Rise in Heart Attacks Among Young Individuals in UAE Linked to Obesity, Diabetes, Smoking – Urgent Call for Healthy Living
Heart attacks among young individuals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are on the rise, and doctors are sounding the alarm about the underlying factors responsible for this concerning trend. Obesity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels are being linked to the surge in heart attacks among the youth in the UAE. As heart disease continues to be the leading cause of non-communicable disease-related deaths in the country, experts are urging for immediate action to promote healthy living and regular health check-ups.
Healthcare professionals across the UAE have reported a significant increase in the number of young individuals in their early 30s being admitted to hospitals due to heart attacks. In fact, research data reveals that premature coronary heart diseases leading to heart attacks occur approximately 10-15 years earlier in the UAE compared to Western countries.
Dr. Juwairia Alali, the President of Emirates Cardiac Society, stressed the urgent need to raise awareness among UAE citizens about the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Alarmingly, the UAE’s mortality rate from heart disease stands at 340 per 100,000 cases, which is twice the rate observed in other countries.
Dr. Feras Bader, the Department Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, has observed a concerning lack of awareness among young patients regarding their risk factors for heart disease. Many young individuals in the UAE only seek medical attention after experiencing major symptoms or a heart attack, rather than proactively visiting a doctor for a heart disease risk assessment.
Further exacerbating the issue is the prevalence of misconceptions about heart health. Patients often assume that being physically fit or having a normal body mass index automatically protects them from heart disease. However, factors like smoking, consumption of processed foods leading to abdominal fat, and family history all contribute to the risk of heart disease, regardless of apparent physical health.
To address this alarming rise in heart attacks among young individuals in the UAE, health experts emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups, cholesterol control, maintaining a proper weight, adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking.
It is crucial for both individuals and the community as a whole to understand that heart disease is not just an ailment of old age. The current trend, with young patients exhibiting arterial damage more commonly associated with individuals over 70 years old, emphasizes the need for early prevention and education on heart health.
In conclusion, the UAE is witnessing a worrisome increase in heart attacks among young individuals, largely due to risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. Immediate action is required to raise awareness, encourage healthy lifestyles, and ensure regular health check-ups to combat this growing health crisis.
