Getting to the heart of the matter

Bumrungrad International Hospital is among Thailand's top hospitals for cardiology and cardiac surgery, according to Pairat Temphairojana's report. Heart failure, once considered a point of no return, is now being tackled with innovative approaches. Early detection and recognition of the condition is crucial, as cardiovascular disease remains the world's leading cause of death, claiming 19.2 million lives in 2023.

In Thailand, 70,000 people died from cardiovascular disease in 2022. Heart failure often results from various underlying heart conditions, and 73% of patients are readmitted to hospital within a year. Early intervention is key, as warning signs include swollen legs, persistent breathlessness, and difficulty lying flat. Timothy, a 64-year-old Canadian patient, lived with heart failure for 15 years, experiencing multiple hospitalizations due to fluid in his lungs, swollen legs, and kidney and liver failure.

Timothy sought advanced treatment in Thailand, where he received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and a percutaneous ventricular assist device. The treatment process involves a team of specialists, including cardiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists, perfusionists, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, pharmacists, dietitians, and transplant coordinators.

The Thai Red Cross Society's 2025 data shows 545 deceased donors enabled 1,176 organ transplants, with a national waiting list of 8,115 patients for heart transplants. Despite advances in technology and teamwork, public awareness of organ donation and clinical judgment remain crucial in heart failure treatment.