Heart attack can be prevented

Prof. Dr. Barlas N. Aytaçoğlu Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist from the Faculty of Medicine of Cyprus International University (CIU) stated that 60 percent of all deaths in the world are due to cardiovascular diseases, “In other words, cardiovascular diseases have a role in more than half of the deaths”.

Pointing out that we have recently read the news of many people, who lost their lives because of a heart attack at a young age, Aytaçoğlu expressed that there are factors that can and cannot be changed on the way to a heart attack and maximum attention should be paid to the factors that can be changed.

It was mentioned that genetic predisposition is the leading factor that cannot be prevented, and those, with relatives who died of heart and/or vascular disease at an early age in their family, have a higher risk of developing diseases of this system compared to normal people, but this should not be accepted as fate and changeable factors should be considered.

Giving information about changeable factors, Aytaçoğlu said, "Among these factors, smoking, careless diet, hypertension, diabetes, sedentary life, and stress can be considered in the first group".

Prof. Dr. Aytaçoğlu stated that smoking is a serious habit that causes serious oxidation in the body and causes the presence of antioxidants to be insufficient and staying away from it especially by those with a genetic predisposition, will help reduce the problems.

Underlining that changes in dietary habits and natural and proper nutrition can help control blood fats, especially cholesterol levels known as LDL and bad cholesterol, Aytaçoğlu added: “Since diabetes triggers a widespread inflammation environment in the body, the body remains under the constant pressure of oxidants. Therefore, it is very important to control sugar effectively".

It was also explained that sedentary life is one of the most important components of the path to gain weight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and vascular occlusions, which are defined as metabolic syndrome, and that people with risk factors should adopt a lifestyle involving regular exercise.

Underlining that the constant release of stress hormones that cause blood pressure increases and as a result of the triggering of the stages leading to erosion in the heart and vessels (i.e. arteriosclerosis), is a serious part of today's social life, Aytaçoğlu said: “Stress is one of the most critical components of young deaths due to heart attacks. Life under pressure causes the cardiovascular system to wear down rapidly. People with high-risk factors must be careful with stress".