Doctor of the highest category and health care excellence awardee Dalinaza Bazarkulova shared with the publication VB.KG information about the growing problem of cardiovascular diseases in Kyrgyzstan. She identified the most common diagnoses and groups of the population at risk. Dalinaza explained why even young people face heart diseases, outlined symptoms that require urgent medical attention, and emphasized the importance of regular check-ups. Additionally, the specialist highlighted the significance of preventive measures, a healthy lifestyle, and monitoring risk factors to maintain heart health.
- What heart diseases are most common in Kyrgyzstan today?
- Hypertension and coronary artery disease are at the forefront. These diseases are the most prevalent and lead to high mortality among the population.
- Why are young people susceptible to heart diseases? We hear about cases of sudden death during sleep.
- In medicine, young people are considered to be those under 44 years old. In this age group, cardiovascular diseases occur less frequently than in older individuals. However, young people may have hidden congenital anomalies that can cause complications, including sudden death, arrhythmias, and infectious diseases of the heart muscle.
There are also cases of acute heart attacks among the young, often caused by genetic predispositions such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Individuals with this condition experience vascular changes much earlier, which can lead to myocardial infarction and strokes in such families.
Even if a person feels healthy and does not experience any symptoms, this does not exclude the presence of cardiovascular diseases such as congenital vascular anomalies, heart defects, or hypertension that may not have been detected in time.
- What symptoms should raise concern and prompt a visit to the doctor?
If the following are observed:
– sudden shortness of breath,
– severe pain behind the sternum with cold sweat,
– cough with blood,
– a sharp rise in blood pressure above 180/110,
– rapid heartbeat, especially if the pulse exceeds 90 beats per minute.
If a person's pulse reaches 150–160 or even 200, this requires immediate medical attention. An irregular heartbeat is also a worrying sign, especially when combined with dizziness or fainting.
- What examinations should be conducted at least once a year?
The standard method is an electrocardiogram, which is performed on almost everyone during any medical visit.
- How informative is an electrocardiogram in assessing heart condition?
- An ECG allows for the assessment of heart rhythm, detection of conduction and excitability disorders, and indirectly judging the size of the heart. It helps to detect acute ischemia, which manifests during angina or heart attack. During ischemia, the cardiogram records corresponding changes.
- How do stress and lifestyle affect the risk of cardiovascular diseases?
Although stress itself is not a direct cause of diseases, it acts as an independent risk factor that contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. People exposed to chronic stress have a higher risk of early hypertension and heart diseases, especially if they have a genetic predisposition.
Lifestyle also plays a crucial role. Poor diet, excess animal fats and carbohydrates, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of diseases.
- What are the main methods of preventing cardiovascular diseases?
- Prevention involves combating risk factors from an early age. It is important to develop a habit of proper nutrition and maintaining a normal weight, as excess weight is a major risk factor for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Smoking severely harms blood vessels, especially small capillaries, leading to atherosclerosis. Sleep patterns and sufficient physical activity are also important, as they help prevent cardiovascular problems.
- What modern diagnostic methods are available in Kyrgyzstan?
In Kyrgyzstan, almost all major studies are available:
– electrocardiography, available in district and even rural hospitals;
– echocardiography, conducted in large medical centers;
– 24-hour ECG and blood pressure monitoring;
– angiographic studies, including coronary angiography;
– multi-slice computed tomography, conducted at the Institute of Cardiology.
- Is complete recovery possible after serious heart diseases?
- It depends on the specific disease. In the case of an acute heart attack, the outcome depends on the area of damage. If the necrosis is small, complete recovery is possible, but atherosclerosis as a cause remains. Patients need to take preventive medications and be regularly monitored by a doctor.
Physical recovery is possible, especially with timely treatment. Even after severe cases, good quality of life can be achieved, although it is impossible to completely eliminate the consequences of the disease.
- How can snoring affect heart health?
- Snoring is a common problem, often associated with a person's anatomical features. The greatest danger is posed by snoring accompanied by nighttime apnea, when breathing stops during sleep, which increases the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Overweight individuals are more likely to suffer from apnea, which can lead to chronic fatigue and reduced cognitive functions. Prolonged breathing stoppages can be dangerous and, in some cases, lead to sudden death.
If apnea is suspected, it is necessary to undergo polysomnography to monitor breathing function. If necessary, the patient may be recommended CPAP therapy, which is also available in our country.
Is it possible to get rid of snoring?
To address the problem of snoring, it is necessary to undergo an examination and identify its cause. In some cases, eliminating the cause can lead to the disappearance of snoring.
