YouGov survey finds heart problems are rife in the UAE

Thirty-two per cent of residents questioned said that either they or a family member had suffered from a heart problem.

ABU DHABI // Doctors say they are seeing patients as young as 19 who have had a heart attack.

It comes as the survey found 32 per cent of residents say they or a family member have a heart problem, while 27 per cent say they or a relative have suffered from cardiovascular disease.

More than half say that they or a family member regularly rely on medication for high blood pressure.

“This is quite an alarming rate and should be addressed through aggressive campaigns that highlight the benefits of exercise and how destructive unhealthy lifestyles can be,” says Lara Al Barazi, of YouGov.

Dr Jairam K Aithal, a specialist in cardiovascular disease at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, has worked in the emirate for five years.

“Cardiac problems are affecting more and more people in the UAE and they are suffering from these problems at a younger age nowadays,” Dr Aithal says.

“People should not imagine that they can eat what they like in their 20s and hit the gym when they are 40. My youngest patient who suffered a heart attack was only 19.

“I get many patients of hypertension in their 30s when typically patients used to be in their 40s.”

The hectic lifestyle followed by many expatriates can take its toll on heart health, he says. “The UAE has many expats who are here by themselves,” Dr Aithal says. “Some have taken loans to work here, others need to fend for themselves or send money home. They have to work long hours.

“These issues take a toll on them and result in them suffering hypertension or high blood pressure.”

Lifestyle choices are also at fault.

“There is awareness about obesity and its link to hypertension but not enough is being done to combat these problems or delay their onset,” says Dr Aithal. “Prevention is the cure. People need to be told how they can prevent the disease.

“There are some basic steps that people can take to combat hypertension, diabetes and reduce stress levels. These steps will also ensure that people feel positive about themselves.”

The first step is having a good diet.

“One should opt for raw food over processed food,” Dr Aithal says. “Having baked or grilled or steamed food is much better than having fried food.”

Regular exercise is as important as a good diet.

“If one can’t manage 30 minutes of exercise daily because of their schedules, then they should compensate for it over the weekend,” says Dr Aithal.

“Also meditating or taking time our for a hobby helps reduce stress levels. Paint, read, play a sport – just get involved in a hobby.

“Sleeping for at least seven to eight hours is important. Last but not least, laughing is very healthy.”

Cardiovascular disease and hypertension will be topics on which Arab Health will focus this year, says Lisa Stephens, its executive director.

“Cardiovascular diseases cause 45 per cent of early deaths in the Gulf region alone and with the disease rarely showing any symptoms, the importance of screening and early detection is paramount,” Ms Stephens said.

“The prevalence of hypertension globally, according to the World Health Organisation, is extremely high, with one in three people affected.

She says that recent studies have shown that the prevalence of the disease is far higher in Arabian Gulf countries.

“Affordability of medication, compliance with treatment and the barriers of lifestyle changes are key concerns for the region.”