A growing number of young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are experiencing heart attacks, sparking concerns among healthcare professionals. Dr. Juwairia Al Ali, President of the Emirates Cardiac Society, has highlighted a worrying trend where individuals in their early 30s are being admitted to hospitals for heart attacks. Research indicates that coronary heart diseases (CHDs) are occurring much earlier in the UAE compared to Western countries, with incidents happening 10-15 years ahead of the global norm.

According to data from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the UAE has witnessed a death rate of 70-80 per 100,000 due to heart disease in recent years. What’s even more alarming is that approximately 40 percent of UAE adults are at risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), often unaware of their vulnerability until they face severe conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Contributing factors to this concerning rise in cardiac diseases include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets. Healthcare professionals stress the importance of lifestyle changes, early detection, and proper treatment to combat this growing health issue.