📩 26/09/2023 11:39
Acıbadem Dr. Sinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan explained the rules that heart patients should pay attention to in the autumn season and made important suggestions and warnings.
"Dress to preserve your body temperature"
Dr. Acıbadem stated that since harsh windy weather increases heat loss in the chest area, it can increase the risk of coronary spasm and therefore heart attack. Şinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan said, “For your heart health, if possible, do not go out in extremely windy weather. If you have to, get into the habit of dressing to protect your chest area. "In addition, wearing thick thermal underwear under your clothes when going out will help keep your body temperature constant." said.
"Do sports indoors in windy weather"
Underlining that continuing your exercises regularly during the autumn season is of great importance for your heart health, Assoc. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan said that a 30-minute brisk walk at least four days a week reduces the risk of heart attack, and emphasized that care should be taken to choose indoor places rather than outdoor places for walking in cold and windy weather.
"Do not choose morning hours for walking"
Assoc. Prof. stated that another important point you should pay attention to in the autumn season is that there should be walking hours. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan stated that walking in the morning hours on days when the weather is cold, especially in windy weather, will negatively affect your heart health and said, “The reason for this is that the elasticity of the coronary vessels is low in the morning hours and as a result, the load on the heart increases. Therefore, early morning walks can trigger problems such as chest pain and shortness of breath, and even heart attacks. If you are walking in the morning, you should choose a low pace for your heart health and stop your walk if you experience pain or shortness of breath in the chest area. "The ideal time for a walk in autumn is at noon when the cold breaks." he said.
"Do not exercise immediately after eating"
Assoc. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan said that after the meal, the amount of blood flowing from the vessels to the stomach and intestinal system and the heart rate increase relatively, stating that this is a physiological state and continued as follows:
However, due to low coronary blood flow in cardiovascular disease, exercises performed after a heavy meal may increase the risk of heart attack. Therefore, if you have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, take care to do your exercises at least one hour after a very light breakfast or at least 3-4 hours after lunch or dinner.”
"Do not carry heavy items, avoid steep slopes"
Assoc. Prof. stated that since the workload of the heart increases with the cold, additional strenuous activities can trigger symptoms. Dr. Assoc. Prof. Ufuk Gürkan said that in the summer months, patients who have no complaints and have moderate cardiovascular occlusion may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain when exposed to cold, and this situation can progress to a heart attack. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan said, “For this reason, avoid activities such as carrying heavy items and loads that require serious effort in cold weather unless necessary, and be careful not to use steep hilly roads.” he suggested.
"Eat according to the autumn season"
Assoc. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan said, “With falling temperatures, our body's energy needs also increase. Due to the intake of food rich in unsaturated fat and carbohydrates, our reflexes are stimulated and can cause us to gain weight more easily. Since weight gain increases the risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, you need to continue your diet and exercise activities in accordance with the autumn season. Pay attention to eating meals that are rich in nutritional value and contain plenty of low-calorie fruits and vegetables. “Make it a habit to have foods on your table that are relatively low in carbohydrates, balanced with protein foods, and contain unsaturated fatty acids.” said.
"Protect yourself against infections!"
Assoc. Prof. stated that with cold weather, your body's resistance decreases and the risk of catching upper respiratory tract infections such as flu and Covid-19 increases. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan pointed out that these infections also increase the risk of heart attack and heart failure symptoms and said, “Today, where the Covid-2019 infection, which started in 19, continues, albeit with low intensity; "It is very important for your cardiovascular health that you follow the methods of protection against flu infections such as hygiene rules, protection with a mask, the use of disinfectant, and get the appropriate vaccinations after consulting your doctor." he said.
"Don't forget vitamin D"
Assoc. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan said, “Various studies have shown that the level of vitamin D in our body decreases in autumn and winter compared to summer. Scientific research shows that vitamin D deficiency significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease. For this reason, it is very important to supplement vitamin D with both sunlight and food during the autumn months.” he warned.
"Get your flu vaccine"
Assoc. Prof. said that viral infections, especially Covid-19 infection, can create a more severe condition in elderly patients with weak immune systems and can exacerbate the underlying heart disease. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan: "Do not forget to get your seasonal flu vaccine, especially if you have a disease that weakens the chronic immune system, such as diabetes, coronary heart diseases or heart failure, by consulting your doctor." he said.
"Beware of air pollution!"
Assoc. Dr. Ufuk Gürkan said, “With autumn, particles belonging to hydrocarbon products consumed for vehicle fuel and heating purposes increase air pollution. It has been scientifically proven that increased air pollution increases cardiovascular occlusions, hypertensive attacks and heart failure attacks. Therefore, if you have serious cardiovascular disease or heart failure, it is recommended that you avoid these weather conditions and, if possible, live in areas with relatively cleaner air.” He stated: