Learn Your Heart Disease Risk!

By Editor Last updated Dec 7, 2023

Learn Your Heart Disease Risk!

Cardiovascular diseases develop in men from the age of 40 onwards, and in women approximately 5-6 years after menopause. The risk increases with age. However, it is possible to both learn about this risk and reduce it with some precautions.

Undoubtedly, many factors play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Especially high blood sugar (diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), use of tobacco products and advanced age are among the main risk factors. In addition, risk factors such as a history of cardiovascular disease at an early age, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet that can lead to obesity are also important for cardiovascular diseases. According to a study conducted in the USA with 49,255 male patients followed for more than 20 years, when patients with and without family risk factors were compared, the risk of heart disease was 50% higher in the group with family members with a history of cardiovascular disease before the age of 50 compared to the group without family risk factors. There was a risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The earlier the family members have a history of heart attack, stent or bypass, the higher the patient’s risk is. Anadolu Health Center Cardiology Specialist Dr. While Nermina Alagic discussed the risk factors in cardiovascular diseases, she also shared important information about risk measurement…

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

Familial high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) is a genetic disease in which markedly high cholesterol levels are observed and the risk of heart attack is high. 30% of women experiencing this problem until 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. Therefore, it is important to take protective measures for possible risk factors in order to reduce the risk of having a heart attack in the future. The protective measures to be taken vary depending on the patient’s risk factors and risk. While this may simply be a lifestyle change, it may also include starting medication.

When evaluated for all age groups in Turkey, one in every two deaths is caused by cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, 80% of these premature deaths are preventable.

HOW IS HEART ATTACK RISK MEASURED?

The basis of the fight against cardiovascular diseases is the identification of cardiovascular disease risk factors and taking precautions against risks. However, one of the most important factors that determine how much benefit will be obtained from prevention and treatment is early diagnosis. Various scoring systems are available to investigate the risk factors that cause atherosclerotic (hardening of the arteries) cardiovascular diseases and to make their effects easier to understand. For example, in the risk scoring, which is used to determine individuals’ cardiovascular disease risks and is created by examining data obtained from studies in 12 European countries, the 10-year risk level can be determined by looking at different parameters of the individual. Therefore, the 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal heart diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke) in apparently healthy people between the ages of 40-69 can be measured. Unfortunately, having an increased risk means you have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other problems. The main imaging methods used in risk determination and diagnosis, which are also applied at Anadolu Health Center, include coronary artery calcium score, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, coronary angiography, carotid ultrasound and echocardiography. The goal 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 protection.

MY RISK IS HIGH, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Lifestyle changes are recommended for patients with high risk of cardiovascular diseases, and if necessary, drug treatment is initiated and the patient is closely monitored to reduce high risk factors.

The main precautions to be taken to protect against both high-risk and possible diseases are common. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases with the following suggestions:

If you use tobacco products, quit.
Exercise 150-300 minutes a week at moderate intensity (walking, swimming, jogging, etc.) or 75-150 minutes at high intensity.
Maintain your weight.
Consume at least 200 grams of fruits and vegetables every day.
Consume fish high in omega-3 (such as salmon, mackerel, sardine) 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.

HYPERTENSION POLYCLINIC IS IN SERVICE!

In Turkey, 1 in every 3 adults has hypertension. Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Based on this fact, Anadolu Sağlık, Ataşehir Medical Center Hypertension Polyclinic was put into service. The purpose of the clinic; With the vision of a multidisciplinary approach, to diagnose the patient in a timely manner, to follow the patient closely by applying the necessary treatment effectively and to protect him from chronic diseases that may be caused by hypertension.