More than half of UAE residents have been affected by heart disease during their lifetime, according to a new study commissioned by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health. 

 

The study was conducted to mark World Heart Day on September 29.

 

The survey of more than 1,000 UAE residents revealed that 55% of respondents had been directly affected by heart disease, either through being diagnosed themselves (12%), having a close friend or family member diagnosed with heart disease (53%), or both. 

 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UAE, with symptoms in patients often occurring a decade earlier than their counterparts in other developed nations.

 

"These results make clear the tragic impact that heart disease has on our community. Each and every heart disease diagnosis ripples out from the patient to their family and friends, naturally causing a great deal of anguish for all concerned. It doesn't have to be this way; most heart disease cases could be prevented and that is really the driving force behind our campaign for healthier hearts, together," says Dr. Ronney Shantouf, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

 

Positive findings in the survey were a strong awareness of the risk factors for heart disease with 78% of respondents saying they understood the risk factors and 77% reporting they knew heart disease was preventable. In addition, more than half of those surveyed were aware that physicians recommend more than 150 minutes of exercise a week to help prevent heart disease.

 

Despite this high level of awareness, 53% of UAE residents reported they have not had their heart health checked for more than two years, with almost one third (30%) saying they had never done so. 

 

Even among residents over the age of 45, the highest risk group surveyed, 49% had not had a heart health checkup for more than two years, with 22% still never having had one. 

 

Women were much less likely to have seen a doctor about their heart health, with 35% never having done so and 26% not having a checkup for more than two years.

 

"It is very concerning that despite the tremendous strain heart disease places on our community and the high level of awareness we see, people are still reluctant to visit the doctor and take steps to prevent heart disease. It is vitally important that people visit a doctor, particularly if they are at higher risk. A proper cardiac evaluation along with some simple, heart healthy lifestyle changes could not only prevent a great deal of pain and anguish for yourselves, but your friends and family," concludes Dr Shantouf.

 

While the majority of respondents have not had a heart health checkup in recent years, just 15% reported they did not have any risk factors for heart disease. The most common risk factors reported by those surveyed were high blood pressure (46%), stress (45%), cholesterol (44%) and lack of exercise (44%). In addition, obesity and diabetes, conditions closely linked to severe heart disease, were reported to affect 35% and 30% of those surveyed respectively.-- TradeArabia News Service