Prevent heart problems before they start

Cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, palpitations, and heart attacks are on the rise in the UAE, increasingly striking younger people due to stressful, sedentary lifestyles. Leading cardiologists in Dubai warn that the trend mirrors global patterns, where heart disease remains a top killer.

“Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for approximately 20.5 million deaths worldwide, or about one-third of all deaths,” explains Dr. Niraj Gupta, Specialist Interventional Cardiologist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, Dubai. “Among these, ischemic heart disease—commonly known as heart attacks—is one of the leading contributors.”

Hypertension: The Silent Killer

One of the most pressing challenges in the UAE is high blood pressure (hypertension), which doctors identify as the most significant risk factor for heart attacks.

“In the UAE, around 31% of the population suffers from hypertension, with higher rates seen among expatriate male workers from South Asia,” says Dr. Mehmet Urumdas, Specialist Cardiologist, NMC Royal Hospital, DIP.

Hypertension puts dangerous strain on the heart, forcing it to pump harder and leading to thickened heart muscle, heart failure, and greater risks of strokes and coronary artery disease.

Often symptomless until severe damage occurs, hypertension is nicknamed the “silent killer.”

“Regular blood pressure screenings are crucial, especially for people over 30 or those with obesity, smoking habits, or sedentary lifestyles,” Dr. Urumdas advises. “Early detection through check-ups can prevent life-threatening complications.”

Lifestyle Shifts as a First Line of Defense

The positive news, according to specialists, is that most cardiovascular conditions are largely preventable.

Dr. Gupta and Dr. Urumdas recommend:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight

• Engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days

• Following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains

• Reducing salt and saturated fats

• Quitting smoking, which damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure

• Limiting alcohol intake

• Managing psychological stress

“Stress is a particularly dangerous trigger for younger people,” Dr. Gupta emphasizes. “In recent years, there has been a troubling rise in heart attacks among young adults in the UAE, often linked to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental stress.”

Palpitations: Harmless or a Warning Sign?

Another growing complaint is heart palpitations—the fluttering, racing, or pounding sensations in the chest. While often harmless, they can also point to serious underlying heart conditions.

“Palpitations are often linked to stress, caffeine, or exercise,” says Dr. Rudolf Viktor Kolozsvari, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP. “But they become concerning if they are frequent, prolonged, or accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness.”

High-risk palpitations may stem from:

• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

• Structural heart disease

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Thyroid disorders

• Side effects of certain medications

Those most at risk include older adults, people with high stress levels, patients with existing heart or thyroid conditions, and individuals consuming excessive caffeine or stimulants.

“Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications like stroke or heart failure in arrhythmia patients,” Dr. Kolozsvari notes. Diagnostic tests range from electrocardiograms (ECG) and Holter monitoring to echocardiograms and blood tests for thyroid or electrolyte issues.

Advances in Treatment and Recovery

When prevention fails, patients today have access to a range of modern treatments and minimally invasive options.

“Over the past decade, heart attack treatment has advanced significantly,” says Dr. Gupta. “Early intervention techniques such as angioplasty and stent placement have drastically improved outcomes. Clot-busting drugs and blood thinners are now more precise and effective.”

Recovery has also been transformed by comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs, combining exercise, education, and lifestyle counseling for long-term heart health.

Taking Control of Heart Health

Doctors stress that cardiovascular conditions are no longer limited to older populations. With rising stress, sedentary habits, and poor diet, younger UAE residents are increasingly vulnerable.

The message is clear: prevention, early detection, and lifestyle management are key.

“Take heart—there is still time to make changes,” Dr. Gupta concludes. “Simple adjustments, awareness, and timely medical attention can save lives. And if the worst should happen, immediate access to treatment greatly improves survival and recovery.”