World Heart Day (29th September) was an appropriate day for the Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin to host invited visitors to better understand how heart health can be managed with a professional team of cardiologists along with other dedicated health workers and state-of-the-art technology.
Many of the invited guests were members of the Hua Hin & Cha-Am Tourism Association or the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin who were welcomed by Dr. Weerasak Pongpattanapan, the hospital Director.
The open house provided the opportunity to take in the relaxing environment of the Heart Centre and to better understand the services provided by the team of cardiologists, all very experienced in treating heart diseases from early diagnosis and preventive treatments to cardiovascular care. Also on offer was a personal consultation with one of the Centre’s cardiologist after an electrocardiogram (EKG).
An electrocardiogram is a medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. This was a quick non-invasive and painless procedure with a smiling technician attaching small suction cups for electrodes as sensors to detect the electrical activity of the heart.
Our consultation with Interventional Cardiologist Dr Phaesidth Ponghuaddhakit gave us good news; no heart defects detected, before some professional advice about paying more attention to diet and exercise.
By the way if you’re wondering why an electrocardiogram is often referred to as an EKG, it’s actually quite simple. When the word electrocardiogram is translated into the German language, it is spelled Elektro-kardiographie. EKG is the way some people choose to say ECG based on this translation.
But World Heart Day needn’t be the once a year time for anyone to consider the health of their heart. Below is a long list of the diagnostic tools that the Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin Heart Centre has at their disposal. Whether they are relevant to your heart health will be best determined after a preliminary consultation with a qualified medical professional.
For an appointment or more information, contact: Bangkok Hua Hin Heart Center, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, 2nd floor Tel. 032-616-829 bangkokhospitalhuahin.com/en/centers/heart
HEART HEALTH DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES AVAILABLE AT THE BANGKOK HOSPITAL HUA HIN HEART CENTRE
- Diagnostic medical equipment for the heart and coronary arteries (256-slice CT Scan is used to check the pathology of coronary arteries. The technique is nearly as effective as in coronary artery angiogram which is done by inserting a line and injecting opaque substance in the arterial system. The CT scan can also provide additional findings on calcification of the walls of coronary arteries.
- Equipment for evaluation of arterial circulation (ABI-Vascular Screening) To diagnose conditions of occlusion or hardening of arteries, doctors use medical equipment to compare arterial blood pressure between the ankles and the forearms. This technique helps to detect an obstruction of blood flows to the legs and feet. This condition can lead to complications of lacking blood flow and may lead to more serious complications of coronary heart problem and myocardial infarction.
- Holter monitoring (24-hour EKG recording device) Recording of 24 hours electrocardiogram helps to detect arrhythmia and screen for possible causes of palpitation and fainting.
- Exercise Stress Test (EST) This is to measure heart functions while it is pumping in different environment. Patients with coronary heart conditions, when exercising, the arteries cannot carry enough oxygenated blood to supply the heart muscles causing an ischemia which will cause chest pain and shortness.
- Tran esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) The probe will be inserted in the patient’s throat to reach the esophagus. This test can detect abnormality in more details than conventional echocardiography especially in the area where normal echocardiography cannot reach.
- Echocardiography (Echo) This is the test by sending ultrasonic waves though the chest wall to visualize the heart size and contraction of the hear muscles, physical appearance and function of the heart valves, pericardial effusion and congenital heart diseases, all of which may be the causes of shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) The electrocardiography is used to screen heart conditions such as ischemic heart diseases, myocardial infarction cardiomyopathy and cardiomegaly.
- Calcium Score CT scan by a computerized x-ray machine with a relatively low radiation exposure, painless, no special preparation, no contrast media injection. Suggest for age over 45 years, family history with coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking.
- Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG) A coronary angiogram is a special X-ray test. It’s done to find out if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, where and by how much. An angiogram can help your doctor see if you need treatment such as angioplasty or stent, coronary artery bypass surgery or medical therapy.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) involves non-surgical widening of the coronary artery, using a balloon catheter to dilate the artery from within. A metallic stent is usually placed in the artery after dilatation.
