Coronary Artery Disease is a leading cause of death in Thailand and globally. Worryingly, this condition often acts as a "silent killer," arriving without clear warning signs. This article will help you better understand Coronary Artery Disease, introduce prevention methods, and explain why screening is essential.

What is Coronary Artery Disease and what symptoms should you watch for?

Coronary Artery Disease is a condition affecting the heart and its blood vessels, preventing the heart from functioning fully and potentially leading to life-threatening complications. While symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease can vary from person to person, common warning signs include:

• Chest Pain (Angina): Feeling tightness, pressure, or a squeezing sensation in the center of the chest. This pain may radiate to the left arm, neck, or jaw.
• Shortness of Breath: Feeling unusually tired or breathless, especially during physical exertion.
• Palpitations: A sensation of the heart beating too fast, fluttering, or skipping beats.
• Body Swelling (Edema): For example, swelling in the feet or ankles, which may be a sign of heart failure.
• Dizziness or Fainting: This may occur in conjunction with other symptoms.

If you or someone close to you experiences these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention for a diagnosis.

Main Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

The primary causes of Coronary Artery Diseaseare largely related to inappropriate lifestyle habits, such as:

• Diet: Consuming foods high in fat, excessive salt, or sugar.
• Smoking: Chemicals in cigarettes damage blood vessels and contribute to blockages.
• Stress: Accumulated stress negatively impacts heart function.
• Physical Inactivity: A lack of exercise increases the risk of various diseases.
• Underlying Conditions: Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) have a higher risk ofCoronary Artery Disease.
• Heredity: A family history of cardiovascular disease in immediate relatives.

Why is Heart Screening Important?

Because Coronary Artery Disease may show no symptoms in the early stages, screening is the most effective way to detect abnormalities before the disease progresses. For those with risk factors, screening allows doctors to diagnose and plan treatment quickly, which can significantly reduce the risk of death and serious complications.

Who Should Undergo Heart Screening?

Since the disease is often asymptomatic initially, screening is crucial to catch issues early, especially if you have the following risk factors:

• Individuals aged 40 and above.
• Individuals with a family history of heart disease, such as parents or siblings who have had the condition.
• Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
• Smokers.
• Individuals who are overweight or obese.

Do not wait until symptoms appear. Caring for and protecting your heart health early is the best investment for a long and quality life.