Heart disease number one killer in the UAE

Heart doctors have said the high number of heart attack patients every year in Dubai is alarming and are also concerned that not many people are listening to their warnings. About 15,000 patients walk into Dubai government hospitals every year because of heart problems, said a leading heart surgeon Tuesday. "We are not counting [visits to] the private sector hospitals," he said, adding the numbers are "very significant". More than 3,000 heart patients are treated at the top two Dubai government hospitals every year, putting a huge burden on the exchequer. One heart surgeon said the cost of treating cardiovascular diseases is huge in the country. "You not only become a burden to your family but also to society," he said of people who have heart attacks due to bad lifestyle choices. A senior cardiologist said people are not listening to doctors' advice, despite the numerous campaigns to educate people to change their eating habits and to lead a more active life. "Heart disease is the number one killer in the country, even bypassing the number of traffic accident deaths every year," he said. The situation is doubly alarming as the average age of the patients is less than the world average. "We have people who are coming with heart problems in their early 40s", said the surgeon, calling for the younger population of Dubai to be screened. The heart doctors were speaking to the media at the launch of an awareness campaign at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) ahead of World Heart Day on September 29. "Awareness is the key to prevent lifestyle diseases," said Qadi Al Muroshid, director-general of the DHA. The campaigns will run in malls and labour accommodation until the end of this month. The theme of this year's World Heart Day is One World, One Home, One Heart. Al Muroshid also announced that Dubai has been chosen as the venue for the World Congress of Cardiology which will take place in April next year. Dubai competed with several nations and won the bid to host this conference which is expected to attract more than 20,000 delegates. Such an event has not been held in the Middle East region before, the director-general said. "This conference is of vital importance to create awareness, educate and empower the community about preventative methods to avoid developing cardiovascular disease."