Patient Testimonial
Patient with Arrhythmia
Experienced fainting 30 years ago due to abnormal heart rhythm; treated via telemedicine.
"...It happened when I was about 30. Initially, I just felt numbness at the base of my tongue and jaw. My heart would flutter, and I'd faint. I first went to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, but they found nothing because I had no symptoms at the time, and the doctor thought it was just a regular faint. Then one day, I was riding on the back of a motorcycle in the village when I fainted and fell off. A neighbor saw it and took me to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, where I met Dr. Wichai. He was suspicious because I was so young to have such symptoms. After a heart check-up, he had me wear a Holter monitor, which showed an abnormal heart rhythm. The doctor immediately called me back to the hospital for medication. After that, I improved and was told to take the medication daily. The doctor had initially said I might need to take medication for life to control my heart rate. After that, I fainted two or three more times, went back to the doctor, and received intravenous medication. I wondered what caused it, and the doctor explained that stress could be a factor. I thought that was probably it, as I had work problems and many other issues simultaneously. So, I decided to change my lifestyle, trying to eliminate all problems to avoid dwelling on them, and started exercising until I felt better. When I had no more fainting spells, I tried stopping the medication... I stopped for over 20 years and was fine, so I never saw a doctor again. I lived a normal life with no warning signs whatsoever. Then, suddenly, on February 28th, in the afternoon, I was walking in my room and just collapsed without any warning. Luckily, it was only for a moment. When I got up, I remembered my old symptoms. But after sitting all day, nothing else happened. Then, in the early evening, while leaning back watching TV, I felt faint and my heart pounded, and then I fainted repeatedly. I knew this was very unusual, much worse than before – I felt exhausted from the repeated fainting. So, I called an ambulance to take me to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, knowing Dr. Wichai was still there, even after all these years. Although my medical records weren't there anymore, the doctor remembered me fainting and falling off the motorcycle. Dr. Wichai, along with Dr. Buncha, worked together to examine and treat me from that day on. They put a Holter monitor on me, but I didn't experience any symptoms..."
Diabetes and Heart Disease Patient Undergoes Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
"The reason for coming is to know what percentage of improvement there is, to check if the heart is normal when tired... what the blood pressure is. There's a monitor checking results from when we start walking; they check every step."
An elderly patient with diabetes and a history of treatment at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, who had complications requiring coronary angioplasty, enrolled in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital. He explained his reason for attending: "...I came here because of my history, and also because all the doctors are excellent. They offer specialized packages for elderly patients that require continuous follow-up check-ups... As for the rehabilitation, it's to know the percentage of improvement, to check if my heart is normal when I'm tired, and what my blood pressure is. They monitor every step. They check results from the moment we start walking, like how sugar levels are before exercise, how much sugar drops, and how much it decreases if I'm very tired... For heart issues, the primary need is for knowledgeable doctors and proper equipment. So, I advise with concern that if you're ready to take care of your body, go to a hospital with a good system."
Associate Professor Dr. Sittha Pongpibul, a specialist in cardiac, pulmonary, and exercise rehabilitation, explained the primary reasons for Mr. Thaloeng's case: to modify risk factors for re-stenosis, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Mr. Thaloeng, being diabetic with poorly controlled blood sugar, has a higher risk of new blockages compared to those without these risk factors. Therefore, he underwent the rehabilitation exercise program, which helped lower his blood sugar, making it another way to improve blood sugar control for diabetes. Additionally, it helps the heart function better, become stronger, and more efficient. Long-term adherence will reduce the risk of re-stenosis.
Recommendations include:
"...Generally, first, for diabetic patients with high sugar levels and a glucose meter, we advise frequent sugar checks to know how much the sugar swings throughout the day—morning, noon, afternoon, evening—to correctly manage diet. Second, once sugar levels are clearly monitored, they'll know how much they should exercise. For example, if it's high in the morning but low in the evening and they prefer evening walks, they'll know how much to walk. Other advice, such as controlling risk factors for re-stenosis and proper nutrition, can be discussed in detail with a dietitian. Roughly, it doesn't mean you can't eat anything... You can still eat everything, but in limited quantities. Some people misunderstand that they can't eat sweets at all, which isn't true, as even eating rice can raise blood sugar. Mr. Thaloeng looks better; he seems more confident. Initially, he was worried about high sugar, but after we showed him how exercise lowers it, he gained confidence and can exercise more without abnormal symptoms."
