Why Slim People Who Dont Drink or Smoke Are Still at Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: Recognize the Warning Signs Before Its Too Late

Many have seen news or know people who are slim, do not smoke, and avoid alcohol, yet suddenly require treatment for"acute myocardial infarction."This condition arises from coronary artery blockage, raising the question: even with such good self-care, how can this serious disease still occur?

The common belief that heart disease and coronary artery blockage only affect overweight people or those who live recklessly is not entirely true. Outward appearance does not always reflect the health of blood vessels inside. Even if slim and abstaining from smoking and drinking, several hidden factors can silently accumulate fatty deposits inside arteries, leading to danger.

Five hidden causes that put slim people at risk of coronary artery blockage

1. Genetic predisposition to high cholesterol: Even if eating little and slim, if the body has genes causing the liver to produce excess bad cholesterol or to clear it slowly, fats can cling to artery walls just as in overweight individuals.
2. . "Thin Outside, Fat Inside" (TOFI or Skinny Fat): People who do not exercise may have a normal body weight but accumulate"fat deposits around organs,"such as the liver or heart. This fat releases inflammatory substances into the bloodstream, eroding blood vessels and causing them to harden and narrow.
3. Accumulated stress and lack of sleep: Overwork, insufficient sleep, or chronic stress cause the body to release stress hormones, which make the heart work harder, increase blood pressure, and trigger ongoing inflammation in the vessels.
4. The silent threat of "high blood pressure" : High blood pressure often has no warning signs. It acts like excessive water pressure that damages vessel walls, creating tiny injuries where fats can easily accumulate.
5. Sweet and salty eaters who avoid fried foods: Some avoid fatty foods fearing weight gain but enjoy sweets, bubble tea, or very salty dishes. Excess sugar converts to blood fats, and sodium causes vessels to constrict.

Misconceptions vs. facts about heart health

Warning signs to watch for include chest tightness like a heavy weight pressing down, difficulty breathing, pain radiating to the arm or jaw,or teeth,especially during exertion or stress, accompanied by cold sweating. These should never be ignored as they may signal acute heart ischemia.

Heart care should not be based solely on scale numbers. Slim individuals should have annual health check-ups to monitor blood fat levels, blood pressure, and heart function, combined with exercise to strengthen circulation, a varied diet, and stress management to truly maintain heart health from within.

Sources: The Cardiology Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage, The Heart Foundation of Thailand under Royal Patronage, American Heart Association (AHA)