St. Louis Hospital in Bangkok marked World Heart Day on Sept. 29 with free health screenings, CPR training, and public education aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease and encouraging early detection.
The Catholic hospital joined health networks worldwide in observing World Heart Day under the World Heart Federation’s global campaign, “Don’t Miss a Beat.”
The initiative brought cardiologists, medical specialists, clinical staff, and members of the public together for discussions on cardiovascular disease, diagnostic screenings, and practical training.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the top causes of mortality in Southeast Asia. Nearly half of fatal cardiovascular events in the region occur prematurely among people younger than 70.
“Everyone is encouraged to keep the beat by pledging to take small steps that make a tangible difference to heart health. Simple changes, from regular physical activity to early screening, form the bedrock of lasting health,” organizers said.
The initiative focused on modifiable risk factors, including hypertension, stress, physical inactivity and unmanaged diabetes.
Up to 85% of people with high blood pressure or diabetes in the region live with unmanaged conditions, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention.
Cardiologists Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supoj Srimahachota and Dr. Boonsert Chatlaong led educational sessions on cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery stenosis.
The sessions covered the identification of potential signs of cardiovascular disease, including Frank’s sign, a diagonal earlobe crease associated with vascular risk, and the use of coronary calcium scoring to evaluate arterial plaque before symptoms appear.
Participants were also introduced to transcatheter aortic valve implantation, or TAVI, a minimally invasive valve replacement procedure for high-risk patients that does not require open-heart surgery.
The hospital provided complimentary diagnostic checks, including low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, blood tests, to help participants assess their cardiovascular and metabolic health.
The hospital’s Trauma and Emergency Center also conducted hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, training to equip participants with lifesaving emergency response skills.
Experts from the Sports Medicine Center guided participants through exercises designed to improve cardiac endurance and muscle strength.
The event also highlighted St. Louis Hospital’s open-heart surgery services and charitable pediatric programs that provide surgical interventions for vulnerable children.
Founded by the Archdiocese of Bangkok and managed by the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, St. Louis Hospital is a Catholic health care institution in the Thai capital.
