More than 80 per cent of women in the UAE failed to identify heart disease as the leading cause of female deaths in the country, a new survey has found.
Research by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi revealed most women - 46 per cent - mistakenly believed breast cancer was the number one cause of fatalities.
Heart disease is the most frequent cause of death among women in the Emirates and around the world.
Common risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise and smoking. Globally, nearly 18 million people die each year due to cardiovascular disease.
“The results of this survey are concerning,” said Dr Dima Quraini, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
“They clearly reflect the success of breast cancer awareness campaigns, with women identifying it as the greatest threat to their health.”
The survey also found 24 per cent of women were unaware that having high blood pressure increased their risk of heart disease more than for men.
“The bad news from this survey is that a significant proportion of women are unaware of their own risk factors,” said Dr Quraini.
“The good news is that, in 2020, we’re able to do something about it. Prevention really works and can reduce a woman’s chances of developing heart disease by up to 80 per cent.”