Indian and Pakistani expatriates constitute the majority of patients undergoing heart procedures at a Dubai hospital, with a significant proportion aged between 31 and 50, according to recent analyses conducted by Aster Hospital Mankhool. The findings were released on the occasion of World Heart Day, observed on September 29, which aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death globally. This year’s campaign focused on the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing often-overlooked symptoms of heart disease.
Since 2018, Aster Hospital Mankhool’s Cardiac Catheterisation (Cath) Lab has performed more than 10,000 cardiac procedures. An analysis of over 3,500 patients at the facility revealed that more than 90 percent were of South Asian origin. Indian nationals accounted for over 65 percent of these cases, followed by Pakistani and Filipino patients.
Age distribution data from a separate review of more than 6,000 patients highlighted that cardiac procedures are not confined to older adults. Approximately 35 percent of patients were between 41 and 50 years old, while 15 to 20 percent were aged 31 to 40. Together, this indicates that about half of the patients were within the 31-50 age bracket. Patients aged 51 to 60 constituted nearly 30 percent, and those over 60 made up 10 to 15 percent.
Dr. Naveen Ahmed, Head of Cardiac Services at Aster Hospitals & Clinics, UAE, who performed more than 60 percent of the procedures, underscored the importance of heightened awareness, prevention, and early intervention among younger populations. He noted that the hospital’s youngest cardiac patient was a 19-year-old Indian worker treated four to six years ago. While such cases are uncommon, heart attacks in individuals under 20 are typically associated with genetic conditions like severe hypercholesterolemia that can cause early arterial blockages.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized the difference in patient demographics compared to Western countries, where heart attacks generally occur in people aged 50 and above. He described the rising incidence among younger adults as alarming, particularly because it affects individuals at critical life stages involving education, employment, marriage, and family responsibilities, thereby impacting entire households.
Highlighting common risk factors, Dr. Ahmed pointed to three prevalent misconceptions. First, insufficient physical activity remains a widespread issue; he recommends a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of exercise five days a week, noting that short walks are inadequate for younger adults. Second, dietary myths persist, such as the belief that virgin coconut oil is heart-healthy, despite the fact that fats solid at room temperature—including coconut oil, palm oil, and ghee—are detrimental to cardiovascular health. He advocates using a variety of oils such as sunflower, groundnut, mustard, canola, and olive oil in minimal quantities. Lastly, Dr. Ahmed equated even occasional cigarette smoking to poisoning, warning that any level of tobacco use poses serious health risks.
These findings reflect the ongoing challenges of cardiovascular disease in the UAE’s diverse population and highlight the critical need for targeted public health interventions aimed at younger, at-risk groups.