Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine Head of Cardiology Department Prof. Dr. Özlem Esen also mentioned the effects of the earthquake on heart health and gave important warnings.
The effects of the earthquake disaster we experienced about a month ago are felt in many different areas. It is a fact that earthquake survivors, search and rescue workers working in the region and even those who follow the process on their screens face many psychological and health problems at different levels. Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine Head of Cardiology Department Prof. Dr. Özlem Esen also mentioned the effects of the earthquake on heart health and gave important warnings.
prof. Dr. Özlem Esen stated that after about a month, heart health was also directly affected due to the problems in basic needs and especially in access to medicines. He emphasized the importance of medication continuity and follow-up of heart patients. He reminded that according to the data in Japan, there is an increase in sudden cardiac deaths. He pointed out that the change in the patient spectrum has started in the current process. Özlem Esen stated that as a society, we are locked in front of the screen and said that the results of anxiety, insomnia and stress are beginning to be seen. Özlem Esen said, “The problems experienced as a result of anxiety and worry started to mix with panic attacks, real heart and vascular problems. Are the complaints real cardiovascular problems or panic attacks? It is very important that this can be distinguished by being well examined by the health teams. It creates an alarming backdrop for heart patients.” said.
What will heart patients do, how will they distinguish?
Özlem Esen gave information about the points to be considered in order to distinguish between the two situations. “If the patient's blood pressure is above 16 to 9 and he feels chest tightness and constriction, he should be careful. If there is a narrowing in the middle of the chest 1-2 hours after falling asleep and there is a desire to open a window, this may be a sign of a heart attack. In this case, the pulse should be checked. If it beats above 15-20 for more than 120-130 minutes, this should not be dismissed as psychology. Now widely used smartwatches can help with this.” he warned. Stating that she is sometimes confused with stomach complaints, Özlem Esen underlined that if there is no relief despite anti-acid treatment, a doctor should be consulted if the discomfort continues.
Beware of broken heart syndrome
Özlem Esen also reminded that it can be confused with the condition known as broken heart syndrome, which is seen in postmenopausal women. She stated that patients usually come with severe and severe chest pain complaints. She advised that there are currently more priority problems in earthquake zones, but that scanning medicine applications should be started as soon as possible.