Lifestyle changes ward off disease

In three years' time, cases of cardiovascular disease could triple in the UAE. This is according to Dr Mahmoud Fikri, chief executive of health policies in the Ministry of Health, who also released an alarming statistic: high blood pressure or hypertension is currently affecting 36 per cent of the total UAE population.

This condition, which raises the risk of stroke as well as heart disease, has to be highlighted and people must be aware of the grave consequences.

Depending on their lifestyle, people can be contributing to their chances of falling victim to this silent killer. For example, smoking, stress, as well as low physical activity can all lead to high blood pressure.

While these statistics are bound to put pressure on the health care system to make sure doctors follow the right guidelines on the treatment and management of hypertension, individuals need to be aware of the symptoms and always go for regular check-ups.