Position Paper: The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Heart Health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most important public health problems in Türkiye in terms of both mortality and morbidity. Cardiovascular diseases not only reduce individuals’ quality of life; they also place a serious economic burden on health systems.

The Association for Combating and Raising Awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases adopts the principle of addressing heart health not only through individual diseases, but through a holistic approach that encompasses the entire cardio-renal-metabolic system. This approach is based on evaluating closely interrelated conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease together.

1. Early Diagnosis and Awareness

In cardiovascular diseases, the most effective intervention is made possible through early diagnosis and awareness.

• Heart Failure: In this disease, which is often diagnosed late, early diagnosis significantly improves life expectancy and quality of life.
• Hypertension: A silent disease, it is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It can be brought under control through regular blood pressure measurements and community-based awareness efforts.
• Coronary Artery Disease: It is one of the main causes of the process leading to a heart attack. Recognizing symptoms early increases the chance of successful treatment and reduces mortality.

Our Association carries out awareness campaigns, risk factor screenings and patient information activities in these areas, reaching all segments of society.

2. Comorbidities: Diabetes and Kidney Health

Cardiovascular diseases are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. There is a network of mutual interactions among these diseases, and failure to control one adversely affects the course of the others.

Our Association advocates a “holistic cardio-renal-metabolic approach.” This approach calls for developing a multidisciplinary assessment and treatment process that takes into account the connections between diseases. For this reason, our Association supports the development of health policies that strengthen integration among the disciplines of endocrinology, nephrology and cardiology.

3. Treatment Adherence and Lifestyle Changes

Treatment success in cardiovascular diseases is achieved not only with medication but also through lifestyle changes.

Our Association continuously conducts education and awareness activities to improve patients’ adherence to treatment and help them adopt healthy behavior patterns.

In this context:

• Regular checkups with a physician,
• Improving medication adherence,
• Building healthy eating habits,
• Promoting a smoke-free life,
• Making physical activity a part of life

are among our priority goals.

4. Involving Patients and Their Families in the Process

Cardiovascular diseases affect not only the patient but also their family and close circle. Our Association advocates raising awareness about family members’ access to information and active participation in the care process.

Educating patients’ families supports adherence to treatment and the sustainability of lifestyle changes. To this end, our Association raises awareness across society by preparing patient support materials, educational sessions and guidance documents.

5. Policy and System-Level Priorities

Effectively combating cardiovascular diseases requires strong policies not only at the individual level but also at the system level.

Our Association works in cooperation with health authorities on:

• Expanding early diagnosis and screening programs,
• Strengthening cardio-metabolic risk management in primary health care,
• Implementing guideline-based treatment protocols,
• Increasing multidisciplinary collaboration in disease management
  and related matters.

Conclusion

The Association for Combating and Raising Awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases maintains that early diagnosis, treatment adherence, lifestyle changes and a holistic approach are the most critical components in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.

Our aim is:

• To improve the quality of life of patients and their families,
• To develop sustainable solutions within the health system,
• To strengthen cardio-metabolic health across society through a preventive approach.

Our Association resolutely continues its work, in cooperation with the public sector, academia, the private sector and civil society organizations, to improve cardiovascular health in Türkiye.

You can access the Position Paper via this link.