Learn Your Heart Disease Risk!

Cardiovascular diseases develop in men from around the age of 40, and in women approximately 5-6 years after menopause. As age increases, the risk also rises. However, it is possible to both learn about this risk and reduce it through certain precautions.

Cardiovascular diseases develop in men from around the age of 40, and in women approximately 5-6 years after menopause. As age increases, the risk also rises. However, it is possible to both learn about this risk and reduce it through certain precautions.
There are undoubtedly many factors involved in the development of heart and vascular diseases. Particularly, high blood sugar (diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), tobacco use, and advanced age are major risk factors. Additionally, a family history of heart and vascular diseases at an early age, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits that can lead to obesity are also significant risk factors for heart and vascular diseases. A study conducted on 49,255 male patients followed for more than 20 years in the U.S. found that when comparing patients with and without a family risk factor, those with a family history of heart and vascular disease before the age of 50 had a 50% higher risk of developing heart and vascular disease compared to those without a family risk factor. The earlier family members experience heart attacks, stent placements, or bypass surgeries, the higher the patient's risk. Cardiologist Dr. Nermina Alagiç from Anadolu Health Center shared important insights not only on the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases but also on how to measure those risks.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

Familial hypercholesterolemia (hyperlipidemia) is a genetic condition characterized by significantly high cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart attacks. About 30% of women with this condition will have a heart attack by the age of 60, while 50% of men will have one by the age of 50. On the other hand, early diagnosis and treatment of familial hyperlipidemia can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease by 80%. For this reason, it is crucial to take preventive measures for potential risk factors to reduce the future risk of heart attacks. These preventive measures vary depending on the patient's risk factors and overall risk. Sometimes, these measures can include lifestyle changes, and at times, medication may also be required.

In Turkey, when considering all age groups, one out of every two deaths is due to cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, 80% of these early deaths are preventable.

HOW IS HEART ATTACK RISK MEASURED?

The foundation of combating cardiovascular diseases lies in identifying cardiovascular disease risk factors and taking preventive measures. However, one of the most important factors determining the benefit of prevention and treatment is early diagnosis. Various scoring systems are available to research the risk factors leading to atherosclerotic (arterial hardening) cardiovascular diseases and to make their impact easier to understand. For example, the risk score developed using data from studies in 12 European countries allows the 10-year risk level to be determined by looking at different parameters of an individual. Therefore, the risk of encountering fatal and non-fatal heart diseases (such as myocardial infarction and stroke) can be measured in seemingly healthy individuals aged 40-69. Having an elevated risk unfortunately indicates increased risks for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and other issues. Key imaging methods used in risk determination and diagnosis, and applied at Anadolu Health Center, include coronary artery calcium scoring, contrast-enhanced CT, coronary angiography, carotid ultrasound, and echocardiography. The goal is to identify high-risk individuals who will benefit the most from preventive interventions. Particularly, measuring risk in individuals with no symptoms is critical for prevention.

MY RISK IS HIGH, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

For patients with high cardiovascular disease risk, lifestyle changes are recommended first. If necessary, medication is started to reduce high risk factors, and the patient is closely monitored.

The main measures to be taken to protect both from high risks and possible diseases are common. You can reduce your cardiovascular disease risk with the following recommendations:

• If you use tobacco products, quit.
• Exercise moderately (walking, swimming, jogging, etc.) for 150-300 minutes per week or engage in high-intensity exercise for 75-150 minutes.
• Maintain your weight.
• Consume at least 200 grams of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Eat omega-3 rich fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines) twice a week.
• Limit red meat consumption to a maximum of 350-500 grams per week.
• Consume 30 grams of raw nuts daily.
• If you have diabetes, follow the recommendations and monitor your sugar levels.
• To maintain normal blood pressure, do not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day.

HYPERTENSION CLINIC NOW OPEN!

One in three adults in Turkey has hypertension. Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for heart and vascular diseases. With this in mind, Anadolu Health opened the Hypertension Clinic at Ataşehir Medical Center. The clinic’s goal is to provide timely diagnosis with a multidisciplinary approach, effectively apply the necessary treatment, closely monitor the patient, and protect against chronic diseases caused by hypertension.