200,000 people lose their lives to heart attacks in Turkey every year!

Due to factors such as irregular eating habits, rising obesity rates, smoking, environmental stress, and air pollution, approximately 200,000 people in Turkey lose their lives to heart attacks every year. There are ways to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mutlu Güngör explained what needs to be done.

Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mutlu Güngör explained that exercising for at least 45-60 minutes every day is important for heart health, and that exercise helps control blood pressure while lowering sugar and cholesterol levels.

Pointing to the harms of smoking on vascular health, Güngör stated, "Smoking damages the inner surface of the vessel, known as the endothelium, and increases blood clotting by reducing the fluidity of the blood. In a damaged endothelium, the risk of vessel blockage is much higher as clotting increases. Smoking also raises blood pressure and causes vessel constriction, which again leads to endothelial damage. Arteriosclerosis is much more common in patients who smoke."

Güngör touched upon the effects of high blood pressure on vascular health, stating, "The higher the blood pressure, the greater the trauma to the inner surface of the vessel. For this reason, blood pressure must be kept within normal limits. Hypertension refers to values above 130/80 mmHg. The point to remember here is that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure must be within normal limits."

Stating that lifestyle changes can be effective for blood pressure control, Güngör expressed that a salt-free diet, regular exercise, and weight control play an important role in regulating blood pressure.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS WAS EMPHASIZED

Güngör drew attention to the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of diseases that increase the risk of heart disease, noting that diabetes and high cholesterol are among the primary causes leading to cardiovascular blockages.

Pointing to the importance of regular physician check-ups in preventing heart diseases, Güngör stated that early diagnosis plays a critical role in the fight against heart diseases and can minimize potential risks.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güngör said, "A large portion of patients who have a heart attack do not report any significant complaints before the attack. Furthermore, chronic diseases may not show clinical symptoms before end-organ damage develops. Therefore, people in the risk group, in particular, must have their annual check-ups."

Noting that groups at risk include postmenopausal women, men over 40, smokers, and diabetic patients, Güngör stated that regular check-ups are of greater importance for these individuals.

''ATTENTION MUST BE PAID TO EXCESS WEIGHT''

Güngör also pointed to the importance of weight control and healthy nutrition in the fight against heart diseases, stating, "Excess weight is another major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The foundation of fighting excess weight is regular exercise and a balanced diet. To protect against heart diseases, one must make it a habit to walk regularly and eat less."

Emphasizing the importance of dietitian consultation regarding eating habits, Güngör stated that foods rich in fiber and omega-3, and low in carbohydrates should be preferred. He also noted that the increase in fast food consumption raises the risks of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OLIVE OIL

Güngör drew attention to the importance of the Mediterranean diet and olive oil in protecting heart health, stating, "Thanks to its antioxidant effect, olive oil reduces arteriosclerosis, and as an unsaturated fat, it has a cholesterol-lowering effect. Alcohol can also cause obesity and diabetes due to the sugar it contains. Alcohol can also worsen heart failure and lead to palpitations by increasing the body's fluid load."

Stating that exercising for at least 45-60 minutes every day is also important for heart health, Güngör assessed, "Exercising lowers sugar and cholesterol levels by providing blood pressure control. Exercise should be done every day if possible. Rather than sports based on muscle strength, aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, slow-paced running, cycling, or swimming should be preferred. In the exercises performed, the pulse should rise and light sweating should be achieved; it is important that it is not in the form of a shopping trip. If we can talk comfortably with the person we are walking with during the walk, it means our pace is insufficient."