Thailand Tackles Rise in Young Heart Attack Patients

Thailand's public health ministry is alerting hospitals to an increase in acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases among younger patients, and is accelerating upgrades to the cardiac disease network through the STEMI ONE initiative, targeting three strategic directions: faster access, standardized care, and heart disease prevention across all age groups.

On July 20, 2025, Health Minister Pattana Prommapan revealed that in every second a STEMI patient faces crisis, time is the most critical factor in saving lives. This year marks the first time Thailand has succeeded in reducing in-hospital mortality rates below the health ministry's target—a significant achievement for the Thai health system. The ministry's next steps will pursue the vision "access quickly, uniform standards, safe hearts at all ages" through three main strategies: (1) deploying artificial intelligence to read electrocardiograms aboard ambulances, reducing time from patient detection to diagnosis before hospital arrival; (2) launching active campaigns targeting younger and male populations to modify health behaviors and prevent new cases; and (3) standardizing acute coronary intervention protocols nationwide through STEMI ONE, ensuring timely, equitable treatment across all regions.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry Dr. Somrukt Chungsaman emphasized coordination among provincial health offices, regional hospitals, and general hospitals nationwide, with particular focus on preparing medical personnel—specialists, nurses, and paramedics—to deliver efficient, rapid, and safe care and reduce mortality equally across all areas.

Director-General of the Medical Department Dr. Natthapong Vongvivat cited data from the Thai ACS registry showing a continuous decline in STEMI mortality: 9.01% in 2024, 8.0% in 2025, and 7.85% in 2026—achieving the national target of no more than 8.0%. Analysis of approximately 11,000 patients yearly reveals concerning trends: males account for 75% of cases (3:1 ratio over females). While most patients are aged 50–70, early working-age groups (21–40 years) now represent 4–5% of cases, and patients under 20 account for 0.1–0.5%, with the youngest reported case in Thailand being just 15 years old from Udon Thani province.

This data demonstrates that acute coronary syndrome is no longer solely an elderly condition; younger people, particularly working-age males with smoking habits, abdominal obesity, and chronic stress, now face significant risk.