Bangkok: Government warns citizens to recognize the dangerous signs of "aortic valve disease" before it is too late, as it has resulted in up to 40,000 deaths among Thais. Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Public Health, revealed that "heart valve disease" is a condition affecting the aortic valve, with symptoms categorized into two types: Type 1, aortic stenosis, where the heart valve is narrow and obstructs normal blood flow, and Type 2, aortic valve leakage, where the heart valve fails to close completely, allowing blood to flow back into the heart chamber.
According to Thai News Agency, statistics from the Ministry of Public Health in 2023 indicate that there are over 250,000 cumulative patients suffering from heart and blood vessel disease, with up to 40,000 deaths attributed to this illness. Medical data highlights a significant increase in heart disease incidence, particularly "aortic stenosis," among the elderly, with a higher prevalence in individuals aged 65 and over. Age-related deterioration of the aortic valve can cause calcium deposits, leading to thickening and hardening, resulting in reduced blood flow.
Symptoms of aortic stenosis include easy fatigue, dizziness, fainting, palpitations or chest pain, ankle and foot swelling, and irregular heartbeat. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if these symptoms are present, as untreated cases can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, acute heart attack, arrhythmia, and even death. For diagnosed patients requiring heart valve replacement, doctors will select the appropriate artificial heart valve type-mechanical or tissue-based on international standards.
Prevention of aortic stenosis is possible up to 80% by adopting behavioral changes using the 4 A, 2 S, 1 N principles: Food, Mood, Exercise, Air, Sleep, and annual health check-ups. Working-age individuals aged 25-59 can avail free risk factor screening for aortic stenosis through the national health insurance system or social security based on their medical rights. For further information, the Department of Disease Control hotline is available at 1422.