According to the latest data from the World Health Organization, one in five heart attacks occur at an early age in Turkey, one of the countries with the youngest population in Europe. Heart attacks rank first among health problems with a rate of 42 percent. When it comes to diseases that are the number one cause of death in Turkey; Cardiology Specialist Dr. Nuri Cömert, who stated that the risk is valid for everyone, regardless of whether they currently have any cardiovascular disease or not, provided information on the precautions to be taken against risk factors leading to heart attacks and what to do in case of a heart attack due to "April 14-20 Heart Health Week".
Cömert said that cardiovascular diseases should be on the agenda for everyone and are among the preventable diseases, and that heart attack and death rates can be reduced with regular check-ups. Underlining that modern life in Turkey prevents people from living an active life and that the inactivity brought by this life directly affects the heart, Cömert said, "While heart attacks were only seen in patients over the age of 60 20 years ago, due to irregular nutrition, sedentary lifestyle and the increased use of electronic devices such as computers and smartphones, people under the age of 45 can now have heart attacks. Modern life now prevents people from living an active life and the inactivity brought by this life directly affects the heart."
"Stay away from smoking, reduce the risk of heart attack by 50 percent"
Emphasizing that the biggest mistakes made regarding cardiovascular health are thinking that you will never get heart disease, Cömert said, "Not being aware of genetic risk factors and smoking are among the other mistakes. Just quitting smoking can reduce the risk of heart attack by 50 percent. You can keep a heart attack away from you by adopting an active life, eating a regular and balanced diet, not neglecting health checks, and adopting an improved lifestyle. Answer the following questions to find out your risk of cardiovascular disease; 'What are your bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels?' and 'Do you know your blood pressure values?' If your answer is 'no' to any of these questions, first consult a specialist just to learn these values."
"A heart attack tells me I'm coming"
Stating that heart diseases are in the group of preventable diseases, Spec. Dr. Nuri Cömert said, "After the basic tests, your doctor will determine the frequency of examinations and check-ups according to your risk group. While annual check-ups are recommended for people in the high-risk group, check-up intervals can be longer for people in the low-risk group. Heart diseases are in the group of preventable diseases. Treatments that are diagnosed early and your heart is protected give extremely successful results. If you feel discomfort, crushing, pressing or burning pain in the midline of your chest while resting, sometimes radiating to your left arm, back and shoulder, you may be having a heart attack. Sudden onset of shortness of breath, cold sweats and death anxiety may also be signs of a heart attack. Sometimes, nausea, vomiting and fainting may be the first complaints in cases of blockages in the veins feeding the lower surface of the heart."
"Get first aid training"
Emphasizing that a heart attack is a race against time and stating that the first 3 minutes are important, Cömert said, "Knowing and being aware of the symptoms of a heart attack is the basic principle of early intervention. Being aware of the chest pain felt before a heart attack can be a chance for early diagnosis and treatment. The most important situation in a heart attack is cardiac and respiratory arrest. It is important for individuals with a family history of heart disease to receive first aid training and to know how to intervene in cases of heart massage and life support. People with heart disease should make a list of medications and keep it with them. If you think you or someone close to you is having a heart attack, you should definitely call 112 Emergency Call Number and ask for professional support immediately. If there is an aspirin, the person should be given an aspirin immediately and allowed to chew. The person should be seated or laid down. If the clothes are tight, they should be loosened. The person should be allowed to breathe deeply and slowly. Making the person cough may be useful when a difference in pulse is felt. The person having a heart attack should not be left alone, "Consciousness and respiratory status should be checked at intervals," he said.
