The Hidden Side of Your Heart

One in Every Two Deaths in Turkey is Heart-Related

In collaboration between Santa Farma İlaç and the Turkish Heart Foundation, within the scope of Heart Health Week, participants embarked on an interactive journey into the inner world of the heart at the “The Hidden Side of Your Heart” event through a special video experience. In addition, useful information on heart health was shared by experts from the Turkish Heart Foundation.

The “The Hidden Side of Your Heart” initiative, realized with the contributions of the Turkish Heart Foundation and the unconditional support of Santa Farma, brought together technology and awareness. Held at Marmara Forum as part of Heart Health Week, the event highlighted how healthy and unhealthy habits affect the heart. Visitors to the stand experienced an interactive journey into the inner world of the heart by watching a video through special goggles. Initially, participants observed the normal functioning of a healthy heart and smooth circulation within the vessels; they then had the opportunity to witness the disruptive effects of daily habits such as stress, sleeplessness, inactivity, and irregular nutrition on heart rhythm and vascular structure. At the end of the experience, it was demonstrated that with the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, the heart returns to healthy functioning, delivering the message: “It is in your hands to change this picture.”

During the event, experts from the Turkish Heart Foundation issued important warnings about silently progressing cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing that heart and vascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death both globally and in Turkey. Stating that protecting heart health is not only about avoiding disease but also the key to living a high-quality life, Cardiologist Dr. Hüseyin Deniz Kılıç from the Turkish Heart Foundation Medical Center summarized the vital importance of the heart as follows:

“Our heart is the primary organ that carries blood and oxygen to all organs in the body. A problem in the heart can directly affect many vital systems, especially the brain.”

Recalling that approximately 20 million people die each year worldwide due to these diseases according to World Health Organization data, Dr. Kılıç emphasized that a large proportion of these deaths are preventable through proper lifestyle choices. “In Turkey as well, cardiovascular diseases unfortunately continue to be the most common and leading cause of death. Current data shows that approximately 40% of all deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases. This means that nearly one in every two deaths occurs due to heart and vascular diseases,” he stated, adding the following warnings:

“When we look at risk groups, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking are among the most important determinants. In addition, sedentary lifestyle, irregular nutrition, and chronic stress also increase the risk. While risk increases with age, individuals with a family history of early heart disease, men, and post-menopausal women are among the groups that require closer monitoring.”

“Do Not Ignore Silent Symptoms”

Noting that heart diseases do not always present with obvious symptoms such as chest pain, Dr. Kılıç stated: “The most common findings we encounter include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, early fatigue, palpitations, and reduced exercise capacity,” and shared the following information regarding the silent symptoms of heart disease:

“Among the so-called hidden symptoms are exertional shortness of breath, getting tired more quickly than before when climbing stairs, waking up at night due to shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles, and occasional irregular heartbeats. Although such complaints are often ignored, they may be early signals of an underlying heart condition. Especially chest pressure, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, or a feeling of near-fainting require immediate medical attention. In addition, even in the absence of symptoms, individuals with risk factors should not neglect regular cardiological check-ups.”

Diabetes: The Most Insidious Enemy of the Heart!

Emphasizing that diabetes directly damages the vascular structure and accelerates arteriosclerosis, Dr. Kılıç noted that heart attacks in diabetic patients often do not present with classic symptoms:

“Especially in women, elderly individuals, and diabetic patients, these symptoms may present atypically; complaints resembling stomach discomfort, back or jaw pain, and unexplained fatigue may be more prominent.”

Highlighting that diabetic patients must be more attentive to heart health, Kılıç stressed that “keeping blood sugar within the target range is a fundamental step in protecting cardiovascular health. In addition, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is also essential, as these three factors together significantly increase cardiovascular risk.”

Four Essential Steps for a Heart-Healthy Life

Dr. Hüseyin Deniz Kılıç emphasized that routine medical check-ups are an important preventive measure even in the absence of symptoms, and listed the key lifestyle changes to protect heart health as follows:

Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, low in salt, should be followed; processed foods and sugar should be avoided.

Regular Physical Activity: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling should be performed.

Avoiding Harmful Habits: Smoking should be stopped, and ideal body weight should be maintained.

Stress and Sleep Management: Quality sleep and stress control are essential components of a heart-healthy lifestyle.