Recognising the warning signs of blood clots, strokes and poor circulation was the focus of a Hua Hin seminar held by Be Well Medical Center and Bangpakok 9 International Hospital on Saturday, 26 September.
The event, titled “Common Vascular Diseases & Disorders”, took place at iSanook Hotel in Khao Takiab. It covered prevention, symptoms and treatment, alongside advice on when patients should seek specialist or emergency care.
Dr Saharath Punyapholsakul, a vascular surgeon at Bangpakok 9 International Hospital, led the presentation. He was joined by Dr Paemika Pidchayathanakorn, a general practitioner at Be Well, and Dr Bhana Chandrakamol, chief executive officer of the Bangpakok Hospital Group and director of Piyavate Hospital.
The programme covered varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and arterial diseases affecting circulation to the legs and brain. Participants could also ask the medical team questions about their own vascular health and discuss options for care.
Dr Saharath explained that varicose veins can cause aching, swelling, itching, a feeling of heaviness in the legs and night-time cramps. New or worsening swelling, persistent pain, changes in skin colour and wounds that do not heal should be assessed by a doctor. Bleeding from a varicose vein requires urgent medical attention.
DVT involves a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Possible symptoms include sudden swelling in one leg, pain, redness or warmth in the affected area. Suspected DVT requires urgent medical assessment.
The presentation also highlighted pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication in which a clot travels to the lungs. Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood or fainting were identified as reasons to seek emergency help.
Advice on reducing DVT risk included moving regularly, avoiding prolonged immobility, staying hydrated and not smoking. The slides illustrated simple movements for people sitting for long periods, including ankle pumps, ankle circles and seated marching, alongside regular breaks to stand and walk.
The arterial disease section covered peripheral artery disease (PAD), in which narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the legs. Symptoms can include pain or aching while walking that improves with rest. Pain at rest and wounds that do not heal may indicate more advanced disease.
It also examined carotid artery disease, which affects arteries supplying blood to the brain and can lead to a stroke.
Participants were introduced to the “BE FAST” reminder for recognising stroke symptoms: sudden problems with balance or vision, facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties. The final letter stands for time to call for help, with the presentation advising an immediate call to Thailand’s emergency medical number, 1669.
Speaking to Hua Hin Today, Dr Bhana said the partnership with Be Well helps bring visiting specialists to Hua Hin in fields where they can be difficult to find locally. These include vascular surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology.
Be Well is a family medicine provider with two branches in Hua Hin, serving Thai and foreign residents as well as visitors.
The presentation outlined services available at Be Well, including vascular ultrasound, blood tests and assessments of arterial circulation in the legs. Treatment options include wound care, compression therapy, monitoring of blood-thinning medication where appropriate, and sclerotherapy, an injection treatment for suitable cases of varicose veins.
Be Well is also preparing to open an extension to its main centre at Belvida. The additional building will increase capacity for outpatient consultations and minor procedures performed by visiting specialists.
Patients requiring more complex care can be referred to Bangpakok 9 International Hospital in Bangkok. Examples included complex DVT, extensive varicose veins, severe arterial disease and cases requiring advanced imaging, surgery or hospital admission.
The hospital is part of the Bangpakok Hospital Group, which comprises eight hospitals and one medical and wellness centre in the Bangkok area. The group provides specialist and advanced hospital care to Thai and international patients.