Did you know? 7 Thai people die from cardiovascular diseases every hour! According to the Ministry of Public Health, 58,681 Thai people die from heart and vascular diseases annually, averaging 7 deaths per hour. These conditions affect all age groups but are more common in men, especially those aged 40+. Heart diseases often strike suddenly, making regular heart screenings critical to early detection, prevention, and timely treatment.

Types of Heart Disease

1. Heart failure

2. Arrhythmia

3. Coronary artery disease

4. Valvular heart disease

5. Myocardial and pericardial diseases

6. Congenital heart defects

The most common is coronary artery disease (CAD), caused by fatty plaque buildup in artery walls, narrowing blood flow to the heart. This reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery, eventually leading to blocked arteries.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

1. Age: Increased risk of arterial damage, blockages, and weakened heart muscle with age.

2. Gender: Men are generally at higher risk, but women’s risk rises post-menopause.

3. Genetics: Family history of heart disease, especially if parents developed it young.

4. Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels; carbon monoxide damages artery linings.

5. Diet: High saturated/trans fats, salt, sugar, and cholesterol.

6. Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure hardens/thickens arteries.

7. High cholesterol: Elevated LDL (“bad” cholesterol) increases CAD risk.

8. Diabetes: Raises heart disease risk.

9. Obesity: Linked to diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

10. Sedentary lifestyle: Contributes to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

11. Stress: Activates the autonomic nervous system, straining the heart.

Early Detection Methods

Heart disease can be detected early through screenings such as:

1. Electrocardiography (EKG)

• Purpose: Detects heart’s electrical activity to diagnose conditions like myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, or chest pain causes.

• Procedure: Electrodes placed on the chest, arms, and legs record heart rhythms on paper. Takes <15 minutes.

• Ideal for: Ages 40+, those with risk factors (high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes) or symptoms (palpitations, chest pain, fatigue).

• Limitations: May miss abnormalities if the heart is not under stress.

2. Exercise Stress Test (EST)

• Purpose: Evaluates heart function during physical exertion (e.g., treadmill walking) to detect hidden coronary issues.

• Procedure: 10–15 minutes of walking/running on a treadmill.

• Ideal for: Ages 40+, those with exertion-related chest pain or shortness of breath.

• Limitations: Not suitable for individuals with joint/bone issues; does not visualize heart structure.

3. Echocardiogram (Echo)

• Purpose: Uses ultrasound to assess heart structure, function, blood flow, valve activity, and muscle contraction.

• Procedure: Gel-applied probe moved over the chest to generate real-time images. Takes ~15 minutes.

• Ideal for: Patients with swelling, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, or heart disease risk.

• Limitations: Does not visualize coronary arteries.

Act Early: Reduce Risk

Early screening saves lives. Detect abnormalities promptly to prevent or treat heart disease effectively.