Turkish Society of Cardiology: "Don't Let COVID Break Your Heart"

Turkish Cardiology Society: "Don't Let COVID Break Your Heart" The Turkish Cardiology Society issued warnings on 29 September, World Heart Day, about protection against cardiovascular diseases. The leading causes of cardiovascular disease are sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes, excess weight and smoking. Aiming to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkish Cardiology Society conveyed recommendations for protection against cardiovascular diseases under the slogan "COVID Won't Break Your Heart." Turkish Cardiology Society President Prof. Dr. Vedat Aytekin stated: "High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight are the main enemies of our hearts. It is never too late to fight cardiovascular disease and protect ourselves. Start fighting and protecting yourselves as soon as possible." Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide. The most important risk factors causing cardiovascular disease are high blood pressure and cholesterol, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and smoking. 29 September, determined by the World Heart Federation, is recognized every year as World Heart Day across the globe, and awareness activities regarding cardiovascular diseases are conducted worldwide on this day. The Turkish Cardiology Society supports these activities in our country and works to inform the Turkish public correctly through various awareness activities on heart health. In this regard, a press conference was organized under the chairmanship of Turkish Cardiology Society President Prof. Dr. Vedat Aytekin and attended by members of the Turkish Cardiology Society Board of Directors.

"Sedentary lifestyle and excess weight are the main enemies of our hearts"

Turkish Cardiology Society President Prof. Dr. Vedat Aytekin, who made statements at the meeting, said: "As the Turkish Cardiology Society, which has embraced the mission of 'Healthy Hearts for a Better Future' for many years, we work throughout the year and at every opportunity through various activities to raise public awareness about cardiovascular diseases. 29 September has been designated as 'World Heart Day' by the World Heart Federation and has been a good opportunity for us to contribute," he said. Warning citizens about the risks of cardiovascular diseases, Prof. Dr. Vedat Aytekin added: "High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight are the main enemies of our hearts. It is never too late to fight cardiovascular disease and protect ourselves. Start fighting and protecting yourselves as soon as possible."

Do not delay your heart problems due to COVID-19: "COVID Won't Break Your Heart"

Globally, hospital admissions for heart attack cases declined by nearly half during the pandemic period. According to the results of the TURKMI-II study conducted nationwide by the Turkish Cardiology Society, there was a 47.1 percent decrease in heart attack patients admitted to hospitals during the pandemic period compared to the TURKMI-I study conducted before the pandemic. This study data shows that nearly half of patients who suffered heart attacks during the pandemic did not seek hospital care. Calling on citizens, Prof. Dr. Vedat Aytekin added: "Do not delay your heart problems due to COVID-19. Do not postpone vaccination. Do not neglect mask, distance and hygiene rules."

Quick action in heart attack is vital

Emphasizing that the first hours are of vital importance for a person experiencing a heart attack, Turkish Cardiology Society President-Elect Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Değertekin stressed that approximately one-third of heart attack patients do not come to the hospital at all and added: "In the TURKMI-I and II studies, the time elapsed from the start of patient symptoms to calling 112 Emergency in Turkey was found to have increased from an average of 53 minutes before the pandemic to 90 minutes during the pandemic period. We see that patients did not call or delayed calling 112 due to fear of COVID-19 transmission. However, the longer it takes for the ambulance to arrive, for the patient to be transferred to the hospital and for the patient to be taken to the catheterization laboratory and the vessel to be opened, the greater the damage. Time is lost due to failure to call the ambulance in a timely manner. For this reason, we also lose patients who die in their homes before reaching the hospital."