Have a Heart

By Parinyaporn Pajee 
The Nation

 

The AED kits are installed in many public place.

 

Cardiac arrest, often fatal, is becoming increasingly commonplace. Here's what you need to know and how you can help

 

Like our brothers and sisters all over the world, we Thais are great at making New Year resolutions and promptly breaking them just a few days later.

 

This year, like other years, many of us will head into 2018 determined to eat healthier food, exercise more and generally take better care of ourselves. Perhaps we will stick to these worthy resolutions, though more likely we will quickly slide into old habits before January is more than just a few days old. Yet we would all do well to stop for a minute and reflect on the number of people we have lost this year to heart attacks. Yes, they happened to other people, but an unhealthy lifestyle means one could happen to us too.

 

Among the people in the news who collapsed and died from cardiac arrest were Thanat “Jo Boyscout” Chimtuam, a pop idol from the 1990s whose heart gave out while he was performing on stage, and veteran politician and statesman Dr Surin Pitsuwan, who suffered chest pain at home but died despite being rushed to hospital. And then there were the not-so-famous people who collapsed while working out in the gym or running a marathon. 

 

None had apparently suffered any warning signs of symptoms. Or were the signs there and a lack of knowledge meant they went unrecognised?

 

Current statistics show that two people die in Thailand of a heart attack every hour. They are by no means always elderly or in obvious bad health though almost all will be suffering from what is known as coronary artery disease.

 

Cardiac arrest occurs when blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is reduced or cut off. This oxygen-rich blood is provided by the arteries. But those arteries become narrow and blood cannot flow as well as it should. Fatty matter, calcium, proteins and inflammatory cells build up within the arteries to form plaques of different sizes and when a plaque breaks, a blood clot forms around it. This clot can block the blood flow through the heart muscle, and the muscle cannot get oxygen, so the damage or death of part of the heart muscle occurs. This is called a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI).

 

While some heart attacks are what the experts call “silent”, that is without symptoms, there are usually warning signs even if those all too often these go ignored.

 

Dr Apichai Pongpatananurak, a cardiologist from Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, stresses that sudden and fatal heart attacks don’t happen for no reason. Most sufferers will have had some problems with their health prior to the attack and will have brushed them off as being inconsequential. 

 

They probably had chest pain, were short of breath, or felt dizzy or light-headed. They also likely had high cholesterol (Jo Boyscout’s cholesterol was measured at 300 mg/dL: less than 200mg/dL is considered desirable for adults), diabetes, hypertension and a history of smoking, alcohol or obesity.

 

In broad terms, causes of heart attack can be divided by age: below and higher than 35 years. Heart disease and heart attack commonly discovered in the below-35s is generally the result of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited condition in which the heart muscle cells enlarge and cause the walls of the ventricles to thicken, blocking the blood flow, The vast majority of the 35 years and over cases are due to coronary artery disease.

 

But it’s not all gloom and doom. As Dr Apichai points out, we can all take charge of our own health and be aware of the risk factors. For example, if you are planning to start a course of heavy exercise – and this is particularly important for diabetics – have a check up first. That check-up will include running on a treadmill while you're hooked up to an EKG.

 

We all need to clean up our dietary habits. That means cutting back on fast foods and fried foods and adding plenty more vegetables and fruit to our daily intake. And while it is tempting to down alcohol over the festive season, show consideration to your heart and down a glass of water in between those glasses of beer.

 

Perhaps even more importantly, we should also all learn how to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and ideally this should be taught at school, as it is in many European countries. Sadly, the majority of people have no idea how to come to the aid of someone having a heart attack. What happened to Jo Boyscout is a case in point. His band members did not provide immediate help after he collapsed but kept joking as they thought Thanat was only acting out. It was only several minutes later when they realised his condition was serious that they called for an ambulance from a rescue foundation, which took about half an hour to reach the scene. During this time, no first aid or CPR was given to the singer and he died. 

 

When a person has suffered a heart attack, CPR or chest compression given with both hands must be started within four minutes and 1669 called to dispatch an emergency team to help. The CPR-giver should first use his/her fingers to locate the end of the person's breastbone, where the ribs come together, place two fingers at the tip of the breastbone and the heel of the other hand right above the fingers (on the side closest to the person's face).

 

Both hands should be used to give chest compressions, with the other being put on top of the first and the fingers laced together. The chest should be pressed 5 to 6cms down 100 to 120 times per minute until the emergency medical team arrives or until the patient is revived. If the venue has an automated external defibrilliator (AED), it should be used on the patient.

 

A member of Boyscout’s back-up band, singer Chanit “Ta Boyscout” Yaisamer, later told interviewers that he was afraid to give CPR after a previous experience with a friend who died.

 

Dr Apichai says this reaction is understandable, but adds, “The fact is if you won’t help, they will die.”

Many organisations are now running CPR workshops and AEDs are slowly but surely being installed at many places including BTS Skytrain stations, condominiums and housing estates.

 

So even if you don’t want to commit to New Year resolutions in 2018, do try and make one – and keep it. 

 

Learn about sudden heart attacks and how to give CPR.

 

You could save a life. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30334772

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-12-26

Quote

They also likely had high cholesterol (Jo Boyscout’s cholesterol was measured at 300 mg/dL: less than 200mg/dL is considered desirable for adults),

 

The cholesterol hypothesis postulated by the lieing, fame chasing, Ancle Keys in 1950s' (who manipulated and omitted data) has long since shown to be utter rubbish.

 

Correlation does not = causation:'

An increased number of fireman at a burning building does not mean fireman cause fires.

More people die in an ambulance than any other vehicle... this does not mean you should not call one in an emergency

More people die in a hospital than any other building does not mean you should avoid hospitals when you are gravely ill.

 

Elevated cholesterol present in someone with CHD does not mean it is responsible for CHD... cholesterol is the fireman at the site of a fire.

 

I literally saved the life of a neighbour by having him chew an aspirin tablet and loading him into my truck and driving like a bat to a highway service station where an ambulance could find us.
Yeah, our homes in Arizona are kinda remote.
He arrested in the ambulance, but they had the knowledge and gear to get him "back on line".
The aspirin idea was from personal experience when I had my first full on MI, and the paramedic at the Pueblo's clinic did the same for me while we waited for the helicopter to arrive.
Good advice on learning CPR. Saves many lives.

 

4 hours ago, lupin said:

 

The cholesterol hypothesis postulated by the lieing, fame chasing, Ancle Keys in 1950s' (who manipulated and omitted data) has long since shown to be utter rubbish.

 

Correlation does not = causation:'

An increased number of fireman at a burning building does not mean fireman cause fires.

More people die in an ambulance than any other vehicle... this does not mean you should not call one in an emergency

More people die in a hospital than any other building does not mean you should avoid hospitals when you are gravely ill.

 

Elevated cholesterol present in someone with CHD does not mean it is responsible for CHD... cholesterol is the fireman at the site of a fire.

 

 

links to studies - scientific data you read to come to this conclusion ?

2 minutes ago, atyclb said:

 

links to studies - scientific data you read to come to this conclusion ?

not my conclusion.. is the growing scientific consensus.... do your own research

Heart attacks you could relate them to Bad Thai drivers driving cars or riding motor bikes I nearly have a heart attack every time i drive here watching these idiots perform on the roads

1 hour ago, lupin said:

not my conclusion.. is the growing scientific consensus.... do your own research

High cholesterol is a cause of plaque formation in the artery and this narrows the artery causing "coronary artery disease". I had an MI 17 years ago and am living with the disease. Made it my "business" to understand this disease and other health conditions that do or may effect the heart , that includes diabetes and hypertension. I also update myself with the most recent research and data available about heart /coronary artery disease. It is still agreed in the medical profession that high cholesterol is a cause of plaque formation and coronary artery disease period 

4 hours ago, Bill Miller said:

I literally saved the life of a neighbour by having him chew an aspirin tablet and loading him into my truck and driving like a bat to a highway service station where an ambulance could find us.
Yeah, our homes in Arizona are kinda remote.
He arrested in the ambulance, but they had the knowledge and gear to get him "back on line".
The aspirin idea was from personal experience when I had my first full on MI, and the paramedic at the Pueblo's clinic did the same for me while we waited for the helicopter to arrive.
Good advice on learning CPR. Saves many lives.

 

Thanks for the advise.

 

My mom, who has studied medicine and worked in scientific research laboratory at Novo Nordic, gave my dad a bit of Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) every day as prevention; seemed to work, or at least not harm, as my dad lived till he was 104½.

 

Actually an so-called "heart aspirin" – low dose acetylsalicylic acid of about 75 mg – should be a healthy prevention to take, not only for cardiac arrest, but also to prevent ischemic stroke, as well as cancer; the latter between 10% and up to 60% for specified types. Aspirin thins the blood, and can in studies with long-time use of larger doze cause bleeding, but the low doze-studies hasn't found any danger for increased internal bleeding. Seem like really worth investing 3 baht a day, or just every second day, as I do...

 

Originally published in New Scientist in 2001: Everyday drugs could stop cancers before they hit (article partly behind pay-wall).
A BBC also published article about it in 2012: Daily aspirin 'prevents and possibly treats cancer'

 

1 hour ago, khunPer said:

Thanks for the advise.

 

My mom, who has studied medicine and worked in scientific research laboratory at Novo Nordic, gave my dad a bit of Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) every day as prevention; seemed to work, or at least not harm, as my dad lived till he was 104½.

 

Actually an so-called "heart aspirin" – low dose acetylsalicylic acid of about 75 mg – should be a healthy prevention to take, not only for cardiac arrest, but also to prevent ischemic stroke, as well as cancer; the latter between 10% and up to 60% for specified types. Aspirin thins the blood, and can in studies with long-time use of larger doze cause bleeding, but the low doze-studies hasn't found any danger for increased internal bleeding. Seem like really worth investing 3 baht a day, or just every second day, as I do...

 

Originally published in New Scientist in 2001: Everyday drugs could stop cancers before they hit (article partly behind pay-wall).
A BBC also published article about it in 2012: Daily aspirin 'prevents and possibly treats cancer'

 

I've been taking the prescribed aspirin for years and the only downside is if you cut yourself shaving....bleeds like a bastard.

39 minutes ago, tryasimight said:

I've been taking the prescribed aspirin for years and the only downside is if you cut yourself shaving....bleeds like a bastard.

That's how some of us learn to improve our shaving skills...

13 minutes ago, khunPer said:

That's how some of us learn to improve our shaving skills...

And I use an electric shaver!

When a person has suffered a heart attack, CPR or chest compression given with both hands must be started within four minutes and 1669 called to dispatch an emergency team to help.

 

This is misleading.

CPR must be started immediately.

14 hours ago, Bill Miller said:

I literally saved the life of a neighbour by having him chew an aspirin tablet and loading him into my truck and driving like a bat to a highway service station where an ambulance could find us.
Yeah, our homes in Arizona are kinda remote.
He arrested in the ambulance, but they had the knowledge and gear to get him "back on line".
The aspirin idea was from personal experience when I had my first full on MI, and the paramedic at the Pueblo's clinic did the same for me while we waited for the helicopter to arrive.
Good advice on learning CPR. Saves many lives.

 

I carry Alka Seltzer in my backpack, s well as an Epipen for a Shrimp Allergy, been told it can be used with a major cardiac arrest episode.  

18 hours ago, khunPer said:

Actually an so-called "heart aspirin" – low dose acetylsalicylic acid of about 75 mg – should be a healthy prevention to take, not only for cardiac arrest, but also to prevent ischemic stroke, as well as cancer; the latter between 10% and up to 60% for specified types. Aspirin thins the blood, and can in studies with long-time use of larger doze cause bleeding, but the low doze-studies hasn't found any danger for increased internal bleeding. Seem like really worth investing 3 baht a day, or just every second day, as I do.

Most actually is 81 mg. Not sure why the odd number, but it seems appropriate here in Thailand where odd numbers seem to be viewed as more auspicious.
This is marketed in the US at least as children's or "baby" aspirin. Been taking it for a good few years now, off and on. I had stopped when prescribed clopidogrel as too many thinners can cause bleeding problems.
I was a bit surprised to find it a prescription item here, when you can buy more "serious" drugs OTC.

3 hours ago, Bill Miller said:

Most actually is 81 mg. Not sure why the odd number, but it seems appropriate here in Thailand where odd numbers seem to be viewed as more auspicious.
This is marketed in the US at least as children's or "baby" aspirin. Been taking it for a good few years now, off and on. I had stopped when prescribed clopidogrel as too many thinners can cause bleeding problems.
I was a bit surprised to find it a prescription item here, when you can buy more "serious" drugs OTC.

Thanks for your comment.

 

I believe it's not a huge difference between the 75 mg and odd 81 mg, probably due to some scientific studies. However, the study I refer with a link to – and similar later – found that increasing the daily doze to the double, or to a high level, i.e. 500 mg to 2 g a day, did not increase the cancer protection (in the studies), but increased the risk of internal bleeding.

 

I've never had problem buying the 81 mg Aspirin, or similar products, from the shelf in pharmacies here in Thailand – normally I buy a whole pack and get little discount; and with my limited self-dosage of three tablets a week make that 450-baht 200-piece pack last longer than a year...

33 minutes ago, khunPer said:

I've never had problem buying the 81 mg Aspirin, or similar products, from the shelf in pharmacies here in Thailand – normally I buy a whole pack and get little discount;

Thanks for that info. I will have to try going further afield perhaps, but for now the hospital keeps me supplied. I do not know what price, as they generally do not itemize, at least in English.
I had asked in just a couple of pharmacies and was told no.

2 hours ago, Bill Miller said:

Thanks for that info. I will have to try going further afield perhaps, but for now the hospital keeps me supplied. I do not know what price, as they generally do not itemize, at least in English.
I had asked in just a couple of pharmacies and was told no.

If it's from a private hospital's pharmacy they often overprice, sometimes with a factor three to five, and probably also like to keep you as customer with a prescription. However, the pharmacist in a Thai pharmacy will normally give you an instant prescription for most drugs...

On 12/26/2017 at 10:38 AM, lupin said:

not my conclusion.. is the growing scientific consensus.... do your own research

 

because what you posted is very interesting and it would be welcome news to hear cholesterol is not correlated with heart disease i asked for references. standard etiquette would be to give a link or few that supports your point.

 

below is 2017 info and they still list cholesterol as one of three key risk factors.

 

i am not trying to disprove your point as i would actually like to know the scientific studies - literature you read to support it.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_disease.htm

Risk Factors

High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key heart disease risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans (49%) have at least one of these three risk factors.⁵

Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:

• Diabetes
• Overweight and obesity
• Poor diet
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol use

5 hours ago, Bill Miller said:

Thanks for that info. I will have to try going further afield perhaps, but for now the hospital keeps me supplied. I do not know what price, as they generally do not itemize, at least in English.
I had asked in just a couple of pharmacies and was told no.

Better to ask for it by the brand name as they may think you mean full dose aspirin.

 

Aspent-M is the commonly known baby aspirin here (81mg), most pharmacies should be fine with selling this. 

On 12/27/2017 at 1:27 AM, TunnelRat69 said:

I carry Alka Seltzer in my backpack, s well as an Epipen for a Shrimp Allergy, been told it can be used with a major cardiac arrest episode.  

Where can I get an epipen, I have had 2 serious alergic reactions. 

It would be helpful if the poster listed the places we could go to do a course. 

I would like some training and will have my son trained as well. 

14 hours ago, atyclb said:

 

because what you posted is very interesting and it would be welcome news to hear cholesterol is not correlated with heart disease i asked for references. standard etiquette would be to give a link or few that supports your point.

 

below is 2017 info and they still list cholesterol as one of three key risk factors.

 

i am not trying to disprove your point as i would actually like to know the scientific studies - literature you read to support it.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_disease.htm

Risk Factors

High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key heart disease risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans (49%) have at least one of these three risk factors.⁵

Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:

• Diabetes
• Overweight and obesity
• Poor diet
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol use

Have PM'd you.

6 hours ago, greenchair said:

Where can I get an epipen, I have had 2 serious alergic reactions. 

Very expensive in Bangkok, I priced them in a Pharmacy in Chit Lot at a little over 10,000 baht for a box of 2.  You might inquire with an allergist in a Major hospital, (Bumrungrad)they may be able to get them cheaper.  I got mine in Hawaii for $90 each with my insurance co-pay.  Good Luck

 

I also carry chewable  Benadryl (Childrens) taste like hell but works for my allergies to Shellfish.  Will work to stave off an attack until you can get to a hospital or home.   Asians like to put shrimp or crab powder in everything, my last attack was at a buffet and hey put shrimp powder in the rice and I didn't know it. 

Edited December 28, 20178 yr by TunnelRat69

17 hours ago, lamyai3 said:

Better to ask for it by the brand name as they may think you mean full dose aspirin.

 

Aspent-M is the commonly known baby aspirin here (81mg), most pharmacies should be fine with selling this. 

I have these and take one a day..............no episodes of nose bleeds, that bleed like hell, as a friend of mine has. He was taking 325 aspirin a day, showed his hose and he nw uses them.

2 hours ago, TunnelRat69 said:

You might inquire with an allergist in a Major hospital, (Bumrungrad)they may be able to get them cheaper

  bumrungrad . LOL.  they will do their best to charge you many times the normal price.

 

check at a government hospital.   chula at silom.    the big pharmacies opposite chula hospital may stock them

On 12/26/2017 at 11:23 AM, Happyman58 said:

Heart attacks you could relate them to Bad Thai drivers driving cars or riding motor bikes I nearly have a heart attack every time i drive here watching these idiots perform on the roads

You & I both! every time I drive here (daily) you see so many accidents just waiting to happen, never a trip goes by when you don't have to shake your head in disgust at the driving, yesterday was a worse day than most as we passed 3 bodies on the road to Nong Kai that had just been involved in a very serious accident, don't believe it even made the news! Sad

On 12/27/2017 at 10:10 AM, Bill Miller said:

Most actually is 81 mg. Not sure why the odd number, but it seems appropriate here in Thailand where odd numbers seem to be viewed as more auspicious.
This is marketed in the US at least as children's or "baby" aspirin. Been taking it for a good few years now, off and on. I had stopped when prescribed clopidogrel as too many thinners can cause bleeding problems.
I was a bit surprised to find it a prescription item here, when you can buy more "serious" drugs OTC.

I have been buying this bottle in Thailand over the counter monthly for the past 5 years with no problem.  The past year of so they have been having me sign a sheet when I purchased it.  It is only a few baht.  Not expensive.

Edited December 28, 20178 yr by amvet

54 minutes ago, CGW said:

You & I both! every time I drive here (daily) you see so many accidents just waiting to happen, never a trip goes by when you don't have to shake your head in disgust at the driving, yesterday was a worse day than most as we passed 3 bodies on the road to Nong Kai that had just been involved in a very serious accident, don't believe it even made the news! Sad

Every week i see an accident here  Cars having head ons, running into backs of cars 2 motorbikes running into each other It goes on and on I use to say to wife my god who let these idiots on the road They have not got a clue what they doing Now i just whistle dixie as i drive It relaxes me  Guess  i got tired of saying u idiot, Oh no u cant be serious, You cant do that, You got to be joking was another fav i use to say. 

I buy these over the counter in Thailand – from more than one pharmacy – 20 x 10 tablets, each 10-pack list price 25 baht, 200 tablets with 10 percent discount, so 450 baht, i.e. 2.25 baht each tablet, which is chewable without bad taste...

 

On 12/26/2017 at 4:55 PM, tryasimight said:

I've been taking the prescribed aspirin for years and the only downside is if you cut yourself shaving....bleeds like a bastard.

 

 

 

 

I honestly never connected the dots per se but I have wondered if I was becoming a hemophiliac as I age.

 

Yes,  sometimes the bleeding from a simple cut is truly surprising.