Gunay Maharramzade: "Heart diseases are now observed even at the age of 30"
"You need to walk a minimum of 4000 steps daily"
"No folk remedy can open a blocked heart vessel"
Gunay Maharramzade, a member of the European and Azerbaijani Cardiology Society and a cardiologist at Referans Hospital, gave an extensive interview to Modern.az. The interview discussed the increasing heart diseases in recent years:
- Gunay khanim, what are the most common cardiovascular diseases in Azerbaijan?
- Among the most common cardiovascular diseases in Azerbaijan, I would first mention myocardial infarction. Unfortunately, deaths due to infarction are not uncommon. However, when diagnosed in time and invasive treatment is applied, it is possible to save the patient's life. In addition, arterial hypertension is also widespread. High blood pressure can arise from direct heart-related causes, concomitant diseases, or sometimes without a known cause. People often attribute this to the "heart." However, high blood pressure itself is one of the factors that damage the heart.
- What factors most influence the development of cardiovascular system diseases in our country?
- I would say that the genetic factor is the primary factor here. Then, diet, our living environment, lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and harmful habits play an important role. From the perspective of heart health, a Mediterranean-style diet is considered more beneficial. But since we mostly consume meat and fatty foods, the risk increases.
- You emphasized harmful habits. Specifically, which habits are you referring to?
- Heart diseases are more common in men. One of the reasons for this is that men are more prone to harmful habits compared to women. This primarily includes tobacco use, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, the spread of e-cigarettes, hookahs, and energy drinks among young people in recent years is also considered a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- What are the initial symptoms of cardiovascular diseases?
- The most common initial symptom is pain in the heart area. This pain can sometimes occur during minimal physical activity, and sometimes against the background of ordinary daily activities. Chest pain, tightness, and a burning sensation are key signals. In addition, individuals suffering from high blood pressure may experience discomfort in the back of the head, temples, or cheeks. Fat accumulation around the eyes can also be observed when cholesterol metabolism is disturbed. At the same time, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic disorders are also causes that later lead to cardiovascular diseases.
- What is the role of the genetic factor in the formation of cardiovascular diseases?
- I would put the genetic factor first. Because in some cases, impaired cholesterol metabolism, diabetes mellitus, and arterial hypertension are hereditary. If these diseases exist in the family, they can appear in later generations at an early age. Especially hereditary high cholesterol can lead to blockage of the main arteries supplying the heart. In short, some risk factors depend on the person, while others stem from the genetic background.
- How significant is the role of lifestyle in the development of these diseases?
- The role of lifestyle is very significant. Sometimes a person has a genetic risk, but if they eat properly, are physically active, and stay away from harmful habits, the probability of developing the disease significantly decreases. Therefore, we always recommend healthy eating, being constantly active, and avoiding harmful habits.
- Based on your experience, in which age range are heart diseases most commonly encountered?
- Acute cases are more common in the 40-55, and sometimes 40-60 age range. But in recent times, we see an increase in cases of heart diseases even in people in their 30s. Chronic heart diseases are more often observed after the age of 60-70.
- In recent years, a "rejuvenation" of cardiovascular diseases has been observed. What are the main reasons for this?
- One of the main reasons here is the increased use of social networks and, consequently, the increase in stress factors. In addition, the increase in harmful habits, the spread of new risk factors such as e-cigarettes, hookahs, and energy drinks, reduced physical activity, and fast, irregular eating habits strengthen this trend. People often eat quickly, eat in front of the phone, using social networks, and do not realize how much they are consuming. This increases the risk of overweight and cardiovascular diseases.
- How frequently are heart problems encountered among children and adolescents? Which age groups are most at risk?
- Heart problems among children and adolescents are mainly observed in cases related to genetic factors. If there have been deaths due to heart diseases at a young age in the family, or if diseases such as lipid metabolism disorder or diabetes mellitus exist, this risk can be passed on to children. For this reason, such families should be more careful, and it is important to have children examined from an early age, keep them under medical supervision, and conduct necessary analyses. It is true that the heel prick test performed on newborns helps detect some metabolic diseases and can serve as an early signal. Nevertheless, it is recommended that parents with risk factors in their family genetics involve their children in additional examinations at an earlier age.
- In terms of nutrition, which widespread habits in Azerbaijan pose a threat to heart health?
- One of the most common problems in terms of nutrition in Azerbaijan is the predominance of fatty and animal-based foods. Raw and natural foods are not given enough preference; in most cases, meals are consumed cooked and sometimes overcooked. Another important point is the excessive use of salt. The amount of salt consumed daily through pickles, brines, and various sauces often exceeds the norm. In addition, the poor quality of fats or their improper use also creates a risk. For example, heating oils intended for cold use causes undesirable changes in their composition, which can negatively affect the overall nutritional balance and heart health.
- Opinions on the effect of butter on cardiovascular health are not unambiguous. What do you think?
- Actually, it would not be correct to consider fat as harmful in general. Because fats are considered important for the p and play a significant role in the normal functioning of the hormonal system. The regulation of many processes in the p depends precisely on hormones. The main issue here is the type, quality of fat, and how much, in what quantity, and how it is used. If butter is made from pure and quality milk, it can be beneficial when used within the daily norm. However, its use in a completely fried form, i.e., processing at high temperatures, leads to a decrease in its quality. At the same time, consuming more than the norm during the day - continuously in the morning, noon, and evening - also means excessive intake.
- What are the main foods considered beneficial for the heart? How should the daily diet be structured to protect the cardiovascular system?
- Actually, it is a bit difficult to specify concrete portions, because nutrition should be regulated individually for each person according to their age and weight. But generally, establishing the correct balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is one of the main conditions. I would recommend giving preference to fibrous foods. Especially raw and fresh vegetables are beneficial for the cardiovascular system. At the same time, foods rich in potassium also have a positive effect on heart function. In addition, sufficient intake of magnesium is important. If this element is not fully supplied through food, it can be taken through additional means. Omega-containing foods, especially fish and walnuts, are considered beneficial for heart health and are recommended to be included in the daily diet.
- How do you assess the impact of fatty foods and fast-food products on cardiovascular diseases?
- I rate it highly. Because we often don't know what kind of fat or at what temperature these foods are prepared. In most cases, they are prepared using incorrect methods. Since fast-food products also contain a lot of salt, sauces, and fat, such foods lead to both excessive energy intake and metabolic disorders.
- According to some claims, consuming a small amount of red wine is beneficial for the heart. What can you say about this?
- True. Previously, there were such approaches, and they were even found in some protocols. But recent approaches prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages. Because what appears to be an effective, positive effect at a certain moment can later lead to additional problems.
- For heart health, what is the minimum number of kilometers one should walk daily? Some say 5, some 7, others 10 km...
- I think it is more accurate to express this in steps rather than kilometers. As a minimum, it is advisable for every person to take 4000 steps daily. If a person has a risk of cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to increase this indicator to 6000-8000 steps. Individuals who already have heart disease and are receiving treatment can increase their daily step count up to 10,000, depending on their condition. In general, being physically active every day, at least walking, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and has a positive effect on overall health.
- What are the main mistakes people make in daily life that harm the heart?
- The biggest mistakes are improper nutrition and lack of physical activity.
- It is said that in some cases, certain painful symptoms are observed before a heart attack. In general, which initial symptoms should be paid attention to and not overlooked?
- If the person lives in an apartment building and experiences pain, burning, stinging, or general discomfort in the chest area when climbing 2-3 floors when the elevator is not working, this should be considered a serious signal. The same situation can be observed in rural areas. For example, if pain or burning occurs in the chest when walking uphill, this should not be ignored. That is, the main attention should be focused on pains that appear during physical activity. If there are concomitant diseases such as diabetes mellitus, then it should be evaluated from the perspective of the cardiovascular system. Another important point is to keep arterial blood pressure under control. Because in many cases, people do not know that their blood pressure is high. As a result, blood pressure can sharply rise and damage the heart, brain, and other vital organs.
- What are the differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases between men and women?
- We always add +1 for men. Thus, men are in a higher risk group. This is mainly due to hormonal differences. Female hormones play a somewhat protective role against cardiovascular diseases up to a certain age. After menopause, the risk of heart disease also increases in women.
- Are there differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases between regions and the capital? What factors determine these differences?
- Cardiovascular diseases are relatively less common in the regions. One of the main reasons for this is that people are more physically active. However, there is another problem here. Residents of regions often do not seek medical attention in time, and as a result, diseases are detected at a late stage. In urban areas, these diseases are recorded more frequently. This is partly due to people undergoing examinations more often, and partly related to lifestyle. Physical activity is lower in the city, eating habits are different, and stress levels are higher.
- In which of our regions are heart diseases more common?
- Rather than naming regions, I would say they are more often detected in Baku and large cities. Because there are more examination opportunities, and patients from the regions also come here for check-ups.
- What are the main causes of heart attacks at a young age, and how can these cases be prevented?
- Heart attacks at a young age are mostly related to genetic factors and harmful habits. To prevent them, a person should know their genetics, understand their p, seek medical attention in time, undergo examinations, and make necessary changes in their lifestyle.
- What lifestyle changes should patients make after heart surgeries (stent, etc.)?
- These patients must definitely stay away from harmful habits, change their diet, increase physical activity, and take medications prescribed by the doctor on time.
- Which individuals are most at risk? Who should undergo regular cardiological examinations?
- Actually, everyone is at risk to some extent. We recommend that men after 30 and women after 40, if there are no complaints, undergo a cardiological examination at least once. If there are complaints or a genetic risk in the family, these examinations should be carried out at an earlier age.
- Individuals engaged in folk medicine offer various methods to open blockages in heart vessels. What do you think, can blocked heart vessels be opened with folk remedies?
- No, it is not possible to open a blocked heart vessel with any folk remedy. Such methods cannot eliminate or "melt" the blockage formed inside the vessel. Once the vessel is blocked, it remains as it is. Even with drug treatment, it is only possible to prevent the progression of the process and the formation of new blockages. In this regard, recent medical approaches also show that if there is a disorder in cholesterol metabolism and the level in the blood is high, it is important to start drug treatment in time, regardless of age.
- In international practice, which approaches are prominent in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases?
- Not only in our country, but also worldwide, cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death. Many sudden deaths are associated with these diseases. However, in some cases, the underlying causes of these deaths may not be directly related to the heart. In recent times, the increasing influence of social networks, disruption of eating habits, reduced physical activity, increased urban lifestyle, and increased stress factors lead to a further spread of cardiovascular diseases.
- What new treatment opportunities have emerged in cardiology in recent years?
- In recent years, the increase and improvement of invasive interventions have contributed to the reduction of deaths from heart attacks. When a stent is placed in time, the heart is less damaged, and the patient's life expectancy is extended. Heart valve surgeries, vascular bypass surgeries, and other modern interventions also increase patients' quality of life and longevity. Also, technologies in the field of diagnostics are developing, which facilitates the work of doctors.
- By the way, how do you evaluate the application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in medicine?
- These technologies are already used in certain examination areas. It is not yet a fully formed system, but in some cases, it can help the doctor and speed up the diagnostic process. I believe it will develop further in the future.
- What is your attitude towards patients evaluating their problems and treatment methods with artificial intelligence without consulting a doctor?
- I do not consider this correct. Because these systems can only be auxiliary tools. Since people do not fully know medical knowledge and protocols, they may face wrong results when they apply the information they receive from there on their own. Precisely from this point of view, we can say that a doctor's examination cannot be replaced by anything.
- Are there significant differences between the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Azerbaijan and in foreign countries?
- I believe that there are sufficient opportunities in the field of cardiology in our country. We have knowledgeable and professional specialists in this field, and examination and intervention methods are also sufficiently developed. Therefore, it is not always necessary to go abroad. The main issue is for the patient to consult the right specialist according to their complaint.
- What can you say about the effect of sitting in front of a computer for a long time and actively using social networks on cardiovascular diseases?
- The main issue here is the stress factor rather than radiation. Excessive use of social networks creates great stress in children, adolescents, and adults alike. A person starts the day with stressful news, this effect continues throughout the day, and they face the same information at night. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the hormonal balance, nervous system, and vascular system. As a result, the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders, and later cardiovascular diseases, and even stroke, can increase.
- Finally, what are your main recommendations for protecting against cardiovascular diseases in terms of prevention?
- First of all, I would recommend everyone to know their p. It is important to pay attention to nutrition, avoid excessive use of social networks, and stay away from harmful habits. At the same time, choosing a more positive lifestyle is also very important. Because a healthy mindset also has a positive effect on overall health. Thus, these factors help reduce the risk of disease. Most importantly, if there is any complaint, do not delay it, consult a doctor in time and investigate the cause.
