In recent years, cardiovascular diseases have increased regardless of age and gender. The main solution for heart diseases that impair the quality of life of people from all walks of life is to eliminate the modifiable risk factors and prevent the formation of the disease. However, regular check-ups play a key role in maintaining heart health. Specialist from Memorial Antalya Hospital Cardiology Department, Dr. Nuri Cömert gave information about the factors that negatively affect heart health and the precautions to be taken.
Risk factors for heart disease are as follows. Some of these cannot be changed, but a significant number can be changed by lifestyle adjustments:
- Being over 40 in men
- Being over 45 years old or post-menopausal period in women
- Having a family history of cardiovascular disease
- Consuming cigarettes and tobacco derivatives
- Having high blood pressure
- Low good cholesterol (HDL)
- Having high bad cholesterol (LDL)
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Having diabetes
- Obesity (overweight for height)
- High stress level
Those with a family history of heart disease should not neglect their check-ups
If a parent or first-degree relative has had a heart attack at an early age or has a sudden unexplained death; If the person has diabetes or high blood pressure, and smokes, he or she must have a heart check-up. With heart check-up, it is revealed that people who do not have chest pain and have no complaints about heart disease are prone to heart disease and how much heart disease risk they have. Thanks to the heart check-up, it is understood whether the person has a current heart valve problem, whether there is inflammation of the heart muscle and membrane, whether there is coronary artery disease or a rhythm disorder.
Tests without complaints can save lives
The heart check-up process begins with a physical examination. In this examination, all systems of the person are checked and tests are planned by measuring blood pressure. Cardiac arrhythmias can be detected by electrocardiogram. With blood tests, the person’s sugar and cholesterol levels are checked. Echocardiography can detect heart valve disease, heart muscle disease and a previous heart attack. Silent ischemia can be detected by exertion test. According to the test results, problems in the heart vessels can be found with coronary CT angiography when necessary. As a result of these tests, if necessary, plans such as lifestyle change, diet program, exercise prescription are made. The basic principle in cardiovascular diseases is to diagnose and start treatment before the disease progresses.
Take your precautions without heart disease
While factors that trigger cardiovascular disease increase the likelihood of serious problems in people who have not yet had heart disease; may cause further aggravation of the picture in cardiovascular patients. On the other hand, combating risk factors with appropriate lifestyle changes prevents the emergence of the disease, and slows or even stops the rate of progression in those who develop the disease. In order to protect heart health, it is very important to undergo regular examinations, to have the necessary tests and to follow your doctor’s recommendations.
