Due to the 11-17 April Heart Health Week, Bingöl Provincial Health Director Exp. Dr. Mehmet Emin Gündoğdu said that 86 percent of deaths in Turkey are mostly due to cardiovascular diseases. Gündoğdu said, “86 percent of deaths in Turkey are mostly caused by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and non-communicable diseases caused by chronic respiratory diseases. When evaluated for all age groups in Turkey, one out of every two deaths is caused by cardiovascular diseases and 80 percent of these early deaths are preventable.
RESPONSIBLE FOR 80 PERCENT OF HEART DISEASES
Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by tackling risk factors. It is reported that the incidence of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by half with the control of risk factors. Behavioral risk factors namely; unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol use are responsible for 80% of coronary heart disease.
Under the influence of unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity, individuals experience increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, increased blood lipids, overweight or obesity. Social economic factors and cultural changes (globalization, urbanization), aging of the society, stress, hereditary factors are other determinants of cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended to calculate the cardiovascular risk for every individual over the age of 40 and to take measures to prevent the development of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other complications, with appropriate interventions for behavioral risk factors, if any.
STAY AWAY FROM SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
Gündoğdu, who draws attention to proper nutrition in order to stay away from the risk of cardiovascular disease, said, “Eat healthy, eat adequate and balanced nutrition, consume enough vegetables and fruits. Reduce the amount of salt, sugar and fat, consume foods containing fiber, stay away from ready-made and processed foods. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity 5 times a week, use stairs, walk instead of driving, consult a physician before starting any exercise. Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol, quit if you use it. Quitting smoking protects both your own health and the health of those around you. Within 2 years of quitting smoking, the risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly reduced. In 15 years, it is on the same level as a non-smoker. Protecting yourself from cigarette smoke prevents cardiovascular disease,” he said.