Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty academic staff member, Marmara University Medicine Faculty vice Dean and Marmara University Medicine Faculty Cardiology Department academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Altuğ Çinçin released a statement on the occasion of the “World Heart Day”. The statement is as follows:
“Considering that heart diseases and stroke are still associated with 18.6 million deaths each year, it is clear that we are dealing with the most successful serial killer known. According to data from the World Health Organization, this figure is expected to reach 22.2 million by 2030. In our country, the situation seems even more difficult. It is observed that 40% of deaths under the age of 75, that is, 2 out of every 5 people, die as a result of a cardiovascular disease.
When we physicians try to treat a disease, most commonly what we can do is to eliminate some or all of the results of the disease. For instance, even if the intervention we are going to apply to a patient who has a heart attack is performed within the appropriate time period, it does not change the fact that this patient has a very high risk in the coming years. It is obvious that the most effective fight against cardiovascular diseases that affect such a large part of the society should be in the "protection" phase. For this very reason, 29th of September has been referred as "World Heart Day" since 2012 in order to raise social awareness against Cardiovascular Diseases.
It is a scientifically proven fact that when social awareness and fight against risk factors are carried out successfully within predetermined programs, significant improvements can be achieved in mortality rates. For example, in a large-scale registry study conducted in Finland, from 1972 to 2014, mortality due to coronary artery disease decreased by 84%, only 1/3 of this decrease was associated with new treatment methods, and 2/3 was associated with successful reduction in risk factors.
Apart from the irreversible risk factors such as advancing age, other risk factors like unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, use of tobacco and excessive alcohol are known to increase coronary heart diseases. It has also been clearly shown that high blood pressure, high cholesterol values, overweight and obesity increase all coronary and non-coronary atherosclerotic events. The effectiveness of socio-economic factors, increasing urbanization and environmental pollution, and stress has also been demonstrated by various studies.
Even though we cannot fully prevent the serial killer in our target, there is no other choice but to fight the existing risk factors, both individually and socially, in order to at least reduce the death rate. In line with the recommendations of the European Preventive Cardiology Guide published in 2021, minimum of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise per week should be performed. If this target cannot be achieved, the time spent sedentary during the day should be limited, and the majority of the day should be spent with light activity. For nutrition, a Mediterranean type or similar healthy diet should be preferred. Excessive alcohol consumption should be prevented, fish should be consumed at least once a week, and processed meat consumption should be completely avoided. Complete cessation of smoking or tobacco consumption is essential. By checking our blood pressure intermittently, we should make sure that it is not high, and we should continue our doctor's checks regularly. All individuals under the age of 70 are advised to consult their physician for a 10-year cardiovascular risk assessment, even if they do not have any cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, or an acquired or genetic lipid disorder (high cholesterol). The risk of developing heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other complications will be significantly reduced with the creation of personalized goals according to your risk group determined by your doctor and interventions appropriate to your risk factors. I wish you a healthy year”.
