Critical warning for holiday feasts: "Uncontrolled red meat consumption can increase the risk of heart attack!"

Drawing attention to the effects of increased red meat consumption during Eid al-Adha on cardiovascular health, Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yolcu stated that excessive meat consumption, especially in the first days, can trigger heart attacks.

İstinye University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yolcu stated that the increase in the consumption of fatty red meat, roasted meat (kavurma), offal, and syrupy desserts during holiday feasts can pose serious risks for individuals with hypertension, high cholesterol, and vascular diseases.

"Fatty meat consumption can negatively affect vascular health"

Emphasizing that fatty parts of red meat contain high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yolcu issued the following warnings:

"When fatty parts of red meat are consumed in excess, they can raise LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol levels. In addition, they can contribute to a rise in blood pressure. All these conditions can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and vascular occlusion. It can cause an increase in symptoms, especially in individuals with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure."

"Heart patients should pay attention to portion control"

Stating that heart patients should pay more attention to their diet during the holiday, Yolcu recommended consuming meat with portion control and choosing lean cuts. Expressing that boiling, baking, or grilling should be chosen as cooking methods instead of frying, Yolcu underlined that daily cooked red meat consumption should not exceed approximately 90–120 grams.

"Freshly slaughtered meat should not be consumed immediately"

Stating that consuming freshly slaughtered meat without letting it rest will strain the digestive system, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yolcu warned the elderly and those with heart and stomach conditions, saying, "Unrested meat is tougher and can make digestion difficult. This can lead to bloating, indigestion, and stomach problems. It is recommended to let the meat rest in the refrigerator for a few hours to 24 hours."

Warning on offal and syrupy desserts

Stating that offal products such as liver, kidney, spleen, and brain contain high cholesterol and can increase uric acid levels, Yolcu requested that these foods be limited. Recommending that milk-based desserts or fruits be preferred instead of heavy syrupy desserts during the holiday, Yolcu reminded that insufficient water consumption in hot weather can increase blood pressure and rhythm problems, and therefore plenty of water should be consumed.

"Some symptoms should not be ignored"

Pointing out that some complaints that may arise during the holiday are of vital importance, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yolcu concluded his words as follows:

"If symptoms such as pressure or pain in the chest, shortness of breath, palpitations, sudden rise in blood pressure, cold sweats, pain radiating to the left arm or jaw, feeling of fainting, and unexplained weakness occur, a healthcare institution should be consulted without delay. Especially individuals with a history of heart disease should not dismiss these symptoms as mere indigestion."