ABU DHABI // Deaths from heart attacks and related diseases could be greatly reduced if people seek immediate medical attention.
They are the UAE’s leading killer and worldwide, 30 to 50 per cent of patients die before they reach hospital, said Dr Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi, the chief medical officer and consultant interventional cardiologist at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi.
“Unfortunately, within this region, people continue to present late compared to other patients around the world,” said Dr Al Zubaidi.
“Our patients continue to ignore or deny the symptoms and so they come late.”
Heart disease was the leading cause of death in the UAE in 2012, according to the World Health Organisation.
It caused 17.1 per cent of deaths and was followed by road injury and stroke.
It was also the leading cause of death in Abu Dhabi, accounting for 36.7 per cent of 3,015 deaths in 2013, according to the Abu Dhabi Health Authority.
The earlier patients come, the higher chances of survival and the fewer the complications, said Dr Al Zubaidi.
“We see such scenarios almost daily and we treat them in a timely fashion.”
“If there is any delay, the consequence and outcome can be serious,” he said.
Timing is crucial.
“Presenting early will help avoid complications and prevents damage to the heart muscle,” said Dr Al Zubaidi.
salnuwais@thenational.ae
