Suggestions to prevent heart rhythm disruption during the holiday
While Eid al-Adha offers a spiritual atmosphere where we come together with our loved ones, it also poses some health risks, especially for heart and vascular patients, says Cardiology Specialist Dr. Canan Elif Yıldız, adding, “Consuming foods with high saturated fat content, especially fried meat and tail fat, frequently and in large quantities during the holiday can pose serious risks for people with coronary artery disease.”
Expert Dr. Yıldız said, “The American Heart Association states that daily saturated fat consumption should not exceed 5-6 percent of total calories. In other words, according to this ratio, an individual who consumes an average of 2000 calories per day should consume approximately 11 to 13 grams of saturated fat. So what does this amount mean in our daily diet? For example, a 100-gram serving of roasted meat contains approximately 8-10 grams of saturated fat. A teaspoon of tail fat contains 4-5 grams, and a slice of processed sausage contains approximately 4 grams of saturated fat. Again, a 30-gram slice of full-fat kashar cheese contains an average of 6 grams of saturated fat, while a buttered pastry can contain 5-7 grams of saturated fat. This shows that when such foods are consumed together, especially on holiday tables, the daily saturated fat limit can easily be exceeded.”
Saying that freshly cut meat is difficult to digest and can disrupt heart rhythm by affecting the vagal system, Specialist Dr. Yıldız said, “It is very important to consume meat after resting, to control portions and to prefer oil-free cooking methods. In addition, supporting meals with fresh vegetables and taking care not to consume more than one heavy meal during the day is extremely important for heart health.”
"THE SILENT DANGER OF FESTIVE TABLES IS SALT"Reminding that another silent danger on holiday tables is salt consumption, Specialist Dr. Yıldız said, “The pickles, broth-based dishes and traditional desserts on holiday tables can cause sudden increases in blood pressure due to their high sodium content. This situation can be life-threatening, especially for hypertension patients, those with heart failure and those who have had a stroke.”
“Therefore, reducing salt consumption at holiday tables is of great importance,” said Specialist Dr. Yıldız, and made the following suggestions on the subject: “By using spices, lemon, garlic or fresh herbs instead of additional salt during the cooking phase of meat, we will not only not compromise on taste but also reduce sodium intake. In addition, salty foods such as brine or pickles should be avoided, and heavy meals made with meat broth should be consumed in limited portions. In addition, increasing daily fluid intake and, if possible, preferring natural mineral water or plain water with low sodium content will contribute to hypertension control. Another important point is for patients to use blood pressure medication. These people should continue their measurements during the holiday and consult a doctor without delay in any abnormal situation.
Stating that sufficient fluid consumption is indispensable for our body, however, during periods such as holidays, fluid intake increases due to excessive salty and sweet consumption, which creates an imbalance, Specialist Dr. Yıldız said, “While reduced fluid intake can cause hypovolemia (low fluid volume), especially in patients using diuretic medication, excessive fluid consumption together with excessive salty meals and sweets increases the risk of hypervolemia (excessive fluid load). This imbalance can lead to conditions requiring urgent intervention, such as acute heart failure and pulmonary edema, especially in patients with weak heart muscles.”
"MEDICINES SHOULD NEVER BE DISRUPTED"Saying that the disruption of daily routines due to the holiday caused people to forget the times to take their medications, Specialist Dr. Yıldız said, “It should be remembered that irregular use of medications such as antiplatelet (blood thinners), beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and anticoagulants can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Therefore, an alarm can be set or notes can be taken to ensure regular use of medications.”
Reminding that regular exercise is essential for heart health, but explaining that the heart can be strained due to long hours spent sitting during the holiday, Specialist Dr. Yıldız said, “Inactivity slows down blood circulation and increases the risk of thrombosis (clotting). Light-paced walks both balance blood pressure and regulate heart rhythm. Therefore, 20-30 minute walks a day can be the most valuable investment you can make for your heart during the holiday.”
"PROTECT YOUR SLEEPING PATTERN"Although daily stress and the risks it creates have decreased to some extent due to the holiday, Cardiology Specialist Dr. Canan Elif Yıldız, who pointed out that especially those with a history of arrhythmia should be careful not to lose sleep, said the following: “Time spent in crowded environments, travel fatigue and insomnia can activate the sympathetic nervous system and increase heart rate and blood pressure. This situation can trigger serious rhythm disorders, especially in individuals with a history of arrhythmia. Remember, in order to have a healthy Eid al-Adha, it is of great importance to rest not only our souls but also our bodies. It is of vital importance for everyone, especially cardiovascular patients, to comply with treatment protocols during the holiday, to have a balanced diet and to seek medical advice when necessary. Remember: The greatest holiday of the heart is to beat in its regular rhythm.”
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