Podcast: WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?

Episode: How to reduce the risk of heart disease?

Leading: Dariusz Litera

Guest: Dr. Konrad Kaaz, MD, PhD, cardiology specialist

Duration: 15 minutes

Cardiovascular diseases have remained the leading cause of death in Poland and developed countries for years. Their importance is growing with increasing life expectancy and changing lifestyles, which contribute to the development of risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and lipid disorders.

In this interview with cardiologist Dr. Konrad Kaaz, we discuss key issues related to prevention, risk factors, and symptoms of heart disease. The expert also explains which tests are worth undergoing and how to implement lasting lifestyle changes in practice.

Full podcast transcript

[00:00:00] Introduction

Dariusz Litera:

Cardiovascular diseases pose the greatest threat to the lives of Poles. According to reports from the National Institute of Public Health, they are responsible for nearly 35% deaths in our country. Are the heart and blood vessels the weak points of most Poles? What can you do to avoid cardiovascular disease, despite the statistics? Today, your doctor is cardiologist Konrad Kaaz, MD. Hello, doctor.

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Good morning.

[00:00:40] Is heart disease a problem only in Poland?

Dariusz Litera:

Is the high mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases unique to our country, or is it a more generalized European or global trend?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

In developed countries, when antibiotics were invented, we dealt with what had previously killed us: bacteria. Human lifespans have increased, and at the same time, exposure to external factors has increased.

Currently, in developed countries, cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of death. This is a consequence of long lifespans and exposure to harmful factors.

[00:01:16] Do we all "die of heart disease"?

Dariusz Litera:

An emergency physician told me that sooner or later we all die from heart disease. Is that true?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Yes, that's true in a sense. Historically, the heart has been considered the "soul of man." If it stops beating, man ceases to live.

The current definition of brain death is the shutdown of the brainstem. However, in reality, cardiac arrest is synonymous with death for most people.

[00:02:01] Where does the risk of heart disease come from?

Dariusz Litera:

Why does my heart fail? Is it the result of my lifestyle?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

We are exposed to a polluted environment and easy access to food. The cheapest form of food is fast food, which is high in fat and calories.

At the same time, we spend time in front of smartphones and computers, limit exercise, and gain weight. This leads to increased lipid levels, especially LDL cholesterol, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and blood vessel damage.

[00:03:05] Are we increasing our own risk?

Dariusz Litera:

So in a sense we are doing this to ourselves?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

To some extent, yes. Lifestyle is of paramount importance.

In addition, there is stress, little sleep and a disturbed circadian rhythm, for example in shift work or on-call work.

[00:03:57] How to assess cardiovascular risk?

Dariusz Litera:

Which risk factor is most important?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

There's no single factor. We're talking about overall cardiovascular risk. In Europe, we use the SCORE scale, which takes into account:

- age,

- sex,

– smoking,

– cholesterol level,

– blood pressure.

Dariusz Litera:

So you can "enter" the table?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Yes, but it can be misleading. A young person with minor abnormalities can have the "heart of a 60-year-old.".

[00:05:04] Who is most at risk?

Dariusz Litera:

Which groups are most at risk?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Each patient should be assessed individually.

People who appear healthy often have metabolic disorders. Elderly people, despite good results, are automatically at high risk due to their age.

[00:06:25] What symptoms should we be concerned about?

Dariusz Litera:

What signals should prompt us to visit a doctor?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

The most common symptoms are:

– chest pain,

– shortness of breath,

– easier fatigability,

– heart palpitations or arrhythmias.

[00:07:29] What tests are worth doing?

Dariusz Litera:

What research should we do?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Basic research includes:

– lipid profile,

– glucose,

– creatinine,

– morphology,

– TSH.

The tests should be performed in the morning, on an empty stomach, at least 12 hours after the last meal.

[00:08:35] Does preparation for research matter?

Dariusz Litera:

Does diet before the test affect the results?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Yes. A large dinner can significantly increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, making the results unreliable.

[00:09:23] Does lifestyle change work immediately?

Dariusz Litera:

Can you improve your health overnight?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Changes can be implemented quickly, but their sustainability is key.

Short-term actions do not bring results – what counts is long-term lifestyle changes.

[00:10:16] Why is it hard to change habits?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Changing lifestyle is difficult because it involves habits and addictions, for example to nicotine.

[00:12:07] How to implement changes in practice?

Dariusz Litera:

Should changes be gradual?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

It is best to introduce changes systematically and individually tailored to the patient.

Everyone should assess what they can change and implement it gradually.

[00:13:09] Abdominal obesity – why is it dangerous?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Abdominal obesity isn't just about the belly, but also about the visceral fat surrounding the organs. This is hormonally active and increases the risk of disease.

Weight loss should be gradual – approximately 1 kg per week.

[00:14:40] Top recommendations for patients

Dariusz Litera:

Three most important tips?

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Don't smoke, exercise and eat a healthy diet.

[00:14:59] Ending

Dariusz Litera:

The podcast guest was Dr. Konrad Kaaz, MD. Thank you.

Dr. Konrad Kaaz:

Thank you.

Key takeaways for patients

• Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in developed countries
• The risk depends on many factors, including age, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking) is crucial for heart health
• Symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath require medical consultation.
• Preventive examinations should be performed regularly and appropriate preparation should be made for them.
• Effective prevention requires lasting changes, not short-term actions.
• Weight loss should be gradual and long-term.
• The most important pillars of heart health are: no smoking, physical activity and a healthy diet

Information about the authors

Dariusz Litera – host of the podcast CO NA TO TWÓJ ELEKARZ, specializing in medical communication and patient health education.

Dr. Konrad Kaaz, MD – a cardiologist, a specialist in circulatory system diseases, dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart diseases.

ATTENTION!

This material is for educational purposes only. It does not replace an individual medical consultation. If you experience any disturbing symptoms, consult your doctor.