Watch Out for These Risks to Protect Heart Health

Protect Your Heart Health: Watch Out for These Risks! Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in our country, as it is worldwide. According to recent data, an estimated 23 million people globally are expected to die from heart-related diseases by 2030. However, a significant majority of serious heart conditions can be prevented through controlling risk factors. Uz. Dr. Deniz Şener from the Cardiology Department of Memorial Şişli Hastanesi provided information about measures to protect heart health on the occasion of "10-17 April Heart Week." The heart, located just beneath the breastbone and responsible for circulating blood that supplies the body with necessary nutrients and oxygen, is among the body's most vital organs. The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, and it also regulates body temperature, maintains acid-base balance, and carries hormones and enzymes to where the body needs them. It is known that the heart pumps 9,000 liters of blood daily. The heart, weighing between 200 and 400 grams in adults, is a vital organ. For proper and healthy circulation throughout the body, the heart must function systematically.

Some of us are at greater risk

Almost anyone can develop heart disease. However, some people are at greater risk. The most important step in fighting heart and cardiovascular disease is taking precautions. Because heart and cardiovascular diseases can emerge earlier and progress rapidly due to risk factors. These risk factors can be listed as follows:

1. Age factor: Being over 45 for men, over 55 for women,
2. Early-onset heart disease in the family,
3. Tobacco product use,
4. Hypertension,
5. High cholesterol,
6. Physical inactivity,
7. Diabetes,
8. Obesity,
9. Stress,
10. Depression,
11. Sleep problems,
12. Early menopause.

Heart health can deteriorate at a young age

The heart, which works continuously without pause throughout life, can sometimes become tired and fail to perform its duties. Unhealthy diet, smoking, stress, and sedentary lifestyle are among the factors causing heart and cardiovascular disease; controlling these factors and carefully monitoring the body can be lifesaving. Sometimes young people think it is too early to worry about heart disease and may act carelessly. However, plaque formation in arteries can begin at a young age. If there is a family history of heart disease, diabetes and other conditions, or if the young person is overweight, blood vessels can be affected negatively at an early age. In coronary artery disease due to vessel stiffness, unhealthy lifestyle habits are known to be effective alongside genetic factors.

Vital recommendations to protect the heart

For this reason, attention must be paid to certain points to protect heart health and prevent deaths caused by heart disease. Recommendations to protect heart health can be listed as follows: - Stay away from tobacco products such as cigarettes, - Eat healthy, reach ideal weight and maintain it, - Reduce salt consumption, - Be physically active, - Pay attention to stress management, - Maintain a positive perspective, - Keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels balanced, - Keep blood pressure under control, - Have regular heart checkups, - Maintain a positive perspective.