Department of Cardiology Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akbulut made a statement on the occasion of Health Week.
IT AFFECTS 18 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD EVERY YEAR
Stating that cardiovascular diseases are not destiny, but a choice, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akbulut said, “Especially cardiovascular diseases are among the leading diseases that cause death, disability, deterioration in quality of life and large economic expenses in the world and in our country. Approximately 18 million people die from cardiovascular disease every year in the world.
We estimate that by the 2030s, the number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases will increase exponentially, approaching 30 million. In other words, it is estimated that a population corresponding to approximately one-third of Turkey will die due to this disease every year. Unfortunately, 75 percent of these deaths will occur in underdeveloped or developing countries. While approximately 460 thousand deaths occur in our country every year, approximately 37 percent of these deaths are caused by cardiovascular diseases. “And this issue needs to be addressed on a national scale and measures should be taken regarding this issue,” he said.
HERE ARE THE BIGGEST REASONS
Stating that one of the biggest forms of cardiovascular diseases is heart attack, Prof. Dr. Akbulut said, “Heart attack occurs due to blockage of the vessels that carry the heart’s oxygen needs. The reason for these vascular occlusions occurs when some fatty deposits, especially cholesterol, accumulate around the vessels and cause stenosis and blockage over time.
The biggest reason for this is especially unhealthy nutrition, sedentary life, bad habits and some metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Fighting these diseases will prevent deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, and people will hold on to life in their most important and productive age. “If measures are taken against cardiovascular diseases, deaths will decrease by 80 percent,” he said. (UAV)
