Walk for 20 minutes twice a day!

SHAFAQNA Türkiye – Gultekin, as part of the Heart Health Week April 10-16, made statements about the importance of protecting heart health, what to consider, and modern methods of treatment in the field of cardiovascular surgery.

Pointing out that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the world, Gultekin said: “Family history and genetic structure are the main causes of cardiovascular disease. This is followed by environmental factors such as smoking. Cardiovascular disease in smokers is very high, and this worsens the course of the disease,” he said.

prof. Dr. Emphasizing the importance of a balanced and healthy diet to protect cardiovascular disease, Gultekin said carbohydrates and unhealthy fats should be avoided.

“THE BEST EXERCISE IS A 20-MINUTE RAPID WALK TWICE A DAY”

Pointing out the importance of regular exercise for heart health, Gultekin said: “At this point, we are not talking about high-intensity exercise. It can be said that everyone can perform a 20-minute brisk walk twice a day as the best exercise to protect the cardiovascular system. It has been shown to be quite beneficial,” he said.

Gultekin said that this exercise is suitable for all age groups.

ATTENTION FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY!

prof. Dr. Emphasizing that regular check-ups with a doctor should not be neglected, Gultekin said: “Family history is very important, in addition to the age of people undergoing cardiovascular disease screening. People with a family history should be under the supervision of a cardiologist or cardiovascular surgeon from the age of 25-30. Follow-up includes exercise, structural and functional tests of the heart. In addition, check the level of fat and homocysteine ​​in the blood.

We recommend doing these checks at least once a year for those with a family history. Even in the absence of a family history, those with complaints such as exercise-induced chest and leg pain should see a doctor as soon as possible.”

“COVID-19 ALSO INDICATED HEART DISEASES”

Claiming that it is also effective for cardiovascular disease in Covid-19, Gultekin said: “Covid-19 usually causes inflammation in the body and, as a result, blood clotting disorders. When there was a problem with coagulation in a vein, it caused disturbances in the area fed by that vein. Thanks to this, many diseases associated with heart disease and disorders in the limbs have come to the fore.

prof. Dr. Gultekin said that for this reason it is important that Covid-19 survivors use the blood thinners recommended by their doctor correctly, and that especially those at risk should be under expert supervision.

“IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES WE ARE MORE APPROACH TO CARDIAC DISEASE”

Emphasizing that diabetes is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, Gultekin said: “We are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. It’s diabetes-induced damage to the layer we call the endothelium that covers the inside of the vessel, and that’s where the problem lies.

Gultekin said smoking exacerbates this negativity, so diabetics should be more careful when monitoring their cardiovascular health.

SMALL OPERATIONS INCREASE HARDWARE FACILITIES

Explaining that cardiovascular diseases are usually divided into groups of structural heart valves and congenital diseases due to atherosclerosis, Gultekin stated that bypass surgery in the surgical area is the main part.

prof. Dr. Gultekin said: “Coronary bypass surgery is the name of the most performed operation in the world. These surgeries have recently been done with small incisions. In addition, robotic surgeries can be performed on selected patients. Research on this topic is ongoing, and as technology advances, many new methods will come to the fore.

In diseases of the heart valves, plastic methods are used, that is, the patient’s heart valve can be restored by plastic methods, and also a completely degenerated, damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological valve design. We live in a time when the number of operations to install these valves through the groin through the veins is increasing. This treatment is becoming more common, especially in elderly, debilitated patients who are at risk of open-heart surgery.”

“PROTECTING AGAINST HEART DISEASE IS MUCH EASIER THAN TREATMENT”

Noting that interventional treatment is also on the rise in vascular disease, Gultekin said: “It is possible to provide interventional treatment to eligible patients, but the technology is still evolving in this regard. For this reason, open surgical techniques are still the most commonly used technique.

prof. Dr. Gultekin said: “One should always remember that prevention of cardiovascular diseases is much easier and cheaper than treatment. Therefore, please do not smoke, pay attention to a diet rich in vegetables and fewer carbohydrates, and regular exercise.