UAE’S LACK OF HEART HEALTH AWARENESS ALARMS DOCTORS

▶ ‘Silent killer’ high blood pressure is a big problem but survey shows many know little about it

Nearly half of UAE residents are unaware of the risks from high blood pressure, a study has suggested.

The survey of more than 1,000 men and women also found that one in six said they had never been checked for high blood pressure.

The results of the Heart your Heart study were released yesterday by the US company Cigna Insurance and Dubai Health Authority.

It is estimated that 30 per cent of UAE residents have high blood pressure, which is often called the “silent killer” because most sufferers show few symptoms.

The survey found that 45 per cent believed high blood pressure, also called hypertension, was not a serious health condition and 44 per cent did not know it could be fatal.

“Hypertension is usually discovered accidentally,” said Dr Mohamed Farghaly, a specialist in family medicine at the health authority. “Although it’s easy enough to detect, once diagnosed it is a lifelong treatment.

“This is a good chance to promote awareness because the incidence increases with age and the numbers are on the rise in our region. Cigna’s initiative supports our mission to raise awareness about healthier lifestyles.

“Even though people over 40 are said to be more prone to high blood pressure, the message we want to send out is that early detection is essential as early as 18 years.”

Nearly half, or 47 per cent, of the respondents who did not have the condition were unaware of the symptoms, and that rose to 62 per cent among Emiratis.

The findings showed that 16 per cent had never been checked for the condition, rising to 26 per cent among Arabs.

The study is part of a threeyear healthy heart initiative to spread awareness nationwide about the need for balanced lifestyles.

About 30 per cent of deaths in Dubai are caused by heart disease and the numbers are rising, figures from the authority show. High stress, family history, weight and a sedentary lifestyle are triggers for high blood pressure.

The survey also found that only half of residents go for a full health check-up once a year.

Although not every insurance plan covers full health checkups, even the basic mandatory insurance covers blood pressure tests and other treatments.

Cigna said the results were part of generating a nationwide conversation about heart health and disease.

“It’s a call for action,” said Jason Sadler, president of Cigna International Markets. “A World Health Organisation study tells us that about 50 per cent of women with cardiovascular disease in the region will die before the age of 60.

“Our goal is to champion healthy hearts across the UAE. A critical part of our plan is to reach all residents with the message that proactive screening to identify the disease is the first critical step.”

Information will be provided on healthy eating and lifestyle changes including regular exercise and adequate sleep.

“Nearly 69 per cent of people who have their first heart attack are found to have a history of high blood pressure,” said Dr Omar Hallak, a cardiologist at the American Hospital in Dubai.

“Doctors must work continuously with their patients to ensure they are aware of ways to control the condition from becoming life threatening.

“It’s important to have this head start to prevent a heart attack instead of the effort spent to handle a patient after. A patient needs to take care of himself because of the longterm impact. If a person has a healthy lifestyle, he will require less medication.”

Other harmful consequences of untreated hypertension are damage to the kidneys and eyes, bone loss and trouble sleeping.

It is a chronic condition that causes gradual harm over the years but it can worsen quickly and require hospital treatment, with severe damage to the aorta, strokes, chest pains, heart attacks, restricted pumping of the heart causing fluid backup in the lungs, and sudden loss of kidney function.

Mobile screening clinics will be a feature of Cigna’s monthly events starting at Zabeel Park on October 6.

It’s important to have this head start to prevent a heart attack instead of the effort spent to handle a patient after DR OMAR HALLAK Cardiologist