Heart attack death rates in Türkiye raise alarm
A man having heart attack at home. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Heart attacks remain one of the leading causes of death in Türkiye, with experts warning that low public awareness and neglect of regular health check-ups are exacerbating the crisis. Türkiye holds the highest heart attack fatality rate in Europe, raising concerns about the country’s emergency response capabilities and preventive healthcare measures.
Two-thirds of heart attack cases end in death
Globally, around 300,000 people suffer heart attacks each year, and approximately 66% of these cases result in death. In Türkiye, the situation is particularly dire, with heart attack-related deaths reaching alarming levels.
According to Dunya Gazetesi, Professor Dr. Serkan Durdu, a member of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, an estimated 200,000 people die from heart attacks annually in Türkiye.
“For every 100,000 people, about 353 experience a heart attack in Türkiye. In comparison, this figure stands at 399 in Germany, 179 in France, and 149 in the United Kingdom,” he explained.
Survival rates reveal stark contrast
The most critical issue, according to Prof. Durdu, is the low survival rate among heart attack patients in Türkiye.
“While Germany has a 55% survival rate, the UK 70%, and France 67%, in Türkiye, only one-third of heart attack victims survive. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen emergency response systems,” he stated.
Early intervention saves lives
Recognizing the early signs of a heart attack can be life-saving, Prof. Durdu emphasized.
“Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and palpitations should never be ignored. Delayed response can lead to irreversible consequences. If you experience these symptoms, call emergency services immediately and seek medical attention without delay. Prompt intervention significantly increases survival chances,” he said.
Protect your heart, protect your life
Prof. Durdu emphasized that prevention is possible through the right lifestyle choices. He pointed out that limited access to healthcare and low public awareness of heart health are significant issues.
However, individuals can take proactive steps to lower their risk by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, all of which are essential for heart health. He also stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups for those with risk factors, concluding that protecting the heart is equivalent to protecting one’s life.
