Medicine

The hardening of veins can be even more lethal than cancer

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Medicine organized an event where the subject of “Hardening of Veins and Cardiovascular Diseases” were examined.

At the online event that was moderated by CIU Faculty of Medicine Academic staff and Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Barlas Aytaçoğlu, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Academic Staff of the Cardiovascular Surgery Major, Prof. Dr. Nehir Sucu, made some statements.

Explaining that we have three types of veins in our body, and that these are categorized as arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels, Prof. Dr. Sucu noted that among these veins, it is mostly arterial diseases that affect our lives.

Stating that of these the most common is the hardening of veins, which is called atherosclerosis, Sucu added that this disease is the most serious problem among developed countries.

In her speech, stating that the hardening of veins can be even more lethal than cancer, Prof. Dr. Sucu went on to state, “While in breast cancer, if it is detected and treated early it can be 100% cured, if those suffering from the common hardening of veins do not be careful, in 10 years only 10% will stay alive”.

Explaining that one of the veins most affected by atherosclerosis is the jugular veins, Sucu noted that blockages due to atherosclerosis that may occur in the jugular veins are of such importance that they can lead to paralysis in particular, and can even lead to death.

Advising that outside of unchangeable factors such as age, gender, and genetic background, attention should especially be paid to diet, diabetes control, hypertension control, sedentary life, stress, tobacco and alcohol consumption, Prof. Dr. Sucu reminded that all these seriously contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis.

Noting that symptoms such as temporary loss of vision, short-term deterioration in speech and/or loss of strength on one side of the body can be seen as preliminary symptoms in jugular vein blockages, Sucu recommended that patients who have experienced such symptoms should consult a cardiovascular surgeon or neurologist.

Lastly, during the seminar, Prof. Dr. Sucu provided information in relation to the possibility of drug, surgical, and stent treatments in jugular vein blockages.