In recent months, reports of sudden deaths have raised public concern. Many of those who passed away appeared to be healthy—marathon runners, fitness enthusiasts, or individuals with no obvious signs of illness—yet their lives ended abruptly without warning. This prompts a critical question: Why does this happen, and how can it be prevented? Behind “Sudden Death” lies a profound connection to heart health and sleep quality—two fundamental aspects of well-being often overlooked, yet essential for living a long and fulfilling life. At the SX TALK STAGE, SUSTAINABILITY EXPO 2025, medical experts from MedPark Hospital explored these vital issues through world-class medical knowledge.
Understand, Detect, Prevent “Sudden Death”
“Sudden Death” often causes confusion, as it is a broad phrase referring to an unexpected death without a clearly identified cause which may result from either the heart or the brain. For example, Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) refers specifically to sudden death caused directly by cardiac malfunction, while an Acute Heart Attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, leading to the death of heart muscle. Both are major contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Causes of Sudden Death in Different Age Groups
In people under the age of 35–45, sudden death is often linked to genetic conditions, which fall into two main categories: structural abnormalities of the heart muscle and electrical abnormalities of the heart. One significant example is Brugada Syndrome, commonly known in Thailand as “Lai Tai”. This condition arises from a sodium channel defect in the heart muscle cells, producing a distinctive electrocardiogram pattern that resembles the shape of a grasshopper. Patients with Brugada Syndrome often die suddenly in their sleep due to electrical disturbances in the heart. The condition is relatively common in northeastern Thailand and across Southeast Asia.
For individuals over the age of 35–45, the main causes of sudden death are more often linked to lifestyle-related conditions such as coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, aortic aneurysm, stroke, and seizures. These silent threats may seem distant but are in fact closely tied to heart health. Prevention and protection are possible through simple steps: maintaining a healthy diet, getting sufficient rest, and undergoing regular health check-ups to detect risks early. Dr. Sureerat Panyarachun, a cardiologist, emphasized that “the key to a healthy heart is reducing stress, exercising in moderation, and paying attention to overall wellness for a long and sustainable life.” These principles go hand in hand with good-quality rest and sleep—an often-overlooked yet essential factor for long-term health.
Good Sleep, Strong Heart
Dr. Jirayot Jintanadilok, a specialist in sleep medicine, emphasized that “a healthy heart begins with quality sleep.” While smartwatches and wearable devices can track sleep patterns, they cannot replace professional medical examinations conducted by trained specialists who can identify underlying causes and recommend preventive measures. He highlighted a range of diagnostic tools that play a vital role in heart and sleep health: annual health check-up programs, Exercise Stress Tests, Calcium Scoring, and Holter Monitoring. Basic tests like an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) can already detect certain conditions such as Brugada Syndrome. More advanced options, like combining an Exercise Stress Test with an Echocardiogram, can assess both the structure and function of the heart under exertion with up to 90% accuracy. Other advanced diagnostic methods include CT Scans (Calcium Score and Coronary CTA) to detect calcification and arterial blockagebs, as well as portable Holter or CardioScan devices—small patch-like monitors worn for 3–7 days to identify irregular heart rhythms that may not appear constantly. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also allows for highly detailed evaluation of heart muscle structure
In addition, there are Sleep Test conducted in hospitals, where patients are connected to devices that measure brain waves (EEG), breathing, heart activity, and body movements in detail—allowing for a comprehensive assessment of sleep quality. There is also the option of a Home Sleep Test, performed at home, which provides only a basic evaluation such as monitoring breathing, but cannot measure brain waves to fully assess sleep quality.
Tips for Sustainable Heart and Sleep Care
Both medical experts agreed that simple self-care starts with moderate exercise, keeping heart rate at moderate intensity (Zone 2–3), or around 70–75% of maximum heart rate (calculated as 220 minus age). This should be done for 30–45 minutes per session, 3–5 times a week. However, excessive exercise may be harmful in the long run, as it thickens the heart muscle and leads to lactic acid buildup. Rest and recovery are therefore equally important, along with reducing stress and adopting healthier habits. Another crucial element is quality sleep—not just in terms of hours, but also the depth and adequacy of sleep suitable for each individual and age group. As the doctors put it: “Good days make good nights, and good nights make good days,” emphasizing the close connection between daytime health and nighttime rest in maintaining holistic well-being.
