- Women in the UAE present more Cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms in the UAE than men[1]

- Worldwide, 12 million people die of a heart attack or a stroke [2]

- Up to 20% of strokes may be caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) [3]

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The risk of heart disease is prevalent amongst residents in the UAE with an estimated 30% of deaths[4]  in the region attributed to the disease, with this number expected to triple over the next two decades as the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) increases.

Across the region, due to a lack of awareness of CVDs, it is evident that, as individuals are delaying seeking treatment, the risk consequently rises. In particular, women in the UAE present more symptoms than men, as there is a general lack of awareness of the severity and symptoms, putting this population at risk. [5]

As a result, the vast majority of the uninformed region is now facing an increase in other cardiovascular related diseases, including a rise in the incidence of strokes as well as the rates of associated risk factors.

The wider region, despite various awareness initiatives, is still witnessing an alarming increase in CVD incidences and is becoming a major public health concern. These diseases are presenting an even more profound threat as a large number of cases continue to go undiagnosed.

Many people in fact are unaware that their heartbeat is irregular. [6] Every year, about 12 million people throughout the world die of a heart attack or a stroke, with up to 20% of strokes may be caused as a result of atrial fibrillation. [7]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke are both serious conditions affecting millions across the Middle East region. AF is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder, accounting for one-third of hospitalizations for cardiac disturbances, and associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Further, individuals with AF have a nearly five-fold increase in the risk of stroke compared to individuals without and often experience substantial decreases quality of life. [8]

Over the past few decades, the Middle East has witnessed an increase in stroke incidence and mortality rates. There are many contributing factors to this which includes the Middle East having low rates of self-awareness and control of non-communicable diseases and also lacks knowledge for stroke risk factors, awareness, causes, and symptoms. [9]

To help tackle such issues, the UAE government is putting their efforts into The UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda initiative, which aims to achieve a world-class healthcare system across the UAE. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of preventive medicine and seeks to improve lifestyle related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases to ensure a longer, healthier life for UAE citizens in a sustainable environment.[10]

However, because there are often no obvious symptoms of underlying disease affecting the blood vessels, it can be difficult to know the signs. In fact, a heart attack or stroke may be the first warning of underlying disease. Symptoms of a heart attack include pain or discomfort in the center of the chest; pain or discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back. Women are more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.[11]

Early prevention and increased awareness campaigns can help the public understand how stroke can have a negative impact on the one’s quality of life and has the potential to prevent this disease from occurring as well as decrease the burden on healthcare systems.

Anticoagulant medicines are potent therapies that can be used to prevent or treat serious illnesses and potentially life-threatening conditions. They are a type of drug that help the body to reduce the ability to form blood clots and do this by stopping the production of Vitamin K in the liver and increase the time the blood takes to clot. This medicine has the potential to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for a wide range of patients with the risk of stroke. [12]

Individuals are encouraged to visit their healthcare providers and physicians on a regular basis to undergo thorough health checks.

-Ends-

[1] BMC Women's Health / Exploratory study into the awareness of heart diseases among Emirati women (UAE) and their health seeking behaviour- a qualitative study / https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-016-0350-2

[2] Avoiding Heart Attacks and Strokes Don’t be a victim – Protect yourself I http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/avoid_heart_attack_part1.pdf

[3] Avoiding Heart Attacks and Strokes Don’t be a victim – Protect yourself  I http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/avoid_heart_attack_part1.pdf

[4] World Health Organization: United Arab Emirates / http://www.who.int/nmh/countries/are_en.pdf?ua=1

[5] BMC Women's Health / Exploratory study into the awareness of heart diseases among Emirati women (UAE) and their health seeking behaviour- a qualitative study / https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-016-0350-2

[6]Avoiding Heart Attacks and Strokes Don’t be a victim – Protect yourself I  http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/avoid_heart_attack_part1.pdf

[7]Avoiding Heart Attacks and Strokes Don’t be a victim – Protect yourself I  http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/avoid_heart_attack_part1.pdf

[8] International Journal of Internal Medicine  I Health Care Resource Utilization and Costs in Individuals with Atrial Fibrillation in United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study I  http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ijim.20150402.01.html

[9] European Stroke Journal I The epidemiology of stroke in the Middle East I http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2396987316654338

[10] Vision 2021 / https://www.vision2021.ae/en/national-priority-areas/world-class-healthcare

[11] Symptoms of Heart Attacks and Strokes http://www.emiratescardiac.com/symptoms-of-heart-attacks-and-stroke.php

[12] Phase III COMPASS study with Bayer’s Rivaroxaban in Patients with Coronary or Peripheral Artery Disease Shows Overwhelming

Efficacy and Meets Primary Endpoint Early I http://www.news.bayer.com/baynews/baynews.nsf/id/BAF21410A6C41901C12580C10052A834/$File/2017-0041E.pdf?open&mod=08.02.2017_16:43:04

© Press Release 2017