Imagine this: your father had a heart attack in his early 50s, your older brother is already on cholesterol medication, and your aunt recently had a stent placed. You might be wondering—am I next?
In the UAE, where cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, having a family history of heart problems is more than just a piece of trivia—it’s a potential warning sign. But here’s the good news: your genes are not your destiny. With the right approach, you can take proactive steps to protect your heart health, starting today.
What Family History Really Means for Your Heart
If one or more of your first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) have had heart disease—especially at a younger age—you’re considered at higher risk. This risk increases if multiple family members are affected, or if their conditions began before age 55 in men or 65 in women.
But risk doesn’t mean inevitability. It simply means you need to be more intentional about prevention, screening, and lifestyle choices.
Why Prevention Matters Even More in the UAE
In cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, lifestyle habits and environmental factors can intensify genetic risks. The UAE has some of the highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol in the region. A 2023 UAE health report found that over 35% of adults are hypertensive, and 1 in 5 live with undiagnosed high cholesterol—two major contributors to heart disease.
For adults with a family history of cardiovascular issues, these statistics make prevention not just smart, but essential.
First Step: Get a Heart Risk Assessment
Don’t wait for symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness to take action. A comprehensive cardiovascular check-up can reveal a lot—even before problems begin.
At KidsHeart’s Adult Cardiology Clinics across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, we offer personalized heart evaluations that include:
- Blood pressure and cholesterol screening
- Diabetes and metabolic testing
- ECG and echocardiogram to assess your heart’s rhythm and structure
- Stress testing to evaluate how your heart performs under physical exertion
- Advanced imaging like cardiac CT or MRI when needed
Learn more about our General Cardiac Management services or Preventive Cardiology.
Lifestyle Adjustments That Lower Your Risk
While you can’t change your DNA, you can absolutely change how those genes are expressed. Here’s what our preventive heart care team in the UAE recommends:
- Prioritize Physical Activity
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Indoor workouts can help beat the summer heat, and walking malls or gym classes are great options in the UAE. - Eat Heart-Smart
Traditional UAE diets are often high in salt, sugar, and red meat. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3-rich foods like fish and nuts. - Cut the Smoking—Shisha Counts Too
Many people in the UAE still believe shisha is less harmful than cigarettes. It’s not. Our smoking cessation specialists offer supportive programs to help you quit. - Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Regular check-ups are key—especially if you’re over 35, or have a family history of early heart disease. - Manage Stress and Sleep
Fast-paced work life, long commutes, and high screen time contribute to chronic stress and poor sleep—two silent contributors to heart strain. Prioritize rest and emotional wellbeing.
Special Focus: Women and Heart Risk
Women with a family history of heart disease often face delayed diagnoses because symptoms can be atypical—like fatigue, nausea, or jaw pain instead of chest pain. At KidsHeart, our Women’s Heart Health specialists understand these nuances and provide gender-specific screenings and treatment plans.
Taking Charge of Your Heart
Just because heart disease runs in your family doesn’t mean you’re destined to follow the same path. By staying informed, getting screened early, and making lifestyle changes that work for your UAE lifestyle, you can rewrite your health story.
If you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain and have concerns about your heart health—especially if you have a family history—our team at KidsHeart offers advanced diagnostics and personalized care.