Breaking down heart health barriers in UAEBreaking down heart health barriers in UAE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), often referred to as the silent killer, is a growing global health crisis. It represents 32 per cent of all deaths globally, with deaths from CVD jumping from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021.

In the UAE, the prevalence of this life-threatening condition is on the rise, affecting even the nation's youth. Research by the Cleveland Clinic shows that more than half of UAE residents are affected by heart disease. An audit of patients who were admitted for a major heart attack found that nearly half were under the age of 50, and one in 10 were under the age of 40.

Related: Challenging misconceptions around heart health in the Gulf

Dr. Juwairia Al Ali, President of the Emirates Cardiac Society and Cardiologist at Rashid Hospital said that a few years ago, it was rare to see patients under the age of 50 who suffered a heart attack. “However, hospitals across the UAE have reported an increasing number of people in their early 30s being admitted due to heart attacks. This shift in demographics is alarming and underscores the urgent need for action.”

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is at the heart of this crisis. ASCVD is a term used to describe a condition where plaque build-up occurs in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. This process involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, blood cells, and other substances inside the artery walls, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can narrow and harden the arteries, restricting blood flow to vital organs like the heart and the brain.

Dr. Juwairia Al Ali

According to Dr. Al Ali, numerous risk factors contribute to the development of ASCVD. “High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as bad cholesterol, play a significant role in plaque formation in artery walls. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, puts additional stress on arterial walls, making them more susceptible to damage.”

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To stay vigilant against ASCVD, regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are paramount, and screening for cholesterol levels, in particular, is essential. Dr. Al Ali notes that the first screening is recommended between the ages of nine and 11 and then again between 17 and 21. For adults, cholesterol screenings should occur every four to six years, with more frequent tests for high-risk groups. “By understanding the risk factors, adopting heart-healthy lifestyles, and seeking regular medical check-ups, individuals can safeguard their hearts and contribute to a healthier, heart-conscious UAE,” she said.

Improving heart health

To educate people about the risk factors of ASCVD and the importance of early detection and treatment, Novartis has launched the “Unblocked” movement as part of its commitment to improve and extend people’s lives across the region and globally.

Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Innovative Medicines at Novartis Gulf, said the goal of “Unblocked” is to bring patients, their loved ones, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems together in a shared mission to “unblock” barriers to heart health and raise awareness of the importance of cholesterol screening to minimise the risk of developing ASCVD.

Mohamed Ezz Eldin

“A key focus for us is to raise awareness of the contribution of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle to the high burden of ASCVD on society,” Eldin said. “We want to highlight the urgent need to invest in heart health to improve the outcomes for all those that are impacted. We are also looking into new and transformative approaches that are needed to proactively predict, prevent, and better treat heart disease.”

For this, Novartis is collaborating on innovative health approaches that go beyond medicines to reduce heart disease and its impact—equitably and at scale. “We are also leveraging our strategic partnerships with various institutions, such as the Emirates Cardiac Society, to raise awareness about ASCVD across the UAE and the region,” Eldin said.

“By encouraging individuals to take small steps towards heart health, such as regular cholesterol screenings, exercise, healthy eating habits, and quitting smoking, we aim to spur a conversation around heart health across the UAE and beyond,” he concluded.

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