UAE sees drop in heart attack deaths, but heart risks rise in young adults

Dubai: Even as deaths due to heart attacks decline in the UAE, overall cardiovascular disease continues to surge, particularly among younger populations, doctors have warned.

Cardiologists in the country say that while advances in emergency care, early diagnosis and preventive measures have helped reduce fatal heart attacks, other serious cardiac conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertensive heart disease are on the rise.

Their comments follow a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, which shows that in the US, heart attack-related deaths have dropped over the past five decades, but deaths linked to chronic heart conditions have increased.

“The overall incidence of heart attacks hasn’t decreased. Still, early recognition of symptoms and prompt treatment have resulted in significantly lower death rates,” Dr Jose John, Specialist Cardiologist, LLH Hospital, Musaffah, said.
He attributed the success to medical advancements such as such as coronary angiography and stenting, statins, high-sensitivity diagnostic tools, and antiplatelet agents which reduce clotting and restore blood flow to the heart.

“Smoke-free policies, a greater emphasis on exercise, and updated guidelines on cholesterol management and blood pressure have also contributed to improved heart health,” Dr John said.

However, he warned that as more people survive heart attacks, many are now living with weakened hearts, which increases the risk of long-term complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias.

“Increasing life expectancy also increases the risk of death from other diseases of heart like heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia.”
Dr John noted that cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, which contribute to heart disease, has increased, especially among the younger generation.

Dr Yogeeswari Vellore Satyanarayanan, Specialist Cardiologist at Medcare Hospital, Sharjah, said that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the UAE, accounting for about a third of all fatalities.
“Younger individuals in the UAE are increasingly vulnerable due to rising obesity and inactivity, high rates of undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes and hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyles,” Dr Yogeeswari said.
Factors contributing to this include poor diet, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, tobacco use, limited physical activity, and even post-COVID effects like arrhythmias and elevated blood pressure.

“Shockingly, nearly 50 per cent of heart attack patients in the UAE are under the age of 50.”

Both experts agreed that current preventive measures in the UAE, such as public health campaigns, subsidised health screenings, and insurance-supported annual check-ups, have made a significant impact. But more needs to be done.

Dr Yogeeswari said these efforts must now go deeper and wider.

“We need more aggressive screening, especially in high-risk populations,” said Dr Yogeeswari. “Urban planning must encourage walkability. Mental health support to reduce stress, stronger tobacco control, and improved air quality are also vital.”

They also urged the wider use of digital tools, such as wearables and mobile health apps to help detect early signs of heart risk and encourage healthier behaviours.