Heart attacks claiming younger victims

Heart diseases is the number one killer in the world, and is increasingly claiming younger victims.

According to a Dubai-based cardiologist because of increasing levels of stress and unhealthy eating habits youngsters in the UAE tend to become obese falling victims to heart diseases.

Dr V J Sebastian, Consultant Cardiologist and Head Medical Director, International Modern Hospital, Dubai, said:  “Every two minutes, someone in the world is dying due to heart diseases, causing 1.7 million deaths per year due to heart diseases. Heart diseases is the number one killer in the world.”

“It's alarming to see youngsters succumbing to heart diseases. Recently a 21- year-old Indian, died of heart disease in Dubai. While heart related fatalties in Western countries, Europe and America, have reduced due to increased awareness of healthy lifestyles, the numbers are shooting in the developing world,” he added.

The boy was the youngest of the his patients to have died, said the cardiologist.

Excess weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetics, smoking and stress are main risk factors for heart diseases. Regular exercise such as walking for a minimum 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy low-fat, high fiber diet filled with natural nutrients and antioxidants are essential to maintain a healthy heart.

Dr Rajeev Lochan, Specialist Intervention Cardiologist, International Modern Hospital, Dubai, said: “In the past, heart disease affected people in the age group of 50 years and above. But today people in their 30s are becoming victims, especially due to increased stress levels." Lifestyle change is the only solution, he advised. "There have also been a number of cases of young workers passing away at construction sites," he added.