22 April 2025 Tuesday
Protect Your Heart: Change Your Life During Heart Health Week
Research Assistant Dilara CENGİZLİ from Istanbul Gelişim University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, shared important insights about Heart Health Week.
As part of Heart Health Week, the goal this year is once again to raise awareness in society and highlight the preventable nature of cardiovascular diseases. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular diseases worldwide each year. This number accounts for about one-third of all global deaths. The most common causes are acute events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Heart diseases not only threaten individual health but also have significant economic and social impacts on societies. People living in low- and middle-income countries often face serious challenges in early diagnosis and effective treatment of the disease. As a result, many individuals lose their lives during their most productive years.
The Silent Threat: Symptoms May Come Late
Most heart diseases progress silently, without obvious symptoms. Therefore, signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw should not be ignored. Stroke symptoms typically include sudden weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), speech difficulties, sudden headache, or loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is crucial when these symptoms appear.
Risk Factors: Changeable Habits
At the root of cardiovascular diseases are often unhealthy lifestyle habits. Tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and air pollution are major threats to heart health. These habits can lead to high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and obesity—all of which significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The good news is that most of these risk factors are preventable. By adopting a healthier lifestyle and attending regular check-ups, heart disease can be largely prevented.
The Role of Health Systems
Experts emphasize the importance of increasing access to essential medications and medical technology. Access to basic drugs such as aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins can be life-saving. In emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes, a strong and responsive healthcare infrastructure is essential.
In some cases, surgical interventions and medical devices are necessary. However, the most effective approach is still prevention—making healthy living a daily habit.
Take a Step This Week
Heart Health Week is not only a time to raise awareness but also an opportunity to take action. Quit tobacco, move more, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, and monitor your health with regular check-ups.
Remember, your heart works for you every single day. Taking good care of it is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your future.
