Head of Cardiology Department of Near East University Hospital Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu made statements about what should be taken into attention to protect cardiac health.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common health problems today due to multiple factors. The World Health Organization points out that with the control of blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol and smoking, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases can be reduced by half. Head of Cardiology Department of the Near East University Hospital Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu says that, in this sense, preventive medicine has a very important role in reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases. Stating that family medicine plays a very important role in identifying individuals having a high risk for cardiovascular occlusion and preventing the first or recurrent cardiovascular occlusion problems in these people, Prof. Dr. Duygu stated that cardiovascular disease is due to more than one factor. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu said, “There are risk factors that are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and that are considered to be effective in every society. Abstaining from smoking, eating healthy, avoiding excessive weight, doing regular exercise at least half an hour a day and five days a week, keeping the sugar metabolism in normal limits, and avoiding excessive stress are known to be important measures in protecting cardiovascular health.”

Risk factors
Stating that among the risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases are age, gender, genetic and ethnic factors that cannot be changed, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu emphasized that smoking, unhealthy eating habits, excessive alcohol, sedentary life, obesity, high blood lipids, high blood pressure and blood sugar are correctable risk factors. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu continued his words as follows: “Especially correctable risk factors form the basis of prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases. Obesity, hypertension and smoking, which are the three leading risk factors, should be the main target in the fight against cardiovascular diseases."

Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu stated that people, first of all, should stay away from smoking. Saying that smoking shrinks the heart vessels and destroys the thin useful cover that covers them, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu stated that smoking also facilitates blood clotting. Prof. Dr. Duygu said, “Thus, it initiates arteriosclerosis and causes heart attack, paralysis and blockage in leg veins. Passive smoking is also extremely harmful in terms of cardiovascular health as well as active smoking."

Pay attention to blood pressure
Stating that blood pressure should be paid attention to, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu emphasized that the fight against hypertension, the so-called silent killer, lifestyle changes and regular use of blood pressure medication are vital to prevent heart attack, aortic vessel rupture, cerebral hemorrhage and dilation in the aortic vessel. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu continued his words as follows: “Blood sugar should be kept within normal limits. Today, diabetes is considered the equivalent of cardiovascular disease. If you have diabetes, it is important to be meticulous about diet, weight control, and appropriate treatment. Feel free to fight high cholesterol and use medication when your doctor deems it necessary in addition to diet and exercise."

Mediterranean cuisine should be adopted
Stating that people should adopt Mediterranean cuisine as a diet, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu pointed out that eating habits that are rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and nuts, olive oil, as an essential oil, fish preferred over red meat, and non ready-made and packaged foods are important for heart health. Prof. Dr. Duygu: “Exercise that protects our health by affecting many of the risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases is not necessarily required to be done at the gym. Even walking for 30 - 45 minutes every day contributes to vascular health. Let's stay away from the elevator and the escalator."

Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day
Stating that the inflammation in the gums causes low-intensity inflammation in the vascular walls, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu emphasized that this may cause clot formation on the plaque that causes arteriosclerosis and occlusion of the vein, and said that teeth should be brushed at least twice a day to prevent heart attack caused by such side effects. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu said, “Those who sleep less or have irregular sleep have a heart attack more easily. Especially if there is sleep apnea, which triggers various risk factors from high blood pressure to diabetes. It is extremely beneficial to remove the obstacles in front of a restful sleep, go to bed at the same time every evening and sleep 7 - 8 hours. Overweight and obesity are the main reasons behind many factors that cause cardiovascular diseases. Let's make sure to keep the body mass index below 25 by eating a balanced diet and exercising."

Prof. dr. Hamza Duygu: "Excessive salt is one of the main reasons that trigger high blood pressure."
Stating that there are many scientific studies showing that being full of pessimism, skepticism and hostility exhaust the heart, ages the veins and shortens life, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu said that it is beneficial to see the full side of the glass, not the empty side. Prof. Dr. commented on the subject saying; “Excessive salt is one of the main reasons that trigger high blood pressure. The most important source of excessive salt consumption is ready-to-eat foods and meals in restaurants, especially fast-consuming meals. Let's keep the salt off the table. Too much of the drink harms the heart as well as the digestive system. It can cause severe palpitations and weakening of heart contraction. Let's be careful not to drink more than one or two glasses.”

Stay away from stress, do not use uncontrolled medication
Stating that stress affects every part of our body as well as cardiovascular health, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu said that it is necessary to stay away from stressful situations as much as possible and learn the method of coping with stress. Stating that when sitting still for hours in front of the television or the hours spent in front of the computer increase, the cardiovascular diseases also increase. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu stated that over-the-counter drugs also harm the heart. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu continued his words as follows: “It is understood that some of the supportive pills, which are not even counted as drugs, exhausts the heart, can disrupt the coagulation of the blood. Do not randomly buy drugs, keep away even from over-the-counter drugs."