Professor of Medical Sciences and Russian cardiologist Yuri Lopatin warned that ischemic heart disease caused by narrowing of the arteries can suddenly end a patient's life even without the appearance of symptoms of the disease.
The doctor said in an interview with the Russian news agency Novosti: "Ischemic heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries or atherosclerosis can develop without symptoms, and is responsible for about 80% of sudden cardiac deaths in Russia. The people most at risk are patients with high blood pressure, and people who are obese or overweight."
He added: "Those most at risk of sudden cardiac death are also those who have previously suffered a heart attack, or who suffer from heart failure, or serious heart rhythm disorders."
Among the risk factors the doctor cited were high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, and stress. He explained that approximately 25% of adults in Russia are obese, while 62% are overweight, emphasizing the importance of family history for heart disease, as early cardiovascular disease or deaths among relatives may indicate a higher risk, including the risk of sudden death.
Ischemic heart disease is usually caused by the buildup of fat or plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries, which causes hardening of the arteries and reduces blood flow. This disease can be diagnosed by performing an electrocardiogram (ECG), a stress test, or coronary angiography via catheterization. To reduce the likelihood of developing this disease, it is recommended to avoid smoking, reduce the intake of fatty foods, and exercise regularly.
