UAE Doctor Highlights Growing Heart Disease Concerns Among People Aged 30 to 50.

A growing share of adults in their 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with or treated for heart-related conditions, according to patient data from the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at a Dubai hospital.

The figures from Aster Hospital Mankhool indicate that cardiac problems are not limited to older age groups, with a significant proportion of patients undergoing procedures falling between the ages of 31 and 50.

Dr Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiac Services at Aster Hospitals & Clinics in the UAE, described the development as concerning. He also pointed to cases involving considerably younger patients, including one 19-year-old patient who required treatment after doctors discovered blockages affecting all three major coronary arteries.

The cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Aster Hospital Mankhool has carried out more than 10,000 procedures since it began operating in 2018. An assessment of more than 3,500 patients treated at the facility found that approximately half were between 31 and 50 years old.

Patients aged between 51 and 60 represented around 30 per cent of the cases examined, while those aged 60 and above accounted for approximately 10 to 15 per cent.

The figures provide an indication of the age distribution among patients undergoing cardiac procedures at the facility and highlight the presence of cardiovascular problems among working-age adults.

According to Dr Naveed, the hospital also encounters younger patients with significant cardiac disease. He recalled treating a 19-year-old who was found to have blockages in all three coronary arteries.

He explained that such cases are uncommon but can occur among people with a strong genetic susceptibility to early cardiovascular disease. In these situations, an individual may develop arterial blockages much earlier than would typically be expected.

Dr Naveed said he has encountered patients in their 20s with serious cardiac concerns and, on some occasions, sees such cases approximately once a month.

The doctor also highlighted the role that family medical history can play in some of these cases. According to him, a history of sudden cardiac death or other serious heart problems among close relatives can be an important warning sign.

He said some apparently healthy individuals may carry inherited risk factors that increase their susceptibility to cardiac disease. Such people may maintain an active lifestyle and otherwise appear healthy, yet still face an elevated risk because of their genetic background.

For people with a family history of serious heart conditions, he recommended regular medical assessments so that potential problems can be identified earlier.

South Asians form majority of patients

The hospital’s patient data also showed a notable concentration of cases among South Asian nationals. More than 90 per cent of the patients included in the analysis were from the South Asian region.

Indian nationals represented the largest proportion, making up more than 65 per cent of the patients. Pakistani and Filipino nationals followed among the other major groups represented in the data.

Dr Naveed said the pattern could be linked to a combination of inherited susceptibility and lifestyle-related factors. He pointed to what he described as a significant genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease among South Asian populations.

According to the doctor, inherited risk can become more significant when combined with habits and environmental factors that are associated with heart disease.

He specifically identified insufficient physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns and heavy smoking as factors that may contribute to cardiovascular problems at a younger age.

For many expatriate workers, lifestyle patterns can also be influenced by their living and working circumstances. Dr Naveed noted that some individuals live away from their families and may have routines centred largely around work.

Such individuals may spend much of their day working, return home and have little time or motivation for structured physical activity. In some cases, smoking can become a regular habit, while dietary choices may also be affected by busy schedules and limited time.

The doctor said that these factors can combine with an underlying genetic susceptibility, potentially increasing the risk of heart problems earlier in life.

He also highlighted the psychological pressure faced by people who are responsible for supporting relatives. For expatriate workers who provide financial assistance to family members, the responsibility of earning and meeting household obligations can create additional stress.

This combination of physical inactivity, dietary habits, smoking, genetic risk and psychosocial pressure can contribute to a broader cardiovascular risk profile, according to Dr Naveed.

Serious heart problems can occur at younger ages

The age distribution recorded by the hospital highlights the importance of paying attention to cardiac health even among people who may consider themselves too young to develop serious heart disease.

While older adults continue to represent an important proportion of cardiac patients, the data from the hospital show that a substantial number of patients undergoing procedures are in the 31-to-50 age range.

Dr Naveed’s experience with patients in their 20s and the reported case of a 19-year-old with extensive coronary blockages further demonstrate that serious cardiovascular conditions can sometimes occur much earlier in life.

Genetic factors can be particularly important in cases involving unusually young patients. When a person has an inherited susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, symptoms or structural problems may emerge earlier than expected.

For this reason, Dr Naveed encouraged people with a family history of cardiac disease or sudden cardiac death to discuss their risk with healthcare professionals and undergo appropriate screening.

He said people should not assume that being young automatically protects them from potentially serious heart conditions.

Symptoms should not be overlooked

Dr Naveed also urged younger adults to pay attention to unusual symptoms, particularly when they occur during physical activity.

Palpitations, dizziness during exercise and similar symptoms should not simply be dismissed, he said. Such signs can sometimes indicate an underlying rhythm disorder or another cardiovascular problem that requires investigation.

Medical testing can help doctors identify abnormalities that may not otherwise be obvious. Dr Naveed said a range of tests can be used to investigate symptoms and, in some cases, detect brief episodes of abnormal heart rhythm.

Early identification can allow doctors to assess the underlying problem and determine whether further monitoring or treatment is required.

The doctor also highlighted the increasing role of wearable technology in monitoring heart rhythm.

Smartwatches and other wearable devices can detect certain forms of abnormal heart rhythm and, in some cases, record an electrocardiogram. For people experiencing intermittent palpitations, such recordings may provide useful information that can subsequently be shared with a doctor.

Dr Naveed said current medical guidance supports the use of such technology in appropriate situations, describing wearable ECG recording as a relatively accessible way of capturing possible rhythm abnormalities.

However, wearable devices are not a substitute for professional medical assessment. Individuals experiencing persistent, severe or concerning symptoms should seek appropriate medical care rather than relying solely on a smartwatch or other consumer device.

Lifestyle changes can play a role

For people in their 30s and 40s, Dr Naveed emphasised the importance of establishing healthier daily routines.

Physical activity was among his main recommendations. He suggested that adults aim for around 10,000 steps a day and devote at least 30 minutes each day to some form of exercise.

The objective, he said, is to make physical activity a consistent part of everyday life rather than something undertaken only occasionally.

Diet was another area he highlighted. Rather than relying heavily on processed or unhealthy foods when hungry, people can choose options such as fruits, vegetables and salads.

Developing healthier eating habits can form part of a broader strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with regular exercise and other healthy behaviours.

Adequate sleep was also included among his recommendations. Maintaining a consistent and sufficient sleep routine is an important part of overall health and should not be overlooked when considering cardiovascular wellbeing.

Smoking cessation was another key point. Dr Naveed advised smokers to reduce their consumption and work towards quitting completely.

Smoking is a well-established cardiovascular risk factor, and stopping can form an important part of reducing the risk associated with heart disease.

He also encouraged people to take their family medical history into account. Individuals with relatives who have experienced diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease may benefit from discussing screening and risk assessment with their healthcare provider.

The aim is to identify potentially important risk factors before they develop into more serious problems.

Importance of early screening

The data from the Dubai hospital provide a reason for working-age adults to pay greater attention to cardiovascular health, particularly those with known risk factors.

A person may appear healthy while having elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure or another condition that increases cardiovascular risk. Regular health assessments can help identify such factors and provide an opportunity to address them.

Family history is particularly relevant because inherited risk cannot be changed, although other modifiable factors can often be addressed.

Dr Naveed’s recommendation is for people with a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease to undergo appropriate screening rather than waiting until symptoms appear.

Early detection can allow healthcare professionals to assess an individual’s overall risk and recommend appropriate measures.

For younger adults, the focus is therefore not only on responding to symptoms but also on prevention and awareness.

Why the 30-to-50 age group matters

Dr Naveed also pointed to the wider social and economic implications of heart disease among adults aged 30 to 50.

He described this period as a particularly productive stage of life for many people. During these years, individuals often complete their education, enter the workforce, establish families and take on financial responsibilities.

For many expatriates, this can also be the period when they are supporting relatives in their home countries.

When a person in this age group develops a serious cardiac condition, the effects may extend beyond the individual. Families that depend on that person’s income and support can also face difficulties.

The potential consequences therefore go beyond medical treatment and recovery. A serious illness can affect employment, household finances and the wellbeing of dependants.

This is one reason Dr Naveed has stressed the importance of taking preventive health measures seriously during these years.

He said that regardless of how busy a person may be, dedicating around 30 to 40 minutes each day to personal health can contribute to maintaining a healthier lifestyle over the long term.

Genetics and lifestyle together

The cases described by Dr Naveed illustrate that cardiovascular risk can have multiple contributing factors.

Genetic predisposition can increase an individual’s underlying susceptibility, while lifestyle factors may influence how that risk develops over time.

For some patients, particularly those who develop serious disease at a very young age, inherited factors may be especially significant.

For others, factors such as smoking, poor diet, insufficient exercise and prolonged stress may play a larger role.

The doctor therefore emphasised the importance of looking at an individual’s overall risk profile rather than focusing on age alone.

A person in their 30s or 40s should not assume that cardiovascular disease is exclusively an issue for older generations. Similarly, someone without obvious symptoms may still benefit from routine health checks, particularly when there is a significant family history.

The hospital’s patient figures show that adults between 31 and 50 represented approximately half of the more than 3,500 cases analysed. This makes the age group a substantial part of the patient population undergoing cardiac procedures at the facility.

The figures also show that cardiac disease remains present across older age groups, with around 30 per cent of the analysed patients aged 51 to 60 and another 10 to 15 per cent aged 60 or above.

At the same time, the presence of younger patients demonstrates why awareness should not be restricted to older adults.

Role of technology in cardiac monitoring

Advances in consumer health technology are also providing additional tools for people who experience intermittent symptoms.

Wearable devices capable of recording heart rhythms can potentially capture episodes that occur outside a hospital or clinic. This may be particularly useful when symptoms such as palpitations appear suddenly and disappear before a person reaches a medical facility.

Dr Naveed said patients can record ECG information using compatible smartwatches and share the results with healthcare professionals.

Such information can help doctors decide whether additional testing or monitoring may be necessary.

Nevertheless, the interpretation of any recording should be left to qualified healthcare professionals. A wearable device can provide useful information, but it does not replace clinical evaluation.

For younger adults experiencing unexplained palpitations, dizziness during exercise or other concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice remains important.

A focus on prevention

The central message from the hospital’s cardiac specialist is the importance of prevention and early attention to risk factors.

Regular movement, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and avoiding tobacco can all form part of a healthier lifestyle. People with relevant family histories may also need to pay closer attention to screening and monitoring.

For those who already experience symptoms, prompt medical evaluation can help identify whether there is an underlying cardiovascular or rhythm-related condition.

The data from Aster Hospital Mankhool show that a significant portion of patients undergoing cardiac procedures are within the 31-to-50 age bracket. The hospital has performed more than 10,000 procedures since 2018, while the analysis discussed by Dr Naveed involved more than 3,500 patients.

The figures also show a strong representation of South Asian patients, with more than 90 per cent of the analysed group coming from the region and Indian nationals accounting for more than 65 per cent.

Dr Naveed linked this pattern to a combination of genetic susceptibility and lifestyle factors, while also noting the role of smoking, limited exercise, diet and stress.

His observations underline the importance of considering both inherited and modifiable risk factors when assessing cardiovascular health.

For people with a family history of heart disease, sudden cardiac death, diabetes or high cholesterol, screening may be particularly relevant. For those without a known family history, maintaining healthy habits and paying attention to unusual symptoms remain important aspects of preventive care.

The case of the 19-year-old patient serves as an example of how cardiovascular disease can, in some circumstances, appear much earlier than expected. While such cases are uncommon, Dr Naveed said he encounters patients in their 20s with cardiac concerns.

The message for younger adults is therefore not to assume that age alone eliminates cardiovascular risk.

Protecting health during the most productive years

Adults between 30 and 50 often carry significant professional and family responsibilities. They may be building careers, raising children, supporting parents or providing financial assistance to relatives overseas.

Dr Naveed stressed that serious illness during this stage can have consequences for an entire household because other family members may depend on the affected person’s income and support.

For that reason, he encouraged people to make time for their own health despite demanding schedules.

His recommendations include regular physical activity, healthier food choices, adequate sleep, reducing and ultimately stopping smoking, and obtaining appropriate health checks when risk factors or family history are present.

The broader objective is to identify potential cardiovascular problems before they become emergencies and to reduce modifiable risks through sustainable lifestyle changes.

The hospital’s experience suggests that cardiac care is increasingly relevant to younger working-age adults, not only older patients. While the underlying causes can vary from one individual to another, a combination of inherited risk and lifestyle factors may contribute to earlier disease in some people.

Regular health monitoring, awareness of warning symptoms and attention to daily habits can help individuals take a more proactive approach to cardiovascular health.

For people experiencing palpitations, dizziness during exercise or other unexplained symptoms, professional medical evaluation can help determine whether further investigation is needed.

Wearable technology may also provide useful supplementary information when symptoms occur, particularly when an ECG recording can be captured during an episode and subsequently reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Ultimately, Dr Naveed’s advice centres on making health a regular part of everyday life rather than something addressed only after a serious problem develops.

For adults in their 30s and 40s, dedicating time each day to physical activity, eating nutritious foods, sleeping adequately and avoiding tobacco can form part of a long-term approach to cardiovascular wellbeing.

Those with significant family histories should additionally consider appropriate screening and discuss their individual risk with healthcare professionals.

The patient data from Aster Hospital Mankhool, together with the cases described by its cardiac specialist, illustrate why cardiovascular health deserves attention across different age groups. Serious heart conditions can affect older adults, but they can also occur among people who are still relatively young and professionally active.

As Dr Naveed noted, illness affecting a person during their most economically and socially active years can have consequences for those who depend on them. Maintaining personal health, therefore, is not only an individual concern but can also influence the wellbeing and stability of families.

The emphasis on prevention, early recognition and healthier habits provides a practical approach for adults seeking to reduce their cardiovascular risk while continuing to manage demanding professional and personal responsibilities.