Being physically active does not necessarily eliminate heart disease risks for people in their 30s and 40s in the UAE, with health specialists stressing that regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices and awareness of underlying risk factors remain important for cardiovascular health.
Regular Exercise May Not Fully Protect UAE Residents in Their 30s and 40s From Heart Disease, Experts Warn.
Why Fit and Active UAE Adults Can Still Face Hidden Heart Risks
Staying Fit Does Not Always Mean Your Heart Is Healthy, UAE Cardiologists Warn
Going to the gym regularly, playing sports, maintaining a healthy weight and following an active lifestyle are all important for overall health. However, UAE cardiologists say these habits do not completely eliminate the possibility of heart disease, particularly among people in their 30s and 40s.
Doctors say some cardiovascular risk factors can develop silently over many years. High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes and certain inherited conditions may cause little or no noticeable symptoms until a serious heart problem occurs.
As a result, some younger adults who appear physically fit may not realise that they have underlying cardiovascular risks.
“Looking fit is not the same as being free of cardiovascular risk,” said Dr Yogeeswari Vellore Satyanarayanan, specialist cardiology at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital.
She explained that conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol abnormalities can remain unnoticed for extended periods. Genetic factors can also increase cardiovascular risk, even among people who exercise frequently.
According to Dr Satyanarayanan, inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia and elevated lipoprotein(a), commonly referred to as Lp(a), can increase the likelihood of heart disease without producing obvious warning signs.
She said understanding individual risk factors and undergoing appropriate health assessments can help identify potential problems before they result in a major cardiac event.
Some younger patients are being diagnosed unexpectedly
Dr Hesham Tayel, consultant cardiologist at International Modern Hospital, said he has encountered an increasing number of patients in their 30s and 40s with significant coronary artery disease.
What stands out in some cases, he said, is that these patients may appear healthy from the outside.
They may exercise regularly, have a healthy body weight and have no reason to believe they are at significant risk of cardiovascular disease.
Some patients have only discovered the extent of their condition after experiencing chest pain for the first time.
According to Dr Tayel, some of these individuals were surprised to learn that they had serious blockages requiring urgent medical attention.
He said regular visits to the gym can create a sense of reassurance among younger adults, leading some to believe that heart disease is unlikely at their age.
The cardiologist stressed that physical appearance and fitness levels do not necessarily provide a complete picture of what is happening inside the arteries.
Exercise remains important, but it is not the only factor
Doctors are not suggesting that people should reduce physical activity. Regular exercise remains an important part of maintaining cardiovascular health.
The concern, they say, is the assumption that exercise alone can eliminate every heart-related risk.
A person can be physically active while still having high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes or a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease.
Family history can also be significant. Someone with close relatives who have experienced heart disease at a young age may need to pay particular attention to their cardiovascular risk, even if they have no symptoms themselves.
Smoking and vaping can add further risk, while chronic stress and inadequate sleep may also contribute to poor cardiovascular health.
Doctors therefore encourage people to look beyond weight and fitness levels when considering their overall heart health.
Genetic risks can remain hidden
Inherited cholesterol disorders are among the conditions that can affect people who otherwise appear healthy.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia, for example, can cause abnormally high levels of cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk.
Another factor doctors are paying attention to is Lp(a), a largely inherited form of lipoprotein that can contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Dr Satyanarayanan said elevated Lp(a) may not produce symptoms, meaning that a person could be unaware of the additional risk unless appropriate testing is carried out.
Dr Tayel similarly pointed out that a standard cholesterol test may not always provide the complete picture.
Someone may have cholesterol results that appear acceptable while still having an elevated Lp(a) level or another underlying risk factor.
This is one reason doctors may consider additional testing for people whose medical history or overall risk profile warrants further investigation.
The importance of blood pressure checks
Blood pressure is another risk factor that can remain unnoticed.
Dr Austin Mohan Komaranchath, HOD and specialist interventional cardiologist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain, said he frequently sees younger adults who exercise and feel healthy but have significant coronary disease.
He said physical activity is important but cannot completely offset genetic predisposition, high blood pressure or cholesterol problems.
Blood pressure can be particularly difficult to identify without regular measurements because people may feel completely normal even when their readings are elevated.
Some younger adults may rarely check their blood pressure. Others may discover that their readings are high but delay taking action because they do not experience symptoms.
Dr Austin said another concern is the perception among some patients that starting blood-pressure medication automatically means they will need it permanently.
According to him, this concern can sometimes contribute to prolonged periods of uncontrolled blood pressure, which can damage the cardiovascular system over time.
Cholesterol targets depend on individual risk
Doctors also caution against looking at cholesterol numbers in isolation.
A person may see that their cholesterol has decreased and assume that their cardiovascular risk has therefore been addressed.
However, Dr Austin said the more important question is whether the cholesterol level has reached an appropriate target for that individual’s overall risk profile.
Different people may require different treatment goals depending on factors such as family history, existing medical conditions and other cardiovascular risks.
This means that a result considered acceptable for one person may not necessarily represent the same level of risk for another.
Doctors can assess these factors together to determine whether further testing or treatment is appropriate.
Additional testing may reveal hidden plaque
For certain patients, doctors may recommend investigations that provide more information about the condition of the coronary arteries.
One such examination is a coronary calcium scan.
The test can detect calcium associated with plaque in the coronary arteries and may provide information about early coronary artery disease.
Dr Austin said that in his practice, approximately 30 to 40 patients over the previous year had abnormal coronary calcium scores despite having reassuring results from stress tests and echocardiograms.
He emphasised that these tests do not necessarily provide the same information.
A stress test is generally used to assess how the heart responds to physical exertion and whether there are signs suggesting reduced blood flow under stress.
A coronary calcium scan, by contrast, can provide information about calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
Therefore, a normal or reassuring stress test does not necessarily mean that a person has no coronary plaque.
Why younger adults may overlook warning signs
One reason cardiovascular problems can be missed in younger adults is the perception that heart disease is primarily an issue affecting older people.
Someone in their 30s or 40s who exercises regularly may therefore assume that serious coronary disease is unlikely.
Doctors say this assumption can become particularly concerning when other risk factors are present.
A person with a strong family history, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes or a history of smoking may have a different risk profile from someone without those factors.
The absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean that there is no underlying disease.
Some cardiovascular conditions can progress without producing obvious warning signs.
This is why doctors emphasise the importance of understanding personal risk rather than relying solely on age, appearance or fitness level.
Family history can provide an important clue
A family history of cardiovascular disease can help doctors determine whether someone requires closer monitoring.
People whose close relatives experienced heart attacks or coronary disease at relatively young ages may have inherited risk factors that are not immediately obvious.
In such cases, doctors may consider the family history alongside cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes status and other lifestyle factors.
Genetic conditions can also affect people who otherwise follow healthy habits.
This does not mean that every person with a family history will develop heart disease, but it can be an important factor when assessing an individual’s overall cardiovascular risk.
Smoking and vaping remain concerns
Doctors also identify smoking and vaping among factors that can contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Even someone who maintains a regular exercise routine may still face health risks associated with tobacco or nicotine exposure.
When combined with other factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol abnormalities or genetic predisposition, these risks may become more significant.
Health specialists therefore advise people to consider their complete lifestyle and medical history rather than focusing on exercise alone.
Stress and sleep also matter
Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can also form part of the wider cardiovascular picture.
People in their 30s and 40s may face demanding professional and personal schedules, potentially affecting sleep patterns and stress levels.
While these factors may not directly indicate that someone has heart disease, doctors consider them relevant to overall health and lifestyle management.
Maintaining regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, managing stress and following a balanced diet can all contribute to cardiovascular health.
However, these measures should be viewed alongside appropriate health monitoring when risk factors are present.
What doctors want younger adults to understand
The central message from the cardiologists is not that exercise is ineffective.
Rather, they want people to understand that being active is only one component of cardiovascular health.
A person can have good fitness levels while simultaneously having an inherited cholesterol disorder, elevated blood pressure or another condition that increases their risk.
Regular exercise should therefore complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical checks.
People with risk factors may benefit from discussing their individual circumstances with a healthcare professional to determine which screenings are appropriate.
A healthy appearance can be misleading
One of the challenges doctors face is that cardiovascular risk is not always visible.
A person can have a healthy body weight, exercise frequently and appear to be in excellent physical condition while still having abnormalities that cannot be identified simply by looking at them.
Blood pressure, cholesterol levels and certain inherited conditions require appropriate assessment to identify.
This is why doctors say the concept of being “fit” should not automatically be equated with having no cardiovascular risk.
Physical fitness and cardiovascular health are related, but they are not identical.
Understanding the difference between prevention and reassurance
Regular exercise is an important preventive measure, but it should not create a false sense of complete protection.
For people with a family history or other recognised risk factors, doctors may recommend monitoring that goes beyond routine exercise and weight management.
The appropriate approach can vary considerably from one person to another.
Some people may only need routine health checks, while others with stronger risk factors may require additional blood tests or imaging.
Doctors can determine the appropriate level of assessment based on a person’s age, medical history, family history and other factors.
Early awareness can make a difference
Identifying cardiovascular risk before a major event occurs can give people an opportunity to address factors that may be contributing to their long-term health risk.
High blood pressure can be monitored and managed. Cholesterol abnormalities can be investigated and treated when appropriate. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, physical inactivity, poor sleep and chronic stress can also be addressed.
For people with inherited risk factors, knowing about the condition can help doctors determine whether additional monitoring is appropriate.
The aim is not to create unnecessary concern among healthy young adults, but to encourage people to understand that age and fitness alone do not determine cardiovascular risk.
Fitness is valuable, but awareness matters too
UAE cardiologists continue to stress the benefits of an active lifestyle, but they also want younger adults to recognise the limitations of relying on exercise as their only form of protection against heart disease.
Someone who exercises several times a week may still need to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, particularly if they have a family history of cardiovascular disease or other recognised risk factors.
For selected individuals, doctors may consider tests such as Lp(a), ApoB or coronary calcium scoring to gain a more detailed understanding of cardiovascular risk.
Not everyone needs every test, and the decision depends on individual circumstances.
The important point, doctors say, is to avoid assuming that a healthy appearance automatically means healthy arteries.
The takeaway for people in their 30s and 40s
Being active, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly remain important parts of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
But UAE specialists say these habits should not be treated as a guarantee against cardiovascular disease.
Silent risk factors can develop without noticeable symptoms, while inherited conditions may increase risk even in people who appear exceptionally fit.
Regular health checks can help identify issues such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and diabetes. For people with particular risk profiles, doctors may also consider more specialised assessments.
The message from cardiologists is therefore one of awareness rather than alarm: staying active is important, but understanding your individual cardiovascular risk is equally important.
For younger adults who exercise regularly, the goal is not to become worried about every possible health problem. Instead, it is to recognise that fitness is only one part of the broader picture and that appropriate screening, medical advice and awareness of personal risk factors can complement an active lifestyle.
Recognising Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack Warning Signs
When a Heart Problem Becomes an Emergency
The seriousness of cardiovascular disease can become particularly evident when a heart condition progresses to cardiac arrest, a medical emergency in which the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively.
Dr Mohammed Albialy Sulieman, consultant interventional cardiologist at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, recalled treating a 70-year-old patient whose condition deteriorated and eventually led to cardiac arrest.
According to Dr Sulieman, immediate medical intervention and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) played an important role in stabilising the patient and restoring spontaneous circulation.
The medical team subsequently identified and treated the blockage affecting the patient’s heart. Following the procedure, the patient recovered and his heart function showed steady improvement during later follow-up appointments, Dr Sulieman said.
The case highlights the importance of responding quickly when a serious cardiac event occurs. Early recognition of symptoms and rapid access to emergency medical care can be critical in such situations.
Heart attacks do not always look the same
Doctors also caution that people should not wait for dramatic or severe chest pain before considering the possibility of a heart attack.
Dr Yogeeswari Vellore Satyanarayanan said cardiovascular emergencies can present in different ways. Some people may feel pressure, tightness or heaviness in the chest rather than sharp or intense pain.
Others may experience difficulty breathing, sweating, nausea, dizziness or discomfort that extends beyond the chest.
Pain or discomfort can sometimes spread towards the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw.
Because these symptoms can overlap with less serious conditions, people may incorrectly attribute them to indigestion, acidity, stress or exhaustion.
This can delay medical attention, particularly when the symptoms are mild or unfamiliar.
Symptoms can be less obvious in women
Dr Yogeeswari also pointed out that women may experience symptoms that are not always immediately recognised as signs of a heart problem.
These can include unusual or unexplained tiredness, weakness, dizziness or a sensation of the heart beating irregularly or rapidly.
Such symptoms may be dismissed as everyday fatigue or attributed to stress, especially when there is no obvious chest pain.
However, the absence of classic chest discomfort does not necessarily rule out a cardiovascular problem.
For this reason, people experiencing unusual or concerning symptoms should take them seriously and seek appropriate medical assessment rather than attempting to determine the cause themselves.
Knowing your personal risk matters
The doctors’ message is not that every person in their 30s or 40s requires sophisticated cardiac scans or specialised heart investigations.
Instead, they recommend that adults have a basic understanding of their cardiovascular health and personal risk factors.
Knowing blood pressure readings, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels can provide useful information about potential risk.
Family history is another important factor.
People with close relatives who have experienced heart disease, particularly at a younger age, should inform their healthcare provider so that their overall risk can be assessed appropriately.
Other factors, including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol abnormalities, can also influence cardiovascular risk.
Do not rely only on how you feel
One of the challenges with cardiovascular disease is that some risk factors can develop without producing obvious symptoms.
A person may feel healthy, exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight while still having elevated blood pressure or an abnormal cholesterol profile.
This is why doctors emphasise routine health checks rather than relying entirely on physical fitness or the absence of symptoms.
A basic medical assessment can identify problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Where appropriate, a doctor can then decide whether additional testing or treatment is necessary.
When urgent medical help is needed
Symptoms such as unexplained chest pressure, significant breathing difficulty, sudden sweating, dizziness or discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw should not be casually dismissed, particularly when they occur suddenly or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Heart attack symptoms can vary significantly between individuals.
People should not attempt to diagnose themselves based solely on whether their symptoms match someone else’s experience.
When a potentially serious cardiac event is suspected, prompt emergency medical attention is important.
The wider message from UAE cardiologists
The experiences shared by UAE specialists underline two related points.
First, cardiovascular disease can affect people who appear fit and healthy, meaning that exercise and a healthy weight should not be viewed as a complete guarantee against heart problems.
Second, recognising warning signs and understanding personal risk factors can help people respond appropriately when something unusual happens.
Doctors are not suggesting that every healthy adult needs extensive cardiac testing.
Instead, they encourage people to know their basic health numbers, understand their family history and discuss individual concerns with a healthcare professional.
For people with recognised risk factors, doctors can determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.
Staying active while staying informed
Regular physical activity remains an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but cardiovascular health involves more than exercise alone.
Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, avoiding smoking, maintaining healthy habits and being aware of family history can all contribute to a better understanding of individual risk.
At the same time, people should remain alert to new or unexplained symptoms.
A person who feels generally healthy should not ignore sudden changes simply because they exercise regularly or have no previous history of heart disease.
The key message from the specialists is therefore one of awareness rather than alarm: maintaining fitness is valuable, but understanding personal cardiovascular risk and responding promptly to warning signs are also important parts of protecting heart health.
