Thailand faces growing heart and cardiovascular disease crisis

Thailand is grappling with a significant public health challenge as heart and cardiovascular diseases claim an alarming number of lives. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), there were more than 23,667 deaths due to heart and cardiovascular issues, including strokes, in the first 198 days of 2024.

This staggering figure translates to an average of 119 deaths per day, highlighting an urgent need for intervention and awareness.

In 2023, for the whole year, there were a total of 33,756 deaths in Thailand for all the categories including deaths due to heart and cardiovascular disease including strokes. The figures for the first six months of 2024 show that a new record is expected for the whole of this year.

The data presented by the MOPH is derived from hospitals that participate in the national reporting system. However, many rural hospitals and certain private healthcare facilities do not contribute to this daily reporting, suggesting that the actual number of deaths could be significantly higher. This possible underreporting underscores the gravity of the heart disease epidemic in Thailand.

Breakdown of heart and cardiovascular deaths in 2024 so far

The detailed statistics for heart and cardiovascular disease-related deaths reveal a diverse array of conditions contributing to the crisis:

• Cerebral haemorrhage: 6,619 deaths
• Abnormalities of cardiac conduction and arrhythmias: 5,296 deaths
• Heart failure: 4,609 deaths
• Acute myocardial infarction: 3,852 deaths
• Other heart diseases: 940 deaths
• Other coronary heart diseases: 610 deaths
• Diseases of the arteries, sub-arteries, and other capillaries: 477 deaths
• Unconsciousness not classified as cerebral haemorrhage or cerebral infarction due to ischemia: 443 deaths
• Other cerebrovascular diseases: 255 deaths
• Other diseases of the circulatory system: 214 deaths
• Blood clots in arteries: 120 deaths
• Inflammation of veins with blood clots: 76 deaths
• Atherosclerosis: 76
• Chronic rheumatic heart disease: 64
• Transient cerebral infarction and associated symptoms: 16 deaths

These figures illustrate the wide range of cardiovascular conditions that are proving fatal for many Thais.

Hypertension: An overlooked contributor

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another critical factor contributing to the mortality rate. Although not included in the cumulative cardiovascular death statistics, hypertension accounted for 664 deaths in 2024:

• High blood pressure without a leading cause: 604 deaths
• Other hypertension-related diseases: 60 deaths

The prevalence of hypertension is a significant concern, often serving as a precursor to more severe cardiovascular issues.

Root causes of the crisis

The rise in heart and cardiovascular diseases in Thailand can be attributed to several factors:

• Lifestyle Changes: Modern dietary habits, characterised by high consumption of processed foods and sugar, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, are major contributors. The shift from traditional diets to Western-style eating patterns has exacerbated health problems.
• Stress: Increasing levels of stress in both urban and rural settings, driven by economic pressures and fast-paced lifestyles, negatively impact cardiovascular health.
• Infections: Viral infections, including COVID-19, have been linked to heart and cardiovascular complications. While COVID-19 vaccines have been lifesaving, there are studies indicating that a small percentage of individuals may experience heart-related side effects.

Prevention and awareness of cardiovascular disease in Thailand

Addressing this public health crisis requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Public health campaigns: There is a critical need for widespread health campaigns to educate the public about the risks of heart disease and the importance of regular health screenings.
• Lifestyle modifications: Encouraging healthier lifestyles through diet, exercise, and stress management can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Initiatives to promote physical activity and healthier eating habits are essential.
• Healthcare access: Improving access to healthcare, especially in rural areas, is vital. Enhancing the reporting system to include more hospitals will provide a clearer picture of the epidemic and help allocate resources effectively.
• Research and monitoring: Continued research into the effects of COVID-19 and its vaccines on cardiovascular health is crucial. Monitoring the long-term impacts can help refine vaccination strategies and address any potential risks.

Thailand’s escalating heart and cardiovascular disease crisis demands urgent attention. With an average of 118 deaths per day, the nation faces a formidable challenge that threatens public health on a large scale. Comprehensive strategies involving public education, lifestyle changes, improved healthcare access, and ongoing research are necessary to combat this growing epidemic. Only through concerted efforts can Thailand hope to reduce the burden of heart disease and safeguard the health of its population.

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