditions in Malta, we are expecting significant demand for cardiac diagnostic investigations and interventions at the Saint James Cardiac Suite,” Mr Muscat says.

“These complex interventions, which will be performed by some of Malta's leading cardiac specialists, will automatically lead to a reduced load on the State’s cardiac unit.

“And, should the government choose to use our services, Saint James will play a more direct role in helping to manage the high demand and reduce pressure on the State system for such highly specialised interventions using the latest technology… We believe this is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable healthcare system for the Maltese islands."

This will be a game changer, because until now, certain cardiac procedures could only be carried out at Mater Dei Hospital.

“With the opening of an interventional cardiology suite at Saint James we will now be able to treat cardiac conditions as well. A patient who has had a heart attack will be diagnosed, investigated, and treated, all onsite and within a very short time from presenting at our Emergency Department.

“This is a major development for Maltese private healthcare, and positions Saint James as a reliable option for patients seeking medical attention for more complex conditions in a private hospital,” Mr Muscat says, adding that Saint James Hospital delivers an average of 600,000 medical services each year.

For Dr Balbi, the new suite is not only about advanced technology, but also about creating a more patient-centred experience at what is often a vulnerable and stressful time.

“Cardiac investigations can be understandably stressful, so having consultations, diagnostics, procedures, and recovery coordinated within one location reduces uncertainty and fragmentation of care. The ability to choose your consultant also strengthens the doctor-patient relationship and continuity of care.”

As heart disease continues to affect patients at increasingly younger ages, the message from specialists is clear: prevention, early detection and timely treatment can make all the difference.