Prevent Heart Problems Early: UAE Youth at Risk
Dubai, UAE: Cardiovascular problems are no longer confined to older adults. Leading doctors in the UAE are warning that heart risks—including hypertension, heart palpitations, and heart attacks—are rising among younger people due to stress, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles.
Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death, responsible for around 20.5 million deaths annually, or roughly one-third of all deaths worldwide, according to Dr Niraj Gupta, Specialist Interventional Cardiologist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, Dubai. Among these conditions, ischemic heart disease, commonly known as heart attacks, is particularly lethal.
Key Risk Factors
Doctors say the most significant risk factors include:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Family history of cardiovascular disease
In the UAE, hypertension is increasingly common, affecting approximately 31% of adults, with a higher prevalence among expatriate males from South Asia, notes Dr Mehmet Urumdas, Specialist Cardiologist at NMC Royal Hospital.
Hypertension is dangerous because it forces the heart to work harder, thickening the heart muscle over time. This can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Often called a “silent killer,” high blood pressure frequently goes unnoticed until serious complications occur.
“Regular blood pressure screenings are essential, especially for people over 30 or those with risk factors like obesity, smoking, or a sedentary lifestyle,” says Dr Urumdas. Early detection through routine check-ups can prevent life-threatening events.
Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference
The good news: many heart risks are preventable through simple, daily lifestyle adjustments. Doctors recommend:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Limiting salt and saturated fats
Quitting smoking
Moderating alcohol consumption
Managing stress, particularly among younger adults
Dr Gupta notes that stress is a rising contributor to heart disease in the UAE. Combined with obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol, stress significantly increases cardiovascular risk in young adults.
Understanding Heart Palpitations
An increasing number of patients are reporting heart palpitations, which feel like fluttering or racing in the chest. While often harmless, palpitations can signal serious underlying conditions, especially if they occur frequently or are accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or fainting.
High-risk palpitations may result from:
Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
Structural heart disease
Electrolyte imbalances
Thyroid disorders
Certain medications
Individuals with anxiety, high stress, or excessive caffeine consumption are particularly prone. Regular check-ups and prompt medical attention are crucial to prevent serious complications like stroke or heart failure. Diagnostic tools include ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiogram, and blood tests.
Advances in Treatment
If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, modern medicine offers effective interventions. Minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stent placement can restore blood flow to the heart, reducing damage after a heart attack. Blood thinners and clot-busting drugs have also become more targeted and effective.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs now combine exercise, education, and lifestyle changes, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health
Experts emphasize that prevention and early intervention are the best defenses. Simple lifestyle changes, awareness of symptoms, and timely medical attention can dramatically reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
“The faster a heart attack is treated, the less damage occurs to the heart muscle,” Dr Gupta reminds, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and proactive care.
For UAE residents, especially younger adults, the message is clear: don’t wait for warning signs to act. Start healthy habits today, monitor your heart health, and seek help when necessary.