Preventive Heart Health
Preventive heart health encompasses the measures taken to prevent cardiovascular diseases. This approach aims to reduce the risk of developing heart disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Key components include a balanced diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, stress management, and routine health check-ups. In addition, the early detection and control of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia are crucial parts of preventive heart care. These measures play a critical role in reducing the burden of heart disease both at the individual and societal levels.
Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Atherosclerotic heart disease is a condition that develops due to the accumulation of plaques (atherosclerosis) in the walls of the arteries, which can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks. The risk factors contributing to the development of this disease are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender (higher risk in men), and genetic predisposition. Modifiable risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol (especially LDL cholesterol), diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits. Controlling these factors is of great importance in preventing atherosclerosis and slowing its progression.
Interventional Procedures in Cardiology
Interventional procedures in cardiology refer to minimally invasive techniques used for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular diseases. These procedures are typically performed via catheterization and enable rapid recovery for the patient. The most common interventional procedures include coronary angiography (imaging of heart vessels), balloon angioplasty (widening of narrowed arteries), stent placement (keeping arteries open), and electrophysiological studies (diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias). These methods offer a less risky and faster recovery alternative to open-heart surgery.
Balloon-Stent Procedures in Cardiology
Balloon-stent procedures are frequently used interventional methods in the treatment of coronary artery disease. In this procedure, narrowed or blocked arteries are first widened through balloon angioplasty. A balloon is guided to the narrowed part of the artery via a catheter and inflated to open the artery. Then, a metal mesh called a stent is placed to prevent the artery from narrowing again. Stents can be either drug-eluting or bare metal. Drug-eluting stents reduce the risk of the artery becoming blocked again. These procedures significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and improve patients' quality of life.
Dr. Nihat Akçay
Cardiology Specialist
