The Thai heart speaks
The Thai word "jai" means "heart". The word is often used in conversations between Thais and it is also a popular word in advertising campaigns. It is usually used as part of a sentence to represent "relationship" or "humanity".
Question to GP Maarten: White spot on x-ray has become larger
A few months ago I approached you to ask your opinion about an X-ray of my lungs. At the time, the doctor in the hospital determined that it was not cancer, but pneumonia and now bronchitis.
Discover the power of pomegranates for your heart and well-being, especially during and after menopause. Known for their fresh taste, these tasty red fruits are not only a treat for your taste buds, but also an ally for your heart health and menopause symptoms.
An extensive study by the China Agricultural University shows that certain nutritional supplements can significantly contribute to a healthier heart and blood vessels. Omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid and coenzyme Q10 are some of the micronutrients with proven benefits. Yet there is also a downside: some antioxidants such as vitamins C and E show no positive effect. The research calls for further study into the long-term effects of these supplements.
Reader Submission: 'Through the eye of the needle'
Last week I was not feeling well. Just short of breath and nothing else, we went to a private hospital where an ECG was immediately made. Immediately afterwards with the ambulance to the government hospital, there I got 2 tubes in the urethra.
Question to general practitioner Maarten: Are medicines available in Thailand after heart surgery?
I am 65 and take the following medication daily in Belgium: asaflow 80 mg, zocor 40 mg, loortan 100 mg, bisoprolol 5 mg, amlodipin besilate 5 mg. Now we are in Thailand for a longer period (years hopefully) and so want to know if these or alternatives are available here. We are staying in Cha Am. I have been taking this medication for 10 years or more following heart surgery (stent insertion) more than 10 years ago.
Ask general practitioner Maarten: Angina pectoris with too much effort
I am 66 years old, BMI 24,9, blood pressure 130/80. Use Fluoxetine 20 mg/day and a small amount of fresh Turmeric every day. Now in the last month I have had an attack of stable angina pectoris 3 times with too much exertion.
Question to general practitioner Maarten: Thick feet
Recently I have been suffering from quite swollen feet, through massage, a lot of exercise, walking, cycling, pillow under the foot end, it is gone for 75 – 90% in the morning, but comes back during the day. Am I thinking here of blockage of a blood vessel (s) by a blood clot or valves in the blood vessel that do not function properly?
I already asked a question last week about the pain in my hips with a corresponding hospital report. Your advice was to have an X-ray taken. I went to a doctor in a private clinic, he took these pictures (sent them as an attachment) and told me that I could no longer be cured. My liver and heart were also not good according to him. All in all, it came down to this, that I was written off. I find it a bit intimidating, I don't feel that bad.
Ask your GP Maarten: Medicines for chest pain
I am H. and am 72 years old, live in Thailand, have been on medicine for chest pain for years. The last year when I go to bed I am panting and that is over after a few minutes. Tired quickly with exertion. According to the doctor here, my heart muscles are going in well, but they are going out too slowly. But my heart is otherwise good. That's why I get tired quickly, he says. Now he is trying to solve it with other medicines.
'A lot of sex good for men's heart and blood vessels'
Sex is good for men's heart and blood vessels because it may reduce the harmful amino acid homocysteine in the blood, researchers say in a publication in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.