As we age, organs that have been in use for a long time naturally deteriorate. The lifestyle and work stress of modern people further increase the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, especially coronary artery disease, which often shows severe symptoms or may cause sudden heart failure without any warning signs.
Young or old… both are at risk of heart disease
For those aged 40 and above, vascular degeneration due to aging increases the risk of ischemic heart disease caused by coronary artery stenosis or blockage (Coronary Artery Disease). For younger people, although the risk of coronary artery disease is lower, there is still a risk of cardiac arrhythmia that must be watched for, especially in those with risky behaviors such as heavy smoking, regular tea or coffee consumption, and high stress levels.
Warning signs of… coronary artery disease
If you experience chest tightness as if something is pressing down, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or frequent fainting, these may be warning signs of coronary artery disease that require prompt examination for timely treatment and to reduce the risk of sudden heart failure.
Who should have a heart health check…?
- People aged 20 and above who have risk factors such as high cholesterol levels, high blood lipids, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, overweight, obesity, and lack of exercise, as well as those with other heart health problems.
- Those with complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
- Those with a family history of coronary artery disease or other heart diseases.
- Those with risky behaviors for coronary artery disease, such as heavy smoking, high-stress work, insufficient rest, poor sleep quality, and lack of exercise.
What is a heart health check using CTA…?
CTA (Computed Tomography Angiography) is a high-precision CT scan technology used for initial screening and prevention of heart and vascular diseases. Previously, CTA was commonly used to evaluate patients who had undergone coronary artery surgery, bypass surgery, coronary balloon angioplasty (Post Coronary Bypass Graft), and to detect congenital coronary artery abnormalities (Coronary Anomalies). CTA provides a 3D image of the coronary arteries, the characteristics of each bypass, the location of abnormal coronary arteries, and any stents placed, making it highly useful.
For heart disease screening, doctors usually combine CTA with a high-frequency ultrasound heart test called Echo (Echocardiogram). If the Echo results show abnormalities, doctors often recommend further heart examination using CTA to confirm blood flow characteristics, leakage locations, or other abnormalities. This helps determine whether there is coronary artery stenosis or blockage and its exact location in the heart.
How to perform a heart examination using CTA
Before performing a CTA heart examination, doctors will thoroughly assess the patient’s health, including allergy history and laboratory blood test analysis, to decide whether CTA is appropriate.
CTA is a simple, fast, and safe procedure. The doctor will inject a contrast agent into a vein before performing a CT scan. Afterward, the patient will rest for 1-2 hours and does not need to be hospitalized.
Heart examinations… should not wait for symptoms. The Heart Center at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital has specialized doctors in various heart and vascular disease fields who can examine and treat both children and adults. There is also a multidisciplinary team, including nurses experienced in caring for heart disease patients.
Dr. Chayut Chewapruk
Cardiologist
Heart Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
