17.06.2026 11:30
Ece İrtem, the beloved actress of the Kızılcık Şerbeti series, passed away at the age of 35 due to a heart attack. Once known only as a problem of the elderly, heart attacks now strike people as young as their 20s. Intense stress, smoking, inactivity, and poor nutrition threaten young hearts. Experts emphasize that the risk can be significantly reduced with early check-ups and healthy lifestyle habits. Young people should be cautious against this silent danger.
The Sudden Loss of Ece İrtemThe death of 35-year-old actress Ece İrtem due to a heart attack has brought the increasing cases among young people back into the spotlight. The heart attack she suffered while at home with her mother in Kadıköy plunged her loved ones into mourning. The passing of Ece İrtem, the beloved face of the series Kızılcık Şerbeti, once again highlighted how much heart attack cases have increased at a young age.
HEART ATTACK ALARM IN YOUNG PEOPLE Heart attacks, once known as a disease of advanced age, now threaten young people in their 20s. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking also target the young. According to experts, these risks can be managed with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress control. It is essential to start protecting your health today.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS? In recent years, a significant increase in heart attack cases has been observed among young adults both in Turkey and worldwide. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, smoking, chronic stress, and obesity are among the main culprits of this dangerous picture.
INCREASE AFTER THE PANDEMIC In the post-pandemic period, increases of up to 30% in heart attack rates have been reported in the 25-44 age group. This situation once again reveals the devastating impact of lifestyle changes on heart health.
WHAT DO SCIENTIFIC DATA SHOW? In a study conducted in the USA, it was determined that 30% of patients hospitalized for heart attacks between 1995 and 2014 were in the 35-54 age group, and this rate increased over time. Similarly, the rate of heart attacks in people under 40 has been observed to rise by approximately 2% each year over the last 10 years. In Turkey as well, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking among young people stand out as leading triggers of heart attacks.
SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK IN YOUNG PEOPLE In young people, heart attack symptoms can manifest not only as classic chest pain but also as shortness of breath, palpitations, cold sweats, weakness, jaw or back pain. Since symptoms can sometimes be atypical, they may be harder to recognize.
WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO PREVENT IT? To reduce the risk, regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, stress management, and annual heart check-ups are recommended. Those with a family history should undergo cardiological evaluation at an earlier age.
WHAT DO EXPERTS SAY? Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ramazan Özdemir said, "Heart attack cases at a young age are no longer an exception; unfortunately, they have become a frequent occurrence. When smoking, high stress, irregular diet, and genetic predisposition come together, vascular hardening can begin at an early age. It is vitally important, especially for young people with a family history of heart disease, to have regular check-ups. With early diagnosis, we can prevent many cases."
Cardiology Specialist Dr. Redwan Seid Busery stated, "Heart attacks were generally seen in the 50-70 age range, but in the last 10-15 years, there has been a remarkable increase in cases under 45. Lifestyle changes, asymptomatic risk factors, and physical inactivity trigger this picture. In young people, symptoms can sometimes be atypical; they may present as fatigue, nausea, or back pain instead of chest pain. Therefore, it is necessary to take complaints seriously."
Ece İrtem's sudden loss serves as another reminder of the warning: "Don't dismiss it because you are young." Do not neglect your heart health; small changes can make a big difference.
Ece İrtem SOME FAMOUS NAMES WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY; Some famous names who recently lost their lives due to heart attacks (especially in 2025-2026):
Ece İrtem (age 35) — Actress known for the character Işıl from the series Kızılcık Şerbeti. She died from a heart attack at her home in Kadıköy in June 2026.
Kanbolat Görkem Arslan (age 45) — Actor who appeared in productions like Poyraz Karayel and Çemberimde Gül Oya. He passed away from a heart attack after falling ill at home in February 2026.
Kanbolat Görkem Arslan Volkan Konak (age 58) — Beloved Black Sea music artist. He suffered a heart attack on stage during a concert in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in March 2025 and passed away.
Olgun Özdemir (age 51) — Director. He died from a heart attack in January 2025.
Şekip Taşpınar (age 56) — Actor known for the series Kurtlar Vadisi. He died from a heart attack in July 2025.
Mehmet Ali Tuncer (age 57) — Actor. He died from a heart attack after a long-term heart condition in July 2025.
Volkan Konak Muazzez Abacı (age 78) — Legendary name of Turkish Classical Music. She died from a heart attack in the USA in November 2025.
Yüksel Kader (age 47) — Regional artist. He suffered a heart attack on stage at a wedding and passed away.
Metin Arolat (age 52) — Artist, died from a heart attack on stage.