A cardiologist warns: This is what needs to be done these days to prevent a heart event

The past months have placed the public in Israel in a particularly complex reality. War with Iran, ongoing fighting with Hezbollah in the north and the continued confrontation with Hamas in the Gaza Strip create a prolonged sense of instability. Beyond the direct security threat, such a situation also affects the physical and mental health of many.

One of the areas most affected is cardiovascular health. Prolonged wartime situations cause the body to operate under significant physiological and mental strain. Routine is disrupted, sleep is frequently interrupted, physical activity is reduced and eating patterns change. At the same time, a psychological atmosphere of an emergency situation is sometimes created in which people tend to give up healthy habits out of a feeling that there is no full control over reality anyway.

The combination of prolonged stress, a sedentary lifestyle and a less balanced diet may lead to a worsening of cardiovascular risk factors.

In this phenomenon, a complex physiological response of the nervous system and the hormonal system occurs. The secretion of stress hormones in high amounts affects the blood vessels, blood pressure and heart muscle function. Therefore, דווקא in such periods it is especially important to maintain control over the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

To reduce the effect, it is recommended to maintain a low-salt diet, avoid excessive caffeine consumption and continue the medication prescribed by the doctor. However, it is important to remember that during periods of stress there may be slightly higher measurements than usual or a faster heart rate.

In many cases, this is a physiological response to stress, similar to what is called white coat syndrome. Therefore, there is no need to panic over every single abnormal measurement, but rather to look at the overall trend over time.

During prolonged stress, eating patterns sometimes change. Many tend to consume more ultra-processed foods, simple carbohydrates and foods high in animal fat.

Therefore, it is recommended to adhere as much as possible to a Mediterranean diet based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and unsaturated fats such as olive oil and nuts. At the same time, it is recommended to reduce consumption of processed meat and saturated fat.

For high-risk patients or those who do not reach target values through diet alone, it is important to continue the medication prescribed to them and maintain regular medical follow-up.

For people with diabetes, it is especially important to maintain regular measurements, continue medication and adjust insulin doses if necessary according to the doctor’s instructions.

At the same time, it is recommended to avoid foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates and to prefer healthy, available snacks that can also be taken to the protected space, such as cut vegetables, whole fruits, nuts or natural yogurt.

Regular aerobic activity helps reduce blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol levels, increase good cholesterol and reduce resting heart rate. Anaerobic activity, that is, strength training, also contributes to improving glycemic balance and coping with the rises in blood sugar common during periods of stress.

Even when it is difficult to maintain a regular exercise routine, activity can be incorporated at home. Strength exercises with weights, body workouts using instructional videos, a short walk or run when possible or using protected gyms can help maintain continuity of activity.

In addition, activities such as yoga, Pilates or meditation may help reduce stress and positively affect the cardiovascular system.

During periods of stress, many tend to increase harmful habits. Smoking, increased alcohol consumption and the use of ultra-processed food as a way to cope with stress are common patterns.

These habits worsen cardiovascular risk and may accelerate the progression of cardiovascular diseases.

In every crisis or military conflict, a recurring phenomenon is observed of late arrival at hospitals following myocardial infarction or stroke. Delaying seeking treatment may lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle, the development of heart failure or severe neurological damage.

The appearance of chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of the body, speech disturbance or any other unusual symptom requires immediate medical evaluation.

During a period of prolonged instability, control of cardiovascular risk factors is a central component in maintaining heart health.

Maintaining a balanced diet, continuing medication, maintaining physical activity and awareness of symptoms that require medical treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cardiac events even under complex conditions.

In addition, it is important to know that this year advanced treatments for heart health have been included in the health basket, aimed at maintaining cardiovascular stability and balanced cholesterol levels. For patients who need them, it is important to adhere to the medication according to the doctor’s instructions.