A cardiologist is someone who extends opportunities because one heart is equal to one life.
“We don't just save one life; we also preserve the smiles of those in their families.”
Being a cardiologist is not only an intriguing profession but also a crucial one. The heart symbolizes life itself. If the heart is ailing, it signifies a potential threat to life. The field of cardiology, focusing on heart and vascular diseases, can be aptly described as a profession that not only saves lives but also holds the destiny of patients in its hands.
This issue of MedPark Story introduces the role of a cardiologist through the narrative and experiences of Dr. Suwatchai Pornratanarangsi, a seasoned cardiovascular specialist at MedPark Hospital. Join us as we delve into the world of cardiology and explore the compelling journey of a skilled physician dedicated to the intricacies of heart and vascular care.
Grandma's Health Sparked Aspiration for Cardiology
Dr. Suwachai shares a story from his time as a fourth-year medical student when his grandmother experienced symptoms of a heart attack. As a medical student studying at the hospital where he was enrolled, he took his grandmother to the state-run facility. However, due to the overwhelming number of patients waiting for treatment, access to timely care was challenging.
“I saw the patients facing the same predicament accessing timely treatment, even though I was studying there. I could not expedite the care of my grandmother. This experience inspired me to pursue this field further. After completing my studies, I wanted to be able to take care of my grandmother and contribute to a specialty that has the potential to save the lives of emergency patients, especially through procedures like balloon angioplasty and coronary artery stenting.”
Dr. Suwachai expresses his affinity for subjects that involve calculation skills. While most medical studies focus on biology, the field of cardiology incorporates mathematical calculations and applies principles of physics.
Recognizing cardiology as a perfect fit for his strengths and interests, he envisions himself excelling in this field and positively impacting on saving lives, particularly during critical emergencies.
Disease treatment synonymous with life extension
“Because often, patients that a cardiologist encounter may seem as if they have already lost their lives—their hearts have stopped beating. However, through resuscitation, they eventually come back to life, walk out of the hospital, and return home. To me, this is something extraordinary and miraculous. It instills a profound sense of awe, especially for a cardiologist who performs procedures like angioplasty, ultimately reviving and discharging a patient home.”
Heart disease is sometimes unpredictable; in early stages, there may be no discernible symptoms. It often goes unnoticed until symptoms become pronounced, necessitating critical medical attention. Dr. Suwachai illustrates this point by sharing an intriguing case.
“There was a case of a relatively young male patient who came to the hospital after experiencing a heart attack while playing football. The cardiac muscle suffered an acute loss of blood supply, and by the time he reached the hospital, he was unconscious. At that time, we were not certain he was revivable, but we were determined to give him the benefit of the doubt. Swiftly, we accessed his coronary vessels, prioritizing the correction of any blockages. The condition of his blood vessels was severely compromised, with multiple blockages, indicating a complex coronary artery disease.”
“We opted to address the easily repairable vessels first, starting with the most accessible one. Once the initial vessel was successfully recannulated, we awaited recovery. Three days later, the patient regained consciousness. Following that, we tackle the more challenging vessels, such as those with 100% blockage.”
“There are instances where, after successfully treating and saving a life, we may not cross paths with the patient again. We may meet only once, but it is a pivotal moment in their lives. An example is when we treat a foreign tourist visiting Thailand who sustained acute heart problems, which could have kept them from ever returning home to their families.”
“Upon successfully treating him and ensuring his safe voyage home, around Christmas, I received a postcard of a family photo from his son. It was a gesture of gratitude, thanking me for saving his father's life. He wrote that if not for my role, the photograph would not be possible, and they couldn't have celebrated a joyous Christmas together. I could not help but be moved and overwhelmed by happiness for the patient and his family. We did not just save the life of one individual; we preserved the smiles of those in their families.”
One of our prides is pioneering TAVI.
“I am deeply honored to have been a member of the pioneering team that performed the first TAVI procedure in Thailand.”
TAVI or transcatheter aortic valve implantation, is a procedure performed to replace diseased aortic valves without open-heart surgery. This procedure has become widely popular.
Dr. Suwachai shared that this marked the first TAVI procedure in Thailand. As a cardiologist, he collaborated with a cardiac surgeon and related medical professionals to ensure procedural success.
“During that time, the tools and equipment were not as advanced and efficient as today. Performing this procedure back then was much more challenging. Reflecting on the accomplishment, especially being the first team in the country to do so, fills me with great pride.”
Cardiologist with empathetic communication
Heart disease can come in various guises, some unmistakenly linked to the heart, while others may be entirely unexpected. Often, patients may underestimate or misinterpret their abnormal symptoms.
“I frequently come across heart disease patients who complain of abdominal discomfort. Many of them mistakenly attribute their symptoms to gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers or acid reflux. However, it is crucial to recognize that abdominal discomfort can be a symptom of underlying heart disease. When the heart does not function appropriately, the pain can radiate beyond the chest, reaching as far as the epigastric area or even the jaw.”
“When a GI doctor suspects that a patient may experience a symptom of heart disease and then refers the patient to a cardiologist, the patient would be dumbfounded and does not understand why abdominal discomfort could be due to heart disease. That is when cardiologists must educate patients and avoid missing the opportunity for treatment. Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish abdominal discomfort associated with GI tract from one associated with heart disease, but an EKG can help clarify the issues.”
For this reason, we should observe and not ignore mild symptoms, given that they can represent silent threats, which can progress to a more advanced stage, diminishing health and missing the opportunity for early treatment.
“Anyone is susceptible to the development of heart disease, including young individuals or those with mild symptoms. I recommend everyone undergo a heart checkup upon experiencing any abnormal symptoms. While there could be false positive results, this precautionary measure encourages increased awareness and a desire for further confirmatory tests. In the event of an initial false positive result, you can find reassurance and plan for a healthier lifestyle.”
Wine appreciation and tasting during his leisure time.
One of Dr. Suwatchai’s passions lies in indulging in the exquisite flavors of wine paired with an exploration and study of the unique tales behind each type and brand, encompassing every aspect from the meticulous brewing methods to the rich tapestry of history and culture, all experienced through the prism of exceptional tasting wine.
“Indulging in the art of wine tasting not only allows us to delve into the stories behind each wine but also sparks our interest in the intricate world of pairing wine with various cuisines. It spurs me to travel, exploring the art of savoring wine. It transcends mere taste; it is an immersive experience. Enjoying it at home in the tropical climes of Thailand engenders distinctly different feels from sitting amidst the vineyards of a particular wine-growing region, connecting with the art, culture, and idyllic ambiance of the locale, which enhances the pleasure derived from the taste of wine to another level.”
Before concluding our conversation, Dr. Suwatchai advises that individuals with heart conditions can indeed consume wine or alcoholic beverages, but it should be in limited quantities. Each patient is unique and should consult with a cardiologist or the attending physician to determine the appropriateness of alcohol consumption based on individual health conditions.