200,000 People Die of Heart Attacks Every Year

Diseases arising from heart conditions are leading causes of death worldwide. According to WHO data, 17 million people die annually from cardiovascular disease globally. WHO data estimates that deaths from heart and cardiovascular disease will increase to 22.2 million by 2030. In Turkey, approximately 200,000 people die from heart attacks each year. 40% of total deaths result from circulatory system diseases, with this rate being noted as 30 times higher than deaths from traffic accidents. On 29 September World Heart Day, Dr. Fedakar Günsili, CEO of Özel Ankara Umut Hastanesi, made statements on the topic and provided recommendations for heart disease patients and those with heart conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.

Risk Reduction Through Simple Measures

Fedakar Günsili stressed that 80% of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco products. Noting that cardiovascular disease is among the largely preventable diseases, Günsili said that small changes in our lives can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Günsili stated that by not smoking, exercising regularly, eating healthily, avoiding excessive weight gain, losing weight if overweight in a way that negatively affects health, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar if hypertensive, we can prevent cardiovascular disease development and live not only healthier but also more pleasant lives.

COVID-19 More Dangerous for Those with Cardiovascular Disease

Fedakar Günsili emphasized that the highest-risk groups for COVID-19 mortality are the elderly and those with cardiovascular disease, stating: "According to research results, the mortality rate in those with no previous disease is 0.9%, while the mortality rate in individuals with cardiovascular disease is over 10%. For this reason, people with heart conditions need to be 3 times more careful against COVID-19. Since the virus's main target is the lungs, it also attacks heart tissue and can cause myocarditis, which we define as heart muscle inflammation. In this situation, the lungs must increase heart circulation rate to compensate for blood with insufficient oxygen content. It is inevitable that a diseased heart that must work harder to deliver oxygen to tissues will be negatively affected by this situation. For someone with heart failure, where the heart experiences effective pumping problems, this can worsen the problems further. If you have heart disease, the likelihood of contracting the disease can produce dangerous consequences. A person with heart disease may have a weaker immune system. It is known that as people age, their immune systems weaken. And in those with chronic medical conditions, when exposed to viruses, the body's immune response will not be strong," he said.

35% Potential Heart Disease Patients in Turkey

Dr. Fedakar Günsili pointed out that research conducted in past years shows the number of smokers in Turkey exceeded 20 million. Günsili noted that this situation increases many conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease. Günsili stated: "Obesity, tobacco use, and lack of physical activity critically affect the heart. But unfortunately in Turkey, one in every 3 adults falls into the obese category, while we rank first in Europe regarding tobacco product use. According to latest data, the number of smokers in Turkey has exceeded 20 million. Additionally, 44% of the population reports never exercising in their lifetime. Looking at this picture, it is possible to say that the Turkish population has not taken necessary steps to protect heart health and approximately 35% of the population are potential heart disease patients," he said.

Recommendations to consider for a healthy heart

Dr. Fedakar Günsili reminded that protecting heart health is actually quite easy. He listed what we need to do to live a healthy and long life.

Healthy nutrition

A balanced diet is very important for a healthy heart and circulatory system. This diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish, and legumes with limited salt, sugar, and fat intake.

Regular physical activity

At least 20-30 minutes of regular daily physical activity helps maintain cardiovascular fitness, while at least 60 minutes of physical activity on several days a week helps maintain fitness.

Should not use tobacco

Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewable tobacco in any form are very harmful to health. Exposure to tobacco smoke is also dangerous. Immediately after a person stops using tobacco products, the risk of heart attack and stroke begins to decrease. After 1 year, this risk can be reduced by half.

General cardiovascular risk can be controlled

Providing treatment and counseling to high-risk individuals (those with 10-year cardiovascular risk of 30% or higher) and reducing their cardiovascular risks is an important way to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Using simple risk tables, a health care worker can estimate cardiovascular risk and provide appropriate advice for managing risk factors.