80% of heart diseases are preventable, says doctor

Dubai: The number of deaths in the UAE caused by circulatory disorders is concerning, a doctor told Gulf News.

Citing Ministry of Health statistics, Dr Pratiksha, a preventive cardiologist, said: "Eighty per cent of heart diseases could be prevented by using principles of preventive cardiology," she said.

Only a small percentage experience typical angina pain or breathlessness as a first symptom, she said.

For about 35 per cent of patients, a heart attack is the first symptom of a heart disease, she said, noting it is important to detect the disease early and prevent a heart attack.

"The silent nature of the disease makes it vital to modify lifestyles and get a thorough medical checkup," she said.

The doctor said many people suddenly try to lose weight after a lifetime of indulgence, by ‘hitting the gyms'.

Susceptible

"The heart is not able to sustain the sudden activity," she said. As the largest expatriate population in the UAE are Indians, the doctor noted they are very susceptible to heart disease at a much younger age because of their shorter frames and smaller coronary arteries.

A study has shown that even minor particles can block the smaller arteries, which results in heart attacks. "Indians also have a low level of HDL, the good cholesterol," she said.

She called for lifestyle modifications as eating a balanced diet, better stress management and cardio exercise. A medical tourism expo conference is scheduled to be held on November 6 and 7. Experts from a wide range of disciplines from neurology to Ayurveda will be available to discuss cases.

Conference: Medical tourism

• WHAT: Medical tourism expo conference, with free health opinions for visitors
• WHEN: November 6 & 7
• WHERE: Crowne Plaza, Dubai

Do you get yourself checked regularly for diseases? Are people becoming too careless when it comes to their health? How can the relevant authorities make people aware of such diseases?