On November 6, Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi reported that its medical team had successfully saved the life of a European female tourist who suffered an acute myocardial infarction during her trip to Sa Pa.

During the trip, the woman experienced sudden, intense chest pain and difficulty breathing, quickly falling into a life-threatening condition.

After initial emergency care at a local medical facility in Lao Cai, she was urgently transferred to Bach Mai Hospital. Upon arrival, initial assessments revealed she had acute coronary syndrome, a history of coronary stent placement, significant pleural effusion in the left lung, and a dangerously low SpO2 level of 86%.

Doctors diagnosed her with a second-day acute myocardial infarction, complicated by acute pulmonary edema, left pleural effusion, heart failure on an existing coronary stent, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Immediate intensive care was administered.

The medical team promptly drained the pleural effusion and provided respiratory support, improving her SpO2 from 86% to 95%.

Simultaneously, they began optimal treatment for her acute coronary syndrome and heart failure.

Despite the language barrier - the patient could not speak English - communication was effectively maintained with the timely assistance of the embassy. This ensured transparent explanations of her condition and treatment, reassuring both the patient and her family.

Bach Mai Hospital's expert council reached a consensus on performing coronary angiography and intervention.

After the procedure, the patient’s chest pain and breathing difficulties subsided. Her vital signs stabilized, and the affected heart tissue was successfully saved.

She recovered well and was discharged safely.

Associate Professor Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital, stated that upon receiving information about the foreign patient’s critical condition, the hospital immediately mobilized its multidisciplinary expertise.

There was seamless coordination between the A9 Emergency Center, the Cardiology Institute, the Intensive Care Unit, and related departments to ensure swift and comprehensive care.

Phuong Thuy