Dr. Mohammad Ghasemi, cardiologist, emphasized that maintaining heart health depends on lifestyle modification, noting that the first and most important step is proper nutrition. He advised avoiding high‑fat, high‑salt foods, fast food, and processed products, and instead consuming whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. In an interview with Webda–Zanjan, Dr. Ghasemi identified regular physical activity as the second key factor in heart health. Expressing concern over the prevalence of physical inactivity in society, he recommended at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily, or a minimum of 150 minutes per week. He summarized this with the slogan: “Every extra step, a healthier heart. “He described quitting tobacco use as the best gift one can give to their heart, stressing that hookah is not harmless, as some mistakenly believe. In fact, its harmful effects on the heart can be up to five times greater than cigarettes. He added that electronic cigarettes are equally harmful and must also be avoided. Discussing symptoms of heart disease, Dr. Ghasemi explained that they vary depending on the condition, but chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, unusual fatigue, and even leg swelling can be significant warning signs. He noted that some conditions, such as hypertension or heart failure, may remain asymptomatic for a period but eventually manifest.

He identified hypertension as one of the most common and dangerous underlying causes of cardiovascular problems. Uncontrolled blood pressure, he warned, is a major risk factor that gradually damages not only the heart but also the kidneys, brain, and eyes. Addressing palpitations, Dr. Ghasemi explained that they may result from cardiac or non‑cardiac causes such as stress, anemia, or hyperthyroidism. Persistent palpitations of cardiac origin, if left untreated, can damage the heart muscle over time. He cautioned against chronic stress, which elevates cortisol levels, leading to increased blood pressure and heart rate, thereby becoming a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Stress management, particularly at younger ages, is therefore vital. Responding to the question of why seemingly healthy young individuals sometimes suffer heart attacks, Dr. Ghasemi pointed to genetics and unhealthy lifestyles—including poor diet, inactivity, and tobacco use—as major contributing factors. Together, these elements can trigger heart attacks at younger ages. He stressed the importance of regular medical examinations and laboratory tests. Healthy individuals should check their blood pressure and blood sugar annually, while patients with hypertension or diabetes should be monitored every one to three months depending on disease control. He warned against altering or discontinuing cardiac or antihypertensive medications without medical supervision. Regarding specialized tests, Dr. Ghasemi clarified that echocardiography is unnecessary for asymptomatic individuals and should only be performed upon a physician’s recommendation when symptoms or specific risk factors are present.Finally, he underscored the importance of prevention and control of cardiovascular disease, identifying it as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Global statistics indicate that approximately 20 million people die annually from cardiovascular conditions—a figure he described as highly significant, warranting special attention to this vital organ.