Heart Disease Rising Among 30-50 Year Olds in UAE, Doctor Warns
A UAE cardiologist highlights increasing heart disease cases in 30-50 age group, mainly among South Asians, urging lifestyle changes and screenings.
Medical data from a Dubai hospital reveals a growing number of heart disease cases among individuals aged 31 to 50, with a significant majority being from South Asia. Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiac Services at Aster Hospitals & Clinics, described this trend as "alarming," noting that even patients as young as 19 have presented with severe cardiac conditions.
Since 2018, the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Aster Hospital Mankhool has conducted over 10,000 procedures. Analysis of more than 3,500 patients indicated that approximately half were between 31 and 50 years old, about 30 percent were aged 51 to 60, and 10 to 15 percent were over 60.
Dr. Ahmed shared an example of a 19-year-old patient with blockages in all three arteries, attributing such early onset to genetic predisposition. He frequently encounters patients in their 20s, sometimes monthly, many of whom have a family history of sudden cardiac death.
According to the data, over 90 percent of these patients are from South Asia, with Indian nationals comprising more than 65 percent, followed by Pakistani and Filipino individuals. Dr. Ahmed linked the rise in heart disease to a combination of genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyles, including lack of exercise, poor diet, and heavy smoking. He also mentioned the added psychosocial stress faced by many who support families back home.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs such as palpitations or dizziness during physical activity and recommended timely medical evaluations. Dr. Ahmed also supported the use of wearable technology like smartwatches to detect arrhythmias, stating that these devices can help identify potentially life-threatening conditions early.
For those in their 30s and 40s, Dr. Ahmed advised maintaining regular physical activity, aiming for at least 10,000 steps daily and 30 minutes of exercise, adopting healthy eating habits, ensuring adequate sleep, and quitting smoking. He further urged individuals with a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease to undergo regular screenings.
He concluded by stressing personal responsibility for health, encouraging people to dedicate 30 to 40 minutes daily to their well-being to sustain a healthy life over the long term.