1 out of 5 in UAE dies from cardiovascular disease

The results, which are part of the Dubai Household Health Survey and are released to mark World Heart Day today, highlight the extent to which the population of Dubai is prone to developing cardiovascular diseases and the groups that are most susceptible to it.

Studies reveal that only 19 per cent of Dubai’s population gets sufficient amount of exercise which is required to stay healthy.

“The results reveal that one in four individuals in Dubai have preventable CVD risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol or are smokers, thus strongly advocating the need for the community to alter their lifestyle and cut down on unhealthy eating habits as well as reduce tobacco use,” said Laila Al Jassmi, CEO of Health Policy and Strategy Sector at the DHA.

“Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Dubai, with one in every five deaths attributable to cardiovascular diseases.”“It is a known fact that CVD is a leading cause of mortality globally and because CVD is trigged by a host of lifestyle related diseases like obesity, hypertension and tobacco use, the underlying cause of CVD needs to be tackled,” said Dr Eldaw Abdalla Suliman, Head of Research and Performance Management in DHA’s Health Policy and Strategy Sector.

“There is an urgent need for the community to come together at all levels and create awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

He said there is a clear link between lack of education and increase in risk of CVDs. “The prevalence of CVD risk factors decreases significantly with the educational level where the prevalence among non-educated (39 per cent) is nearly twice the level observed among people with university and above education (21 per cent).”

In celebration of the World Heart Day in Abu Dhabi, the Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) will be hosting an educational booth at the Mushrif Mall from 5-9pm today.

Visitors at the booth will get a free check-up, receive educational material about the heart and gifts. Physicians and dietitians will be available at the booth for consultation and to answer visitors’ questions.

“SKMC’s Cardiac Sciences Institute is willing to continuously organize CVD-related campaigns and activities,” said Dr Wael Al Mahmeed, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Head of Cardiology Department at SKMC.

Key findings among Dubai residents The prevalence of preventable CVD risk factors among men is twice (28.3%) the level observed for women (14.5 per cent). The prevalence of preventable CVD risk factors increases significantly with age and reaches its highest level (44 per cent) at age 60 and above. The chance of developing preventable CVD risk factors in individuals 60 and above is seven times that of a younger individual (18-24 age group). Individuals in highest income group are 1.3 times more likely to develop preventable CVD risk factors. (UAE Nationals) Prevalence of preventable CVD risk factors among UAE Nationals is nearly one in every three (29%). The prevalence of preventable CVD risk factors is higher among UAE National men (33%) as compared to UAE National women (24%). Currently, 66 per cent of UAE National males aged 60 and above have preventable CVD Risk factors compared to 63.5 per cent among UAE National Females aged 60 and above. The chance of developing preventable CVD risk factors is significantly higher among non educated UAE Nationals (63 per cent for males compared to 55 per cent for females UAE Nationals) and the prevalence decreases with higher level of education. UAE Nationals from middle-income groups are significantly less likely to have CVD risk factors. One in every four of the population of Dubai has a preventable cardiovascular (CVD) risk factor such as smoking, hypertension and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

World’s main killer

Cardiovascular diseases is the world’s main killer and yet many of us refuse to lead a healthy lifestyle and risk all.

Today, as it does every September 29, the world marks World Health Day. It was created in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death.

he World Heart Federation estimates by 2030, almost 23.6 million people will die from cardiovascular diseases, mainly from heart disease and stroke. It is projected to remain the single leading cause of death.

Hypertensive and Ischaemic heart diseases are among the most common heart ailments found in patients in the region, a cardiologist said. Rheumatic heart disease which affects heart valves and cardiomyopathy affecting heart muscles are seen in smaller numbers here, Dr Jaison Mathai, Specialist Cardiologist, Al Rafa Poly Clinic, Dubai, told Khaleej Times on the eve of the World Heart Day. This year’s theme is ‘One World, One Home, One Heart’.

According to the World Heart Feder-ation, 17.1 million people die of cardio-vascular diseases every year. “The cause for Ischaemic heart dis-eases is multi-factoral.

Even though is evidence of genetic predisposition, multiple environmental factors cause this disease,” Dr Mathai said.

“It is known that if one has a first degree rela-tive who has had a heart attack at an age below 55 years then he has a high chance of suffering from the same diseases. Genetic factor plays a role but lifestyle, high blood pressure and blood choles-terol levels matter, too,” he added.

Experts say physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The role of diet is crucial in the development and prevention of cardio-vascular disease.

Diet is a key modifi-able risk factor for cardio vascular dis-eases, health experts say.

“Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to be very helpful in preventing heart diseases and keeping the body’s whole circulation system in good health,” Dr Mathai said.

• UAE