VIENTIANE — When Mr. Vithaya woke up in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Khonekhaen province of Thailand in April 2025 after surviving a massive heart attack, he wasn’t just gasping for air — he was confronting the reality of a disease that kills silently and indiscriminately in Laos every day.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as coronary heart disease and stroke, remain among the leading causes of death in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the death rate from CVDs in Laos reached 344.7 per 100,000 people in 2021. These conditions are part of a broader category of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which together accounted for 62.9% of all deaths in the country that year. Among them, ischaemic heart disease was particularly deadly, with a mortality rate of 88.1 per 100,000 for men and 71.5 per 100,000 for women.These aren’t just numbers. Behind each statistic is a family, a village, and a story.
Mr. Vithaya, a 41-year-old father of four, was among the lucky few to survive. His transformation from survivor to health advocate forms the heart of this story — one that seeks to humanize the growing crisis of heart disease in Laos.
“I didn’t know I was at risk,” said Mr. Vithaya. “I didn’t feel sick. I was working, smoking, eating grilled meat almost every day. Then one day, I just collapsed.”
A Growing Public Health Crisis
Laos is in the throes of an urban and nutritional transition. As cities expand and lifestyles evolve, the population faces new health risks. From Vientiane’s bustling markets to rural towns like Luang Namtha, the effects of modernization are evident — convenience foods are replacing traditional diets, screen time is replacing outdoor play, and stress levels are on the rise.
A national NCD survey conducted between 2021 and 2023 revealed sobering statistics:
36.8% of Lao adults have hypertension
79.2% have two or more risk factors for CVD, including obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and inactivity (PubMed).
Alarmingly, only 29.4% of those with hypertension know they have it, and a mere 16.7% have it under control, according to a 2013 survey (PubMed Central).
According to 2019 estimates from the World Health Organization, Laos ranks highest in alcohol consumption per capita in Southeast Asia, with an average of 11.52 litres of pure alcohol consumed annually per person aged 15 and above. This level significantly surpasses regional counterparts such as Vietnam (9.34 litres) and Cambodia (8.48 litres). High alcohol intake is a known risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular conditions. The rising consumption in Laos raises urgent public health concerns, given its links to premature death, disability, and increased violence.
Dr. Phetsamone Arounlangsy, an NCD expert in Laos, and the owner of local clinic in Vientiane Capital, underscores the urgent need for early detection.
“We see too many patients when it’s already too late. The real fight against CVD must start in the community — with awareness and prevention,” he said.
Photo: Dr. Phetsamone delivers his message during the “NCDs: A Silent Killer in Laos” workshop, organized by Lao Youth Radio on January 31, 2025.
Modernization’s Toll
What makes CVDs particularly insidious is their link to everyday behaviors. The rise of processed food, sugary drinks, and high-sodium snacks is reshaping diets. Traditional meals of steamed fish, sticky rice, and fresh vegetables are giving way to fried foods and fast meals.
Today, it’s easier to find a bag of chips than a fresh papaya,” said Ms. Bounsone Chindavong, a retired officer from a state-owned enterprise in Vientiane. “My grandchildren don’t want to eat what I cook anymore.
Moreover, smoking — long prevalent in Lao culture — remains a key contributor. The World Health Organization notes that tobacco use in Laos remains one of the highest in Southeast Asia, particularly among men (WHO, 2023).
From Crisis to Change
After surviving his heart attack, Mr. Vithaya committed to changing his life — and helping others do the same.
“I stopped smoking. I walk every morning now. And I talk to my neighbors about the signs of heart trouble,” he said. “We wait too long in silence. That must change.”
His story inspired a local health awareness initiative in Thongkang Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, where he now volunteers to share his experience with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)—a silent killer in the Lao PDR. “I like to share my story with people in my community about the dangers of CVDs. I believe the more we know about it, the better we can protect ourselves from this disease,” said Vithaya.
The Lao Ministry of Health is also scaling up its response. In 2024, it launched an 18-month nationwide program focused on screening, prevention, and management of hypertension, diabetes, and CVDs, in partnership with international agencies such as WHO and Vital Strategies (Vital Strategies, 2024).
Part of this involves implementing the WHO Package of Essential NCD Interventions (PEN) in primary care centers, bringing much-needed tools to rural clinics where doctors are scarce.
Yet, implementation remains challenging, Dr. Phetsamone emphasized.
“Many rural health centers lack basic equipment like blood pressure monitors. And even when services exist, people don’t come until they’re very sick.”
Bridging the Gap
The rural-urban divide in health access is another major barrier. In remote provinces, access to cardiologists or diagnostic tests is nearly nonexistent. Patients often travel hundreds of kilometers for basic care.
“I met a woman from Xieng Khouang who took a bus for 10 hours just to get her blood pressure checked” said Dr. Phetsamone. “It shouldn’t be like this.”
This gap also extends to health literacy. Campaigns about sugar and salt intake, the risks of smoking, or the importance of walking 30 minutes a day are still not reaching the populations that need them most.
What Can Be Done?
The good news? CVDs are largely preventable. According to the World Heart Federation, up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented with lifestyle changes.
Here are some practical steps for individuals and communities in Laos:
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Aim for 5 servings a day.
Move daily. Even walking or cycling for 30 minutes helps.
Quit smoking. Seek help from local health centers.
Limit salt and sugar. Processed foods are major culprits.
Check your blood pressure regularly. Know your numbers.
Local governments, NGOs, and media also have a crucial role to play — from integrating health education into schools to using social media campaigns to shift public perception.
A Story of Hope
Mr. Vithaya’s journey is not just about survival — it’s about purpose.
“When I talk to people about heart health, they listen,” he said. “Not because I’m a doctor, but because I’ve lived it.”
His story, along with the efforts of doctors, volunteers, and communities, represents a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a voice — one that can inspire action.
As Laos continues to urbanize, how the nation handles the silent crisis of CVD will shape the health of its future generations. And thanks to survivors like Mr. Vithaya, that future holds more awareness, more resilience — and more hope.
This article was produced under the “Communicating NCDs” Media Fellowship by Probe Media Foundation Inc. (PMFI), Reporting ASEAN (RA) and World Health Organization (WHO). The views and opinions expressed in this piece are not necessarily those of PMFI, RA and WHO.
