Doctor Nguyen Tuan Long of the Cardiology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi stated that atherosclerotic plaque severely narrowed Hoang's left anterior descending (LAD) artery, risking complete blockage of the heart-supplying vessel. Electrocardiogram and cardiac enzyme tests confirmed acute myocardial infarction.

Doctors immediately placed a stent to restore blood flow, helping the patient overcome the critical condition. Following the intervention, the patient needs to adhere to a medical treatment regimen, combined with lifestyle changes and regular follow-up appointments.

The medical team performing the stent placement for the patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Hoang often had irregular eating habits, consumed excessive alcohol, suffered from poor sleep, and exercised infrequently. He is 1,72 m tall and weighs 68 kg, with a BMI of approximately 23, which is within the normal range for Asian standards. However, his waist circumference of 93 cm exceeded the safe limit (90 cm) for men.

According to Doctor Long, Hoang had several cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension and dyslipidemia. Although not classified as overweight or obese, his large waist circumference indicated a silent accumulation of visceral fat over a long period.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is visible externally, visceral fat lies deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding organs like the liver, pancreas, intestines, and others. This type of fat can release chronic inflammatory substances, disrupt sugar and fat metabolism, and thereby accelerate atherosclerosis – a significant cause of myocardial infarction and stroke.

The doctor advised him to reduce refined carbohydrates and fatty foods, limit alcohol, get adequate sleep, avoid stress, and exercise at least 150 minutes per week.

Ly Nguyen

*Patient's name has been changed*