Anadolu Medical Center Cardiology Specialist Dr. Nermina Alagic gave information about cardiovascular diseases. Anadolu Medical Center Cardiology Specialist, who emphasized that when evaluated for all age groups in Turkey, one out of every two deaths occur due to cardiovascular diseases and that 80 percent of these premature deaths are preventable. Nermina Alagic said, “Many factors undoubtedly play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Especially diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, tobacco use and advanced age are among the main risk factors. In addition, risk factors such as having a history of cardiovascular disease at an early age, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet that can lead to obesity are also important for cardiovascular diseases.
“It increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in family members”
According to a study conducted with 20 male patients followed for more than 49 years in the USA, when patients with and without family risk factors were compared, the group with a family history of cardiovascular disease before the age of 255 was 50 percent more likely than the group without family risk factors. Expressing that there is a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, Cardiology Specialist Dr. Nermina Alagic said, "The earlier the family members have a history of heart attack, stent or bypass, the higher the risk of the patient."
Stating that familial high cholesterol is genetic, it is a disease with significant high cholesterol levels and a high risk of heart attack, Dr. Alagic said, “30 percent of women who have this problem are up to the age of 60; 50% of men have a heart attack by the age of 50. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce coronary artery disease by 80% with early diagnosis and treatment in people with familial hyperlipidemia. For this reason, it is important to take preventive measures for possible risk factors in order to reduce the risk of heart attack in the future. The protective measures to be taken vary depending on the patient's risk factors and the risk they have. "While this may be just a lifestyle change, it may also include starting medication in addition to this," he said.
“Measuring the risk is important for protection”
Underlining that the basis of the fight against cardiovascular diseases is the detection of cardiovascular disease risk factors and taking precautions against risks, Cardiology Specialist Dr. Nermina Alagic continued her words as follows:
“However, one of the most important factors that determines how much benefit will be obtained from prevention and treatment is early diagnosis. There are various scoring systems in order to investigate the risk factors that cause cardiovascular diseases and to make their effects easier to understand. For example, in the risk scoring, which is used to determine the risks of cardiovascular diseases of individuals and created by examining the data obtained from the studies of 12 European countries, a 10-year risk level can be determined by looking at different parameters of the individual. Therefore, the 40-year risk of fatal and non-fatal heart diseases can be measured in apparently healthy people between the ages of 69-10. Having an increased risk unfortunately means an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other problems. The main imaging modalities used in risk determination and diagnosis include coronary artery calcium score, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, coronary angiography, carotid ultrasound and echocardiography. The aim is to identify people at high risk who should benefit most from preventive interventions. Measuring the risk, especially in individuals without symptoms, is very important for prevention.”
“9 ways to reduce cardiovascular risk”
Emphasizing that patients with a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, lifestyle changes are recommended first and that drug therapy is initiated if necessary to reduce high risk factors and the patient is followed closely. Nermina Alagic shared ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases:
- If you use tobacco products, stop.
- Do 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (walking, swimming, jogging, etc.) or 75-150 minutes of high-intensity exercise a week.
- Maintain your weight.
- Consume at least 200 grams of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Consume fish with high omega-2 content such as salmon, mackerel and sardines twice a week.
- Limit your red meat consumption to no more than 350-500 grams per week.
- Consume 30 grams of raw nuts a day.
- If you have diabetes, follow the recommendations and pay attention to your sugar balance.
- To maintain your blood pressure, do not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day.