In Turkey, 1 person loses their life to heart disease every 3 minutes

Prof. Dr. Bilal Boztosun issued important warnings regarding the protection of heart health. Stating that deaths increase as a result of failing to protect heart health, Prof. Dr. Bilal Boztosun touched upon the studies conducted by the Ministry of Health on the subject;

“33.4 percent of deaths in Turkey are caused by circulatory system diseases. This situation means one person dies every three minutes.

While approximately 300 thousand people suffer a heart attack every year, losses due to cancer account for half of this figure. Even though cardiovascular diseases continue to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, there are ways to keep your heart healthy.”

THINGS YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO IN ORDER TO PROTECT YOUR HEART HEALTH:

Stating that taking a step toward a healthy life is the golden rule of protecting heart health, Prof. Dr. Boztosun summarized 10 recommendations to protect the heart as follows;

1. Measure your blood pressure

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year, and more frequently if you have high blood pressure.

2. Keep your cholesterol under control

High cholesterol levels can clog your arteries and increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack.

3. Do not smoke

Smoking increases your blood pressure, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk.

4. Eat a balanced diet

A diet rich in saturated or trans fats is linked to heart disease. Too much salt and alcohol raise your blood pressure and strain your heart. Chronically high blood pressure means your heart has to work harder than necessary to circulate blood throughout your body, which tires your heart out more. The Mediterranean diet, with its content of whole grains, beans, leafy green vegetables, fruits, smaller amounts of red meat, and low-fat dairy products, is the most recommended diet for preventing heart diseases.

5. Exercise regularly

Physical activity helps you lower your cholesterol and blood pressure while maintaining your weight. While 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise is sufficient each week, 75 minutes per week of high-intensity exercise such as running or spinning is enough.

6. Keep your weight under control

Being overweight is a significant risk factor for heart disease. While losing one kilogram lowers your blood pressure by one point, losing 10 kilograms lowers it by 10 units.

7. Learn to cope with stress

High stress levels increase your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. These high levels can trigger a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack. Different methods such as meditation, deep breathing, talking to loved ones on the phone, and spending time with your family and pets improve your stress-coping skills.

8. Get your annual flu shot

The flu is associated with increased heart attacks and strokes. Get vaccinated to eliminate the risk of catching the flu and serious infections.

9. Get enough sleep

Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep. If you do not sleep enough, you may increase your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

10. Benefit from primary healthcare services

The main goal of your primary care family physician is to help you stay healthy. One of the ways to do this is to look at your risk factors for various diseases, including heart disease. If your family physician determines that you are at medium or high risk, they may prescribe medication, recommend lifestyle changes, and refer you to a cardiology specialist when necessary.