Page 67 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

HEARTFELT DEDICATION:
Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee’s Lifelong Journey

Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Director
of the Heart Institute at Bumrungrad International Hospital, and Director
of the Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research at Chulalongkorn
University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in Medicine from Mahidol
University, and knighted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej with the Royal Thai
Decoration as Knight Grand Commander of the Most Illustrious Order
of Chula Chom Klao.
He has made significant contributions to the medical field, two of which are
of particular note: he was the first to appreciate the importance of Complex
Fractionated Atrial Electrograms (CFAE) in the initiation and maintenance
of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), and the first to identify the right ventricular
epicardium, especially at the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT), as
the arrhythmogenic substrate of Brugada syndrome.
Why did Bumrungrad establish the Bumrungrad Heart Institute, and what
is different from other heart centers?
The reason the hospital executives wanted to establish the Bumrungrad Heart
Institute is that they recognised that Bumrungrad International Hospital has DR. KOONLAWEE NADEMANEE
received patients from every corner of the world who trust our medical care,
so we wanted to develop the best cardiac care for patients. In order to do so, We have doctors from other
we established the institute to create a structure for team building, talent countries, not only from Asia but
recruitment, and research. We moreover conducted extensive research to help us also from Europe and the USA,
improve by learning and asking key questions about how we could do better. We attending our education programs.
believe that once we stop learning, we go backward. As an institute, apart from
doing research, we also want to teach and share our knowledge, experiences, and And we have great research
advancements with others. For this reason, we have set up workshops, live case productivity that we have
demonstrations, and education programs at the hospital over the past six years. published in high-impact factor
peer-reviewed journals
HEART TO HEART:
Advancing Heart Failure Care with Dr. Piyachat Pipatpongsopon

Learn more about heart failure management with Dr. Piyachat Pipatpongsopon,
a cardiologist from Bumrungrad Heart Institute. A distinguished graduate
of Mahidol University, she specialises in advanced diagnostic tools like
transoesophageal echocardiography and PAC invasive monitoring to improve
treatment outcomes.
What is heart failure, and why is it often misunderstood?
Heart failure, a clinical syndrome caused by abnormal cardiac structure
and function, affects the cardiovascular system. Its symptoms, including
breathlessness, swelling, exercise intolerance, and pulmonary edema, often
mimic other conditions like pulmonary disease or metabolic syndrome, leading
to common misunderstandings.
What is the biggest challenge in treating heart failure today?
A major challenge is patients often under-recognising their symptoms, leading
to late-stage presentation with limited treatment options and resources.
What simple steps can people take to reduce their risk of heart failure?
Reducing cardiovascular risks through lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking
and limiting alcohol, is crucial. Regular health screenings for hypertension,
diabetes, and kidney disease are also vital. Promptly seek medical consultation DR. PIYACHAT PIPATPONGSOPON
for any symptoms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Heart Institute: 065-509-9198 ( 8.00-20.00 hrs. ) | 02-066-8888 (20.00-8.00 hrs. )
E-mail: Heartcenter@bumrungrad.com