Youth at Risk: Heart Troubles Escalate in UAE

Heart Attacks Not Just for the Elderly: Young Sufferers in UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, a concerning health trend is emerging: data from certain hospital networks indicate that nearly half of heart attack patients are under 50 years old. This poses challenges not only for doctors but also for the healthcare system. Risk factors previously associated with older generations are spreading rapidly among younger people – such as obesity, stress, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and e-cigarette use.

Heart Attack in Youth? Increasingly Common

Although cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, in the UAE it is particularly alarming that a significant part of the population may experience a first heart attack 15 years earlier than in other parts of the world. In the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, this age has decreased by 5–10 years over the past decade.

The case of a 35-year-old local resident illustrates the gravity of the phenomenon. He went to the emergency department of a Dubai hospital with chest pain, but conventional tests – ECG, blood tests – indicated no acute problems. However, a new AI-supported test determined he was at moderate risk for heart disease, despite not having diabetes or being a smoker. Obesity, family history, and low HDL cholesterol levels were enough reasons for doctors to conduct further examinations and focus on prevention.

The Data Speaks for Itself

In 2024, more than 11,000 people visited cardiology clinics in Dubai hospitals part of the Medcare network. Nearly 10,000 of these patients were under 45. In 30 percent of cases, there was a suspicion of heart problems, and detailed examination revealed that 3 percent had a serious heart disease requiring treatment.

Even more astonishing is that these proportions are very close to those of older age groups: in 46 percent, detailed examinations were conducted, and 5 percent were found to have serious issues. This means that young people are increasingly "catching up" with older individuals concerning cardiovascular diseases.

What’s Behind This?

Doctors say the reasons are well known, yet often ignored. The fast-paced lifestyle, sedentary work, stressful workplaces and environments, consumption of processed foods, alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep all contribute to overloading the body.

Additionally, the region has a particularly high incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. These factors pose a severe risk, especially when genetic predisposition is present.

Many people think heart problems only affect the elderly, but reality says otherwise. Today's young adults are also at risk, especially those arriving from South Asia, where traditionally, incidence of heart disease is higher.

Role of AI in Early Detection

One of the biggest breakthroughs has been the introduction of AI-based diagnostic tools. Dubai's Medcare Hospital Al Safa recently started using the European-developed, CE-certified test named Cardio Explorer, which predicts the development of cardiovascular diseases with over 95 percent accuracy.

This test, in addition to blood samples, takes into account age, blood pressure, and personal risk factors. The procedure is simple: with a blood sample and some basic parameters recorded, the system evaluates the data within 48–72 hours, and a cardiologist then analyzes the results.

AI's advantage is that it doesn't involve invasive procedures or radiation and can be performed on individuals who cannot undergo traditional stress tests. Thus, patients who previously found it difficult to participate in screening can access useful information.

Prevention – The Best Cure

Doctors agree that prevention is crucial, especially in an era when technology enables early detection. AI-based diagnostics do not replace lifestyle changes but provide a chance for timely intervention.

That's why it's extremely important for everyone – regardless of age – to take heart health seriously. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, and stress management are factors that can significantly reduce risk.

Summary

Residents of the UAE – especially the young – are increasingly exposed to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The traps of modern lifestyle, like overworking, sedentary jobs, fast food, and unhealthy habits, are slowly but surely taking their toll. Fortunately, modern medical technology already allows for the diagnosis of diseases before they fully develop and can be treated accordingly.

The message is clear: do not wait for the first symptoms. Utilize the available screenings, especially if you are affected by risk factors – whether it's family history, diabetes, or simply a stressful lifestyle. The heart does not wait – but we now have the means to prevent, not just treat.

(The article is based on doctors' warnings.)