Denizli Özel Egekent Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Bilgin Emrecan drew attention to the fact that nearly 19 million people worldwide die each year from cardiovascular diseases, noting that heart attacks progress differently in diabetic patients.
Prof. Dr. Emrecan emphasized that among cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks are the most fatal, warning the public that “30% of diabetic patients experience a ‘silent heart attack’”. He explained the typical symptoms of a heart attack as pain in the center of the chest, palpitations, shortness of breath, and sudden loss of consciousness, while in younger individuals, symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion may be observed.
Pay Attention to the Symptoms
Highlighting that one of the most important signs of a heart attack is pain, Prof. Dr. Emrecan described it as follows: “If the blockage in a coronary artery is not 100%, the patient feels pain while moving. The heart’s need for oxygen increases, and this type of pain occurs. The pain is in the center of the chest, not on the right or left. If it spreads to the jaw, left arm, or left shoulder and feels like burning, it is typical of angina. With partial blockage, the pain usually subsides within 3 to 5 minutes after rest or with sublingual medication. However, in the case of a 100% blocked artery, the pain persists, spreads to the back, jaw, and left arm, and is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, lasting longer than 30 minutes. This is a typical heart attack pain.”
Prof. Dr. Emrecan emphasized that 19 million people die worldwide every year due to cardiovascular diseases, and that in 30% of diabetic patients, heart attacks may occur without pain, manifesting as a “silent heart attack”.
Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack
Prof. Dr. Emrecan warned about the main risk factors: – **Smoking** is the leading cause. – **Physical inactivity** causes metabolic syndrome, which combined with excess weight, leads to cardiovascular diseases. – **Diabetes and hypertension** must be kept under control. – Avoid **processed and additive-rich foods** as well as sugary products.
He noted that while genetic factors exist, eliminating modifiable risk factors can reduce cardiovascular diseases by up to 50%. For both men and women of all ages, “more movement, less food, and treating risk factors” are key. He recommended light exercise and regular walking rather than heavy sports.
Critical Age: 40
Prof. Dr. Emrecan underlined that individuals with a parent who suffered a heart attack before the age of 50 are at higher risk: “If a person has these risk factors, it is vital to eliminate others. Smokers must quit, and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol must be brought under control. People in their 40s should undergo regular checkups. A vegetable and fruit-based diet, and avoiding fatty foods, are essential for cardiovascular health.”