One in three deaths in Türkiye linked to heart, vascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Türkiye, accounting for more than one-third of all fatalities.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Murat Sargin, vice president of the Turkish Health Institutes (TUSEB) and a physician at Dr. Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital, the trend highlights the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and awareness.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery (TKDCD), Dr. Sargın emphasized the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures to combat the growing burden of heart and vascular diseases across the country.

Early onset of heart attacks in Türkiye

Highlighting an alarming trend, Dr. Sargin noted that the average age of patients experiencing a heart attack in Türkiye ranges between 60 and 65 years.

This is several years younger than the European average, where heart attacks typically occur between 65 and 70 years.

Countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom report an average onset age of 67–68 years.

“Not only are heart attacks occurring at younger ages in Türkiye, but the trend toward earlier onset is being observed globally,” Dr. Sargin explained.

“Understanding these patterns is crucial for improving early diagnosis, treatment strategies, and public health interventions.”

A man smokes a cigarette with his mask down in Kirklareli, Türkiye, November 13, 2020. (AA Photo)

Factors driving earlier heart attacks

Dr. Sargin identified several factors contributing to the earlier occurrence of heart attacks in the Turkish population:

• High smoking rates among young men: Approximately half of male patients under 50 are active smokers, significantly increasing cardiovascular risk.
• Prevalence of metabolic disorders: Conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes frequently appear together, compounding heart disease risk.
• Rising obesity and sedentary lifestyles: Modern urban lifestyles with limited physical activity and unhealthy dietary patterns are fueling cardiovascular problems.
• Poor management of LDL cholesterol: Patients often neglect regular monitoring and adherence to prescribed medications, allowing dangerous “bad cholesterol” levels to persist.

“These risk factors often coexist, creating a dangerous combination that accelerates the onset of cardiovascular events,” Dr. Sargin said.

Gender differences, post-menopause risk

While cardiovascular diseases affect both genders, Dr. Sargin emphasized notable differences between men and women.

Men generally face cardiovascular risks at younger ages, whereas women encounter a sharp increase in risk after menopause.

National data show that only one in four heart attack patients is female, reflecting this delayed onset.

“Cardiovascular disease is not exclusive to men,” Dr. Sargin noted.

“Women, particularly after menopause, face equal, and in some cases heightened, cardiovascular risk. As life expectancy rises, ensuring women’s heart health becomes increasingly important.”

October 11, 2025 11:25 AM GMT+03:00