Dr. Akın Torun, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiology at our University's Faculty of Medicine, discussed the causes of heart attacks, which have become more common in young adults in recent years, the symptoms that may appear before sudden death, and offered recommendations for protecting heart health.
Heart Attacks Are Increasing in Young People
Dr. Akın Torun, Assistant Professor, provided the following information:
“Heart attacks were considered a disease of old age for many years, but in recent years they have become more common in young adults as well.
Heart attacks occurring at a young age are often the result of a combination of risk factors. Smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the most significant causes.
Genetic predisposition is a significant risk factor, especially in individuals with a family history of early-onset heart disease. In addition, hereditary cholesterol disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia can cause atherosclerosis to develop at a much earlier age. Today, stressful lifestyles, irregular eating habits, insufficient sleep, and the use of certain stimulants are also among the factors increasing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in young people.
Warning signs can be seen before sudden death.
While many heart attacks are considered sudden death in society, certain important symptoms may appear beforehand; paying attention to these symptoms can be life-saving.
The most common symptom is a heavy, tight, or burning sensation felt in the center of the chest. This pain can sometimes radiate to the left arm, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw. Shortness of breath, cold sweats, palpitations, sudden weakness, dizziness, and a feeling of fainting are also important warning signs.
Chest pain that occurs especially during exertion and subsides with rest should be taken seriously. However, some individuals, particularly those with diabetes, may experience only shortness of breath or extreme fatigue without typical chest pain. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of sudden death.”
Heart health checkups should begin in your 20s.
Dr. Akın Torun, Assistant Professor, stated that assessments aimed at protecting heart health should begin in young adulthood, emphasizing the importance of evaluating every individual for cardiovascular risk factors starting from the age of 20, and said the following:
“Blood pressure, weight, smoking status, and other risk factors need to be assessed early. Cholesterol measurements and basic risk analyses should also be performed in adulthood.”
Individuals with a family history of early-onset heart disease, or those with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, should begin checkups at an earlier age. Since a significant portion of heart diseases develop silently over the years, regular checkups are crucial even in the absence of symptoms.
Frequency of check-ups varies from person to person.
The frequency of check-ups should be determined according to the individual's risk factor. For healthy individuals, periodic assessments of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol may be sufficient.
Individuals who smoke, are overweight, or have diabetes or hypertension require more frequent check-ups. Regular cardiovascular risk assessment, especially after age 40, and detailed examinations by a cardiologist when necessary, are crucial. The goal here is not only to intervene when the disease develops, but also to control risk factors before the disease progresses.
The key to protecting heart health is a healthy lifestyle.
Habits acquired at a young age are of great importance in protecting heart health. Avoiding smoking and tobacco products, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet are effective in protecting heart health.
The Mediterranean diet is effective in protecting cardiovascular health. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and olive oil supports heart health. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight, establishing regular sleep habits, and managing stress should not be neglected.
Even if young people have no complaints, having their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked at regular intervals plays an important role in preventing serious cardiovascular diseases that may develop in the future.
A significant portion of heart diseases are preventable.
Dr. Akın Torun, Assistant Professor, concluded his remarks as follows:
“Cardiovascular diseases continue to be among the leading causes of death both globally and in Türkiye. Early identification of risk factors and timely implementation of lifestyle changes significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and sudden death. It is extremely important, especially for young individuals, to move away from the idea that heart diseases only occur in old age. The most effective way to protect heart health is to take precautions before the disease develops.”
