Why Are Young, Active People Still at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Understanding the Causes of Blockage Many people believe that coronary artery disease develops only with age. However, coronary artery problems can begin much earlier in life. The risk starts in youth when fatty deposits (fatty streaks) begin to form in the coronary arteries. Over time, these deposits thicken, eventually leading to artery blockages. Dr. Anupong Parinayok, a cardiologist at Praram 9 Heart and Vascular Institute, explains that the problem begins when the inner lining of blood vessels becomes inflamed and dysfunctional, often due to chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, also play a significant role. These factors make the blood vessel walls more prone to inflammation, allowing oxidized LDL cholesterol to infiltrate and accumulate within them. Over time, this buildup forms plaques and calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. If these plaques rupture, they can trigger the formation of a blood clot, leading to an acute heart attack. At this stage, quick medical intervention is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Ideally, however, it is best to prevent reaching this stage.

When people thinking of Thailand, many picture the sun, and just imaging it can make you want to grab an umbrella. But did you know that sunlight is more important to Thais than you might think? The gentle sunlight of the early morning and late afternoon not only warms the body but also helps produce vitamin D, which is crucial for strengthening bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Many people view sunlight as harmful, causing skin damage, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, leading them to overlook its benefits. Studies show that sunlight is essential for preventing osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency. Exercising under soft sunlight in the morning allows the body to absorb vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. In Thailand, 2.5-3% of the population of all genders and ages suffer from osteoporosis. Dr. Peeraphong Sawatdipong, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacements at Praram 9 Hospital, revealed that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Thailand, affecting 30-40% of patients. The primary cause is an excessive fear of sunlight, leading to fragile bones and a higher risk of fractures, particularly among the elderly and postmenopausal women. In reality, morning sunlight, when absorbed through the skin, significantly helps the body produce vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

These days, who would have thought that “ovarian cysts” would become a silent danger women need to be aware of? What’s even more concerning is that ovarian cysts often present no clear warning signs. Many women may be unaware that they have an ovarian cyst until they experience severe symptoms such as intense menstrual cramps, irregular periods, abdominal bloating, noticeable lumps in the pelvic area, or severe pain during intercourse. If left untreated, this condition can potentially be life-threatening. Unveiling the Secrets of Ovarian Cysts with a Specialist Professor Emeritus Dr. Sangchai Preutthipan, a specialist in reproductive medicine and laparoscopic surgery from Praram 9 Hospital, explains that the “ovaries” are small, thumb-sized organs responsible for producing eggs each month. With each ovulation, a fluid-filled sac forms around the egg. Sometimes, these sacs don’t dissolve as they should, leading to cyst formation. There are several types of ovarian cysts, including those caused by ovarian dysfunction, tumor-related cysts, endometriosis cysts (also known as chocolate cysts), cysts resembling other body tissues, and even cancerous cysts. Dr. Sangchai further notes that women of reproductive age up until menopause are at risk for ovarian cysts. Around 30-35% of women develop cysts due to ovarian dysfunction, while 20% develop tumor-related or chocolate cysts. Approximately 15% may have cysts that resemble other tissue types, and 1-5% are diagnosed with cancerous cysts. Each type of cyst carries different health risks.