Check for Heart Disease and Vascular Risks
Enjoying good food can bring happiness, but it may come at the cost of your health—especially your heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. An imbalanced diet combined with being overweight accelerates atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in artery walls. This narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. When the heart doesn’t get enough blood, it can lead to ischemic heart disease.
Understanding your risk and recognizing potential heart disease symptoms is crucial. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent the condition from becoming life-threatening.
What Are the Warning Signs of Coronary Artery Disease?
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common warning signs include:
– Chest pain or pressure in the center of the chest that may radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms.
– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, even during mild activity.
– Unusual fatigue or unexplained tiredness.
– Other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or excessive sweating.
Common Types of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease includes a range of conditions, each with distinct heart disease symptoms. The most common and foundational conditions include:
Coronary Artery Stenosis
This condition occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, impeding blood flow. This limits oxygen supply to the heart muscle and can cause chest pain or even lead to heart attacks.
Acute Myocardial Infarction
This emergency occurs when a blood clot or fat completely blocks an artery, cutting off blood and oxygen to the heart, resulting in rapid tissue death. Immediate medical treatment is essential.
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
The main cause is atherosclerosis. Risk factors include both controllable and uncontrollable elements:
Controllable Risk Factors
– Smoking: Chemicals in cigarettes damage arteries and accelerate plaque buildup.
– High blood pressure: Damages and weakens artery walls.
– High cholesterol: Especially LDL (bad cholesterol) promotes plaque accumulation.
– Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels.
– Lack of exercise and obesity: Increases risk for hypertension and diabetes.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
– Family history: Having immediate family members with heart disease raises your risk.
– Age: Risk increases with age.
– Gender: Men are more likely to develop it earlier, but postmenopausal women face rising risk.
SYNPHAET MARAVAS Vascular Surgery Center – A New Thai Innovation
To address the growing complexity of vascular diseases, Synphaet Hospital, in collaboration with Mahidol University, established the SYNPHAET MARAVAS Vascular Surgery Center. This center integrates medical innovation, academic knowledge, and excellent service to provide comprehensive care. It aims to help patients with heart disease symptoms and vascular conditions access world-class care quickly and effectively. The goal is to restore quality of life and help position Thailand as a global health hub.
