The situation of patients with coronary artery disease in Thailand is a matter of concern. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health, an average of approximately 58,681 people die annually from cardiovascular diseases, or about 7 people per hour, and this mortality rate tends to increase every year. The main risk factors for this disease arise from lifestyle behaviors that have changed over time, such as consuming unhealthy foods high in fat and sodium, lack of exercise, high stress levels, regular smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. All of these contribute to coronary artery disease, leading to heart failure and other heart conditions that require hospital treatment.
What symptoms indicate a risk of coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease often shows no symptoms, making it a silent threat hidden in the body. Symptoms appear when the coronary arteries narrow enough to affect blood flow to the heart muscle. Key symptoms include:
- Chest pain usually occurs during exertion or stress and may feel like tightness or pain in the center of the chest, radiating to the left arm, neck, or jaw.
- Easy fatigue patients may feel tired or fatigued even with light activities.
- Palpitations and sweating some may experience abnormal palpitations or excessive sweating.
- Fainting or loss of consciousness in severe cases, fainting or cardiac arrest may occur.
These symptoms indicate ischemic heart disease, which can lead to acute myocardial ischemia. If you experience these symptoms, you should promptly see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment options for coronary artery disease
There are several treatment options for coronary artery disease. If detected early, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes combined with medication. If symptoms do not improve, interventional or surgical treatments may be considered.
Lifestyle changes
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- Eat a healthy diet, such as reducing trans fats and sodium intake
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
- Manage stress
Medication
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- Medications to control blood lipid levels
- Blood pressure-lowering drugs
- Antiplatelet drugs to prevent blood clots from blocking coronary arteries
Interventional or surgical treatment
In cases of severe coronary artery disease that cannot be controlled by lifestyle changes or medication, interventional or surgical treatment may be considered.
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- Cardiac Catheterization is a procedure using a catheter with a balloon at the tip inserted into the narrowed artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, improving blood flow. A stent, a metal mesh, may be placed to support the artery walls and keep them open.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is open-chest surgery to create a new pathway for blood flow to the heart by using blood vessels from other parts of the body, such as the leg or chest arteries, to bypass the blocked coronary artery and improve blood circulation.
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the location and length of the narrowed artery, and the patient’s overall condition. The doctor will evaluate and recommend the most appropriate treatment method for the patient.
Heart disease can be prevented early by undergoing annual health check-ups to screen for heart disease risk. If you experience abnormal symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or easy fatigue, you should consult a cardiologist immediately for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Phyathai Nawamin Hospital is equipped with specialized medical teams and modern medical equipment, including Bi-plane DSA technology, which can treat coronary artery disease without surgery. This technology allows doctors to clearly see the blood vessels, increasing accuracy and treatment effectiveness. We are ready to fully care for your heart health to ensure you have good health and are safe from heart disease.
