Number-one killer
According to the World Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s biggest killer. Cardiovascular disease kills 17.5 million people globally every year. This translates into one in ten people between the ages of 30 and 70 dying of this disease.
Causes of CVD deaths
Two thirds of these deaths are linked to tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.
Helping someone having a heart attack
If you encounter someone unconscious, seek emergency medical help, then begin CPR to keep blood flowing. Push hard on the person’s chest in a fairly rapid rhythm (100-120 compressions a minute). You don’t need to check the airway or deliver rescue breaths unless you’re CPR-trained.
Heart attack and cardiac arrest
There seems to be a lack of understanding of the difference between the terms cardiac arrest and heart attack. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is damage to the heart muscle that occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, thus depriving the heart muscle of the oxygen it needs to function properly. Cardiac arrest means that the heart stops beating and death is imminent. A severe heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, which can be fatal.
Warning signs
Knowing the early warning signs of a heart attack is critical for prompt recognition and treatment. Common signs include pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching in the chest or arms that may spread to the neck, jaw or back, nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, fatigue, and light headedness or sudden dizziness.
Surviving a heart attack, when alone
If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, immediately contact emergency medical services. If you are unable to do so, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if you have no other option — it puts you and others at risk if your condition worsens.
The state of health in Dubai
A survey conducted by the Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Statistics Centre in 2014 found that 30 per cent of all deaths were caused by cardiovascular disease even though Dubai has a relatively young population. The combination of heat, stress and inactivity is the contributing factor.
Is it angina?
Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but others offer warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. The earliest warning may be recurrent chest pain (angina) triggered by exertion and relieved by rest. Angina is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the heart.
FREE HEART SCREENINGS FOR UAE RESIDENTS
Majid Al Futtaim Malls
Women visiting malls in the UAE can get complimentary check-ups including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) to determine if they are at risk of heart diseases. You can avail the opportunity until October 10.
Burjeel Hospital
Today, the hospital in Abu Dhabi is offering free check-ups for blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and body composition analysis until 2pm. Tomorrow, you can head to Marina Mall Abu Dhabi and Deerfields Mall for free health screenings.
Zulekha Hospitals
Here, you can avail of the complimentary health check-ups this month, which include consultation with a specialist cardiologist, ECG and stress test. Book now.
