Do the heart attack reports you hear every day also make you worried? The frequent coverage of heart attack news in all media outlets has created a justified climate of concern in society, and this situation has started to emerge not only as a cause of individual health anxiety but also as an important public health problem.

Many studies are being conducted on the possible causes of this large increase in heart attacks and sudden death cases, and the potential relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic experienced in recent years and this situation is being discussed. Sharing views on the subject, Cardiology Specialist Dr. Demet Erciyes from Infinity Regenerative Clinic stated: "The frequently reported heart attack cases that have been increasing recently deeply sadden and concern us all. There may be many reasons behind this increase in heart attack cases. In our country, approximately 250,000 people are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease each year, and unfortunately, 150,000 of these patients lose their lives. According to a report prepared by the World Heart Federation, approximately 18 million people die from heart disease annually worldwide, with this figure expected to rise to 23 million by 2030. When we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, frequently discussed on social media, in this picture, we can say that the COVID-19 microbe may have direct harmful effects on the heart muscle and blood vessels. Additionally, the inflammatory processes triggered by COVID-19 in the body can cause an increase in heart attack risks. The expectation that people who have had COVID-19 may experience long-term problems such as arrhythmias and heart failure is also among today's discussion topics. This situation exists not only in our country but among the leading causes of death worldwide, highlighting the severity of cardiovascular diseases."

Drawing attention to the indirect effects of the pandemic, Dr. Demet Erciyes added: "The changes in our lifestyle habits during the pandemic period, the decrease in our physical activity level, unhealthy nutrition, and increasing stress factors negatively affected our heart health. Delayed health check-ups during the COVID-19 period may have delayed timely diagnosis and treatment of heart problems."

"Even People Who Did Not Experience COVID-19 Infection With Clinically Apparent Symptoms May Have Been Exposed to the Potential Negative Effects of This Virus"

Addressing the impact of COVID-19 on heart health, Dr. Demet Erciyes cautioned: "We must remember that COVID-19 infection itself can cause serious damage to the heart muscle and blood vessels, leading to fatal consequences. Even people who did not experience COVID-19 infection with clinically apparent symptoms may have been exposed to the potential negative effects of this virus. That is, considering that a large portion of the community has been exposed to the COVID-19 microbe since the beginning of the pandemic, the possibility that this microbe may have various effects on the heart and could cause cardiovascular system disorders in the long term should not be ignored."

"It Is Possible to Protect Heart Health with Food Supplements Containing Natural Compounds Like Resveratrol"

Emphasizing that a holistic health approach should be adopted to protect heart health and minimize potential risks, Dr. Erciyes noted: "Adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, staying away from smoking and alcohol, and learning stress management are of vital importance for our heart health. Beyond all these, some research shows that natural compounds such as resveratrol can also support heart health. Observations made in France created a paradox where moderate wine consumption despite high saturated fat intake could reduce mortality from coronary heart disease. This situation has been attributed to the potential protective effects of resveratrol found in wine. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant polyphenol found particularly in red grape skins, blueberries, raspberries, peanuts, and certain plants. In Japan, resveratrol is believed to be effective in herbal treatments. This belief supports the notion that resveratrol's anti-inflammatory properties may be protective against heart health and arterial stiffness. Scientific studies have shown that resveratrol can help lower blood pressure, improve LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and reduce arterial stiffness. Through its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce cardiovascular disease risk and prevent blood clotting. Resveratrol can be taken as a food supplement in addition to food sources. Resveratrol taken as a food supplement can be better dissolved in the small intestine due to its capsule form and can help with its absorption. However, since the effects of such supplements can vary from person to person, it is important to consult a doctor before using them," he said.