A new international review, released May 31, 2025, synthesizes cardiology perspectives to highlight eight clear signs that should prompt a visit to a heart specialist. The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death and disability. Data from Thailand’s public health system show heart disease continues to impose a heavy burden, underscoring the need for earlier detection and prevention. Research from leading institutions and local guidelines emphasize that cardiovascular risk is not limited to older adults; awareness must span all ages in Thai communities.
Chest discomfort is the most common red flag. It can feel like pressure, tightness, or burning and sometimes radiates to the arm, neck, jaw, or back. While not every chest sensation signals a heart problem, delaying evaluation can be dangerous. A cardiology specialist notes that chest pain may indicate a serious issue requiring urgent care, and prompt assessment can prevent deterioration and potentially save lives.
Unexplained breathlessness during daily tasks is another critical sign. Shortness of breath can point to insufficient blood flow from the heart, suggesting conditions such as heart failure or valve disease. An internal medicine expert stresses that a cardiologist can assess heart function to identify hidden problems.
Irregular heartbeats or palpitations—whether racing, fluttering, or pounding—should not be dismissed as mere stress. When these occur frequently or are accompanied by dizziness, they may signal arrhythmias that raise stroke or cardiac arrest risk. Recent cardiology research reinforces the need for timely evaluation when palpitations appear with other symptoms.
Persistent leg or ankle swelling, or edema, deserves attention. While leg swelling after long flights or in hot weather is common, swelling that lasts for days or occurs with shortness of breath and palpitations can indicate the heart’s reduced pumping efficiency and potential heart failure.
High blood pressure, or โรคความดันโลหิตสูง in Thai, often has no noticeable symptoms. Regular screening is essential because silent hypertension damages vessels and the heart over time. Health authorities advocate annual check-ups for all adults, especially those with a family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Unexplained fatigue or lightheadedness should prompt consideration of cardiac causes, especially if accompanied by dizziness or low blood pressure. Persistent symptoms may indicate the heart isn’t pumping adequately to meet the brain’s oxygen needs.
The presence of chronic illnesses—hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol—raises heart-disease risk, a consequence of rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes in Thailand. People with kidney disease, sleep apnea, chronic lung disease, or obesity should monitor heart health closely and pursue regular screenings.
Family history remains a powerful predictor of risk. If close relatives developed heart disease at a young age, proactive assessment is advised, even in the absence of symptoms.
Context matters: many heart signs are non-specific and require professional interpretation. Local clinicians emphasize examining patterns and combinations of symptoms rather than dramatic signs alone. In Thailand, lifestyle factors—smoking, sedentary work, high-sodium and high-fat diets, and irregular exercise—contribute to rising heart disease rates. Destigmatizing heart conditions and encouraging open dialogue about symptoms and family history are crucial, particularly in rural areas where access to care can be limited.
Medical advances in 2025 continue to improve outcomes through earlier diagnosis and new therapies. Genetic insights help identify familial risk, and better understanding of comorbidities informs targeted screening. Digital health and telemedicine are expanding access to specialists in many parts of Thailand, though rural-urban gaps persist.
What Thais can do now
- Schedule annual health check-ups, even if you feel well
- Monitor blood pressure at home and in pharmacies
- Report persistent or new symptoms to a healthcare provider promptly
- Embrace a balanced Thai diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and reduced salt, oil, and sugar
- Exercise regularly with accessible activities like brisk walking, traditional dance, or sepak takraw
- Discuss family medical history openly with relatives
- Engage in community heart-health events organized by local health volunteers and facilities
The key message remains clear: early detection and prevention are the best safeguards. By recognizing the eight signs and seeking timely care, Thais can reduce risk and protect heart health for themselves and their communities.
For further guidance, consult updated recommendations from the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand and speak with your local hospital’s cardiology department.