IS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE MORE COMMON IN THE WINTER?

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ARE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES MORE COMMON IN WINTER?

“Heart attacks are more common in winter. Not only heart attacks, but all diseases related to vascular blockages are more common,” said, Turkey Medicals member and Professor Doctor at Antalya JCI Hospital gave info about cardiovascular diseases in winter.

Deep vein thrombosis of the leg veins we call a case of throwing a clot and consequent blockage of the lung (pulmonary embolism), stroke, brain hemorrhage, aortic ruptures artery aneurysm, dissection) also in the winter months, hospitals often busy. After medical studies have revealed that these diseases are more common in winter, it has been directed to investigate the causes of this and whether they are preventable.

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WHY THE WINTER MONTHS?

A decrease in temperature outside the body causes complex changes in our metabolism. Hormonally, our sympathetic nervous system is activated, which prepares us for external stresses. The hormones adrenaline, vasopressin and catecholamine are increased. Under the influence of these hormones, vascular contraction (vasospasm) occurs. People who have previously had shortness of breath may feel anginal pain or have a heart attack. Studies have shown that superficial cooling in the body increases the tendency to blood clots. With the perception of cold, the molecules that ensure coagulation increase, the platelet cells that ensure the formation of clots are activated, the clot-dissolving mechanisms (fibrinolysis) are suppressed, so the formations that lead to vascular obstruction become more dominant. In cold weather, red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body increase, which reduces the fluidity of the blood. Blood that has passed through a narrow vein tends to clot with increased density. Vitamin D is very important for our vascular health. Since vitamin D is activated by ultraviolet rays that we receive from sunlight, its effectiveness decreases in winter. Vitamin D has a direct effect on the heart muscle. It reduces inflammation in the body, has a direct effect on the hormonal functions of blood pressure regulation regulated by the kidneys (Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone), is associated with parathyroid hormone. Because of all these effects, it raises blood pressure and sets the stage for a heart attack. Endothelial cells line the inside of our vessels. These are the cells that allow the vessels to contract and relax and ensure that the clot does not accumulate in the lining of the vessel. It leads to contraction of endothelial cells in the perception of cold and reduces the synthesis of coagulation-inhibiting molecules.

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NOT ONLY COVID, BUT ALSO VIRAL INFECTIONS ARE ENEMIES OF THE HEART

In winter, infections increase. Indoor environments and respiratory infections with sick people have made us all aware during the Covid era. Not only Covid, but also viral infections such as influenza are enemies of our heart. In addition, it has been shown that certain bacterial infections (Chlamydia Pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori) are also associated with cardiovascular obstruction. In blood tests conducted on people who have had a heart attack, antibodies to these microbes have been found more often than in normal people. Studies have shown that air pollution increases the risk of heart disease by 69 percent. Gases harmful to our heart in the air provoke a heart attack, especially in people with a blockage in the heart vessels. The winter months are also the months when our eating habits change in an unhealthy direction. We eat more sugary and fatty foods. An olive oil to be eaten in summer replaces a salad with Ottoman dishes. We also contribute to all the negative effects of winter on our vascular system. Moreover, bad habits such as smoking and alcohol also increase during the winter months when our work life is more intense.

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BEWARE OF SUDDEN HEAT CHANGES!

Who is more at risk in winter? Cardiovascular diseases are genetic disorders. People who have had a heart attack in their family, who have had a stroke, who have had a by-pass or stent should be more careful. Although heart attacks in the thirties and forties are not seasonal, those in advanced years are more intense in winter. Especially in women who experience hormonal fluctuations during menopause, these risks are also greater in winter. Heart rhythm disturbances also give symptoms more often in winter. It has been reported that atrial fibrillation and severe rhythm disturbances, which we call extrasystole, which are mostly related to mitral valve disease, are more common in winter. Patients with a known aortic vessel width (aortic aneurysm) should be careful of their blood pressure and sudden changes in temperature. Since sudden heat changes cause constriction in the heart vessels, it is also very important that we dress in winter. The multi-storey dressing strategy, where we will protect ourselves from sweating too much indoors and getting too cold outdoors, can protect us. In addition, accessories that will protect our head, hands from sudden heat changes also protect our heart.

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MOVE AROUND THE HOUSE, EAT RIGHT!

What should we do in winter? Specialist in Cardiovascular Surgery Professor Doctor listed the things to watch out for in winter:

– If you are at risk, if your family has heart problems or if you have blood pressure, sugar, smoking habits, do not interrupt your doctor’s checks,

– Do not disrupt your physical activities. Do not underestimate the physical activities that you will do at home – dress correctly, do not make direct contact with cold air,

– Avoid winter infections. Do not interfere with the mask, distance and frequent hand washing,

– Eat right. Avoid heavy meals, do not forget about vitamin supplements – stay away from bad habits in winter. Pay attention, smoking, alcohol consumption is higher in winter,

– Think positively, look at the positive aspects in life. This is your life, it’s up to you to be healthy and happy.

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President of Organ Transplant Center at MedicalPark Hospital Antalya

Turkey's world-renowned organ transplant specialist. Dr. Demirbaş has 104 international publications and 102 national publications.

Physician's Resume:

Born on August 7, 1963 in Çorum, Prof. Dr. Alper Demirbaş has been continuing his work as the President of MedicalPark Antalya Hospital Organ Transplantation Center since 2008.

Prof. who performed the first tissue incompatible kidney transplant in Turkey, the first blood type incompatible kidney transplant, the first kidney-pancreas transplant program and the first cadaveric donor and live donor liver transplant in Antalya. Dr. As of August 2016, Alper Demirbaş has performed 4900 kidney transplants, 500 liver transplants and 95 pancreas transplants.

In addition to being the chairman of 6 national congresses, he has also been an invited speaker at 12 international and 65 national scientific congresses. Dr. Alper Demirbaş was married and the father of 1 girl and 1 boy.

Awards:

Eczacibasi Medical Award of 2002, Akdeniz University Service Award of 2005, Izder Medical Man of the Year Award of 2006, BÖHAK Medical Man of the Year Award of 2007, Sabah Mediterranean Newspaper Scientist of the Year Award of 2007, ANTIKAD Scientist of the Year Award of 2009, Social Ethics Association Award of 2010, Işık University Medical Man of the Year Award of 2015, VTV Antalya's Brand Value Award of 2015.

Certificates:

Doctor of Medicine Degree Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Ankara, General Surgeon Ministry of Health Turkey EKFMG (0-477-343-8), University of Miami School of Medicine Member of Multiple Organ Transplant, ASTS Multiorgan Transplant Scholarship. Lecturer at Kyoto University. Lecturer at University of Essen, Research assistant at the University of Cambridge .

Professional Members:

American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Transplantation Society Nominated, Middle East and Southern Africa Council Transplantation Society 2007, International Liver Transplantation Association, Turkish Transplantation Association, Turkish Society of Surgery, Turkish Hepatobiliary Surgery Association.

Disclaimer:

Our website contents consist of articles approved by our Web and Medical Editorial Board with the contributions of our physicians. Our contents are prepared only for informational purposes for public benefit. Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Medically Reviewed by Professor Doctor Alper Demirbaş
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