Are Young Hearts at Risk?

Are Young Hearts at Risk? Increasing Cardiac Arrests Under 35 in UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, cardiologists are raising alarms over the rising number of cardiac arrests among the population under 35. Although many believe heart problems are diseases of the elderly, recent medical experience shows the exact opposite. The number of seemingly inexplicable cardiac arrests among young people has been alarmingly increasing in recent years.

Shocking Cases – Without Warning Signs

A recently made video, where a young man suddenly collapses during his workout, shocked many. Although the incident happened in a city in India, the case reflects the phenomenon also observed in the UAE: young, athletic, seemingly healthy individuals are collapsing unexpectedly – and often lose their lives before help can arrive.

Similar cases have been documented in the UAE as well. One man collapsed while walking on the street, and another lost consciousness during exercise. In both cases, doctors diagnosed severe coronary artery blockage before reaching the age of 35.

What Lies Behind?

According to doctors, the phenomenon is driven by lifestyle factors, environmental impacts, and genetic predispositions. The fast-paced, stressful lifestyle in the UAE, the sedentary work culture, consumption of fast foods, and night-time sleep problems all increase the chances of developing heart disease – even at a young age.

Main risk factors include:

Smoking and e-cigarette use

Consumption of high-fat, processed foods

Lack of physical activity

Chronic stress and sleep disorders

Use of stimulants or drugs

Unknown or hereditary heart diseases

Asymptomatic Threat – The Biggest Danger

Many people are unaware they live with heart disease. Sudden cardiac arrest often has no precursors, or manifests with symptoms that most people don’t take seriously: mild chest discomfort, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness. These signs especially appear during exercise or sports, and many attribute them simply to fatigue.

Congenital heart diseases, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or Brugada syndrome, often remain hidden, unless targeted screening occurs.

Warning Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Chest pain or pressure

Shortness of breath, especially with exertion

Irregular heartbeat

Fainting, dizziness

Pain in arm, jaw, or back

If any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical examination is necessary.

Why is Screening Important?

Cardiologists recommend that all young adults over 20 – especially those with a family history of heart disease – have regular basic cardiological examinations. These include ECG, heart ultrasound, blood pressure measurement, and blood sugar and cholesterol tests. These simple tests can even save lives.

Doctors suggest at least an annual examination for those nearing their 30s, and more frequently for those with an unhealthy lifestyle.

When Seconds Count

Global data shows that 60% of patients struggling with cardiac arrest lose their lives before reaching the hospital. However, if resuscitation and defibrillation are started in the first minutes, the chance of survival can reach up to 90%. Therefore, expanding first aid knowledge and placing automatic defibrillators (AED) in UAE public spaces is crucial.

What Can Young People Do?

The most important thing is that the younger generation must not assume their age shields them from heart diseases. Awareness, lifestyle changes, and regular screenings can be life-saving.

Recommended steps:

Regular exercise, but in moderation

Healthy, low-fat diet

Completely avoiding smoking, e-cigarettes, and drugs

Restful sleep and stress management

Annual medical examinations, especially for risk groups

Summary

Heart health cannot wait. More and more young people in the UAE are in life-threatening conditions due to conditions that could be prevented or treated in time. The most important message: listen to our bodies, do not neglect warning signs, and do not postpone screenings. Our life is at stake.

(Source according to doctors' reports.)