Does the Covid vaccine cause heart attacks? Prof. Dr. Cengiz Köksal spoke to 12punto.com.tr

12punto.com.tr - Ayhan TAŞPINARLIOĞLU

The recent increase in heart attack cases is drawing attention. The fact that cases have started to be seen in children has given rise to claims that Covid-19 vaccines cause heart attacks.

Heart attack cases, commonly known as a disease of old age, have recently reached down to children. While the increase in cases has been notable, some segments point to Covid-19 vaccines as the cause. We spoke with Prof. Dr. Cengiz Köksal about heart attack cases, the increasing incidence rates in children, and their causes. Köksal emphasized that diabetes, active smoking, inactivity, and unhealthy nutrition are increasing the cases. Köksal also responded to the public's curiosity regarding claims that "the Covid-19 vaccine has increased cases."

DIABETES AND SMOKING INCREASE RISK

What are the reasons for the recent increase in heart attack cases?

‘’The incidence of heart attacks in our country continues to increase every day. While there are many reasons for this, genetic predisposition, a sedentary lifestyle, being under intense stress, and unhealthy nutrition are among the biggest causes. The risk of a heart attack can be reduced with small changes in lifestyle. The probability of a heart attack occurring due to the calcification of vessels increases with advanced age, but the presence of certain risk factors increases the likelihood of a heart attack even further. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, active smoking, and being overweight can be counted at the top of these risk factors. If you have one or more of these risk factors, there is a possibility of having a heart attack at an earlier age.

IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN IN CHILDREN UNDER 18

What is the reason for the increase in heart attack cases among young people and children?

A heart attack was thought to be a disease that concerns the elderly and is seen at advanced ages. A heart attack under the age of 40 was a very rare condition, but its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Poor lifestyle, intense stress, smoking and alcohol consumption, excess weight, and the negative effects of chronic diseases on the heart are very significant. If there is a genetic predisposition and these factors are present, a heart attack can occur at an early age. If you have diabetes, you are at about 4 times higher risk. High blood sugar damages the vessels, which increases the likelihood of cholesterol accumulation in our arteries and causing atherosclerosis. Diabetic patients are more likely to have other chronic diseases such as high cholesterol and hypertension, which are other risk factors. Unfortunately, a heart attack can also occur in children under 18. Among the causes of childhood heart attacks are structural heart diseases, rheumatological diseases contracted during childhood, and familial heart diseases. When there is chest pain in children, it is necessary to consult specialist physicians.

HOW SHOULD ONE EAT AGAINST A HEART ATTACK?

How should one eat and what should be done to avoid having a heart attack?

The most suitable diet for heart health is the Mediterranean-style diet. Dietary regulation should not be a short-term but a long-term habit. Processed products and products made with sugar and sweeteners should not be consumed. Attention should be paid to the portions of the meals you eat and the fat content in them. Reduce salt usage. Avoid frying; prefer steaming, grilling, or baking. A regular 3-4 km brisk walk and exercise per day is one of the best actions you can take for your heart health. Daily regular walking raises good fats in the blood and helps control blood sugar by balancing your weight. The intensity of exercise should be adjusted individually. The individual level of physical fatigue is determined according to environmental conditions. Walking, cycling, and swimming are among the most important exercises used. Exercising for approximately 30 to 60 minutes will help in protecting against heart disease. If you have a heart disease, your physician needs to make a suitable plan for you after a detailed evaluation by your physician beforehand.

THERE IS NO STRONG DATA THAT COVID-19 VACCINES INCREASE HEART ATTACK RISK

It continues to be talked about among the public that Covid-19 vaccines cause heart attacks. Do Covid-19 vaccines cause heart attacks?

It has been observed that heart ailments have increased in people who have contracted the Covid-19 disease, especially those who had a severe case of the disease. Since Covid-19 causes clotting in the vessels, an increase in heart attack cases associated with this has been observed. It is known that many of the deaths caused by Covid-19 are heart-related. There is no strong data that the vaccine increases the risk of a heart attack. Some studies have stated that vaccine-related heart ailments can be seen. However, not getting vaccinated will further increase the probability of contracting a Covid infection, and the incidence of heart ailments associated with this will be higher.

AWARENESS SHOULD BE INCREASED

What kind of work should the Ministry of Health do to reduce heart attack cases?

Preventive medicine is of vital importance to reduce heart attack rates. First of all, the fight against obesity and smoking habits is important. Areas where people can walk regularly can be considered the first stage of protection against heart attacks. The Ministry of Health has given extensive space to the prevention of chronic diseases. The fight against smoking has been carried out more intensively in recent years. Reducing risk factors and the preventable heart diseases associated with this hold an important place. Healthy nutrition, sufficient physical activity, and the fight against tobacco and alcohol are at the forefront of these. Social information should be provided to increase awareness of these. A person should be interested in and knowledgeable about their own health. It is very important to take the necessary precautions. People in the risk group in health institutions should be regularly examined by a physician for heart disease.’’