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Türkiye faces a persistent health crisis where cardiovascular diseases cause 36% of all deaths.
Cardiology expert Prof. Dr. Elmas Orak reports that these conditions are the leading health issues affecting life quality and duration.
Globally, approximately 612 million people live with active heart disease. Local data suggests that nearly 1.86 million people in Türkiye struggle with these conditions.
Cardiovascular diseases stand as the primary cause of death globally.
Prof. Dr. Orak notes that these illnesses account for one-third of all global deaths, as reported by Cumhuriyet. Ischemic heart diseases like heart attacks cause 40-45% of these fatalities. Strokes contribute another 30-35%.
These conditions impact more than mortality statistics. Prof. Dr. Orak states, "It causes not only death but also disability and loss of labor." The condition ranks among the most disabling diseases worldwide.
The Turkish Adult Risk Factor (TEKHARF) study provides a detailed map of heart health across the country.
Statistics reveal 63 heart patients for every 1000 adults. This figure includes 35 coronary, 20 hypertensive, and 5 rheumatic patients. Large cities like Istanbul and Ankara see a 15% higher frequency of coronary heart disease.
Conversely, rural areas face more hypertensive and rheumatic cases.
Regional data highlights specific vulnerabilities:
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Alpman suggests that high butter consumption and stressful personality traits contribute to the high numbers in the Black Sea region.
Risk factors increase significantly for men over 45 and women over 55.
Genetic factors contribute to risk, but many factors remain modifiable. Prof. Dr. Orak views each risk factor as a physical burden. The risk of illness or death rises as this burden grows heavier. Modifiable factors include smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
Doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet as the gold standard for heart health. This plan includes olive oil, whole grains, and fish at least twice a week.
Specific habits improve heart outcomes:
Symptoms like chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or fainting require immediate medical attention.
Prof. Dr. Orak emphasizes that early diagnosis and prevention remain the most effective treatments. "The most effective treatment is prevention," she concludes.
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