Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death worldwide. An estimated 17.9 million people died from heart conditions in 2019, representing a staggering 32% of all global deaths. It’s a significant problem and one that is rising in the UAE. According to a 2021 study by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, more than half of people in the UAE have been affected by heart disease. Year after year, it is responsible for about 40 percent of deaths in the country.
A 2022 study found that in the UAE, cardiovascular disease is happening among people 10-15 years younger than the average age worldwide. Some UAE doctors report seeing heart disease in people as young as 30 or 40 years old - so it’s never too early to think about your heart health!
WHAT IS HEART DISEASE?
Cardiovascular disease affects your heart and circulatory system. It involves a fatty build-up of plaque in your blood vessels, caused by smoking, high blood pressure, or too much cholesterol or sugar. This build-up can disrupt your blood flow and cause pain. If blood vessels become completely blocked, you can experience a sudden loss of blood flow to your organs, resulting in a heart attack or a stroke.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
There are certain things that will place you at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including:
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Not being physically active
- Eating a lot of unhealthy, processed food
- Being over 55 years old for women, or 45 years old for men
- Having a family member with heart disease
THE GOOD NEWS
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