The heart is an organ that is more complex than you think.
In addition to the cardiovascular system and the electrical system, the heart is made up of other structures such as the heart valves and the pericardium, working in connection with other parts of the body.  A variety of heart disorders can thus occur without one realizing it.


What diseases is the heart at risk for?

• Coronary artery disease
Myocardial ischemia is caused by an acute coronary occlusion.
It is treated by opening the blood vessel by inserting a stent through a catheter or doing a bypass surgery.
 
• Cardiac arrhythmia
This is caused by the malfunctioning of the heart's electrical system, causing arrhythmia, the heart beating either too slowly or too quickly. In a severe case, this can result in sudden death or paralysis.  Treatment is by a cardiac ablation.
 
• Heart failure
This is a condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen. Treatment options include medications or different types of cardiopulmonary support.
 
• Structural heart disease
Structural heart disease is a problem with the tissues or valves of the heart. This group of patients require continuous follow-up examinations for catheter-based therapies or correct surgery in time.
 
• Congenital heart diseases
Those with a congenital heart disease need treatment and continued care for the rest of their lives even after corrective surgery.
 
• Cardiogenetics
These include cardiac arrhythmia, Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome (SUDS) death, and hyperlipidemia, etc.
Fortunately, advances in technology and knowledge of genetics have made it possible to check for certain genes and see how vulnerable one is to heart diseases. Gene testing can save the lives of people who have not yet shown symptoms. It can also help those planning to have children.

 

Bumrungrad Heart Institute 
“Take your heart health seriously”