Bangkok: "Coronary artery stenosis" is a condition that silently develops over time due to lifestyle habits and poses a significant risk of sudden cardiac arrest if left unaddressed. Immediate first aid, including CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), is critical in such emergencies to save lives before medical assistance arrives.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Thanin Vejjabhinan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, highlighted that coronary artery stenosis occurs due to the gradual accumulation of cholesterol, calcium, and white blood cells forming plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. This condition narrows the main coronary arteries responsible for delivering blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. The simultaneous narrowing of all three main arteries renders the heart muscle extremely fragile, leaving no alternative blood vessels to compensate for decreased blood flow during emergencies.
Dr. Khet Sriprathak, Director of the Chest Disease Institute, noted that early stages of coronary artery stenosis may not present symptoms. However, severe narrowing leads to warning signs such as severe chest pain or tightness, radiating pain to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and other symptoms. Sudden death often results from plaque rupture on the vessel wall, causing abrupt blood and oxygen deprivation to the heart muscle and leading to severe arrhythmias.
In emergencies where a person collapses and their heart stops, rapid first aid is crucial. Steps include assessing the situation, calling emergency services at hotline 1669, calling for help to bring an AED, and performing chest compressions (CPR) at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The AED should be used as soon as it arrives, following the device's instructions.
Preventive measures involve lifestyle changes such as annual health check-ups, avoiding foods high in trans fats and saturated fats, regular aerobic exercise, quitting smoking, and consulting specialists if chest pain occurs during exertion. Additional tests like coronary artery calcification examinations can assess risk levels for coronary artery disease.