Office Work Related Stress is Causing Heart Diseases Among Young People in UAE

The familiar saying that today’s generation is “heartless” may be a joke, but doctors in the UAE are warning that the real concern lies in how vulnerable young people’s hearts have become.

On the occasion of World Heart Day (September 29), specialists in the country shared alarming findings:

• Stressful jobs and poor lifestyle habits are driving a rise in cardiovascular problems among people under 50.
• Heart conditions that were once associated with older adults are now appearing 10–15 years earlier than the global average age.

What’s behind the trend?

According to doctors, several overlapping factors are fueling the issue:

• High-stress work culture.
• Frequent consumption of fast food and sugary drinks.
• Genetic predisposition to heart disease.
• Added risks linked to viral infections such as Covid-19 and influenza.

A report cited by The National highlighted data from five private hospitals and 26 clinics in Dubai and Sharjah, showing that nearly half of heart attack cases involved patients younger than 50.

The wider impact

Globally, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, claiming millions of lives each year. In the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention estimates that 34% of all deaths are linked to cardiovascular disease.

A message of prevention

Despite the troubling figures, experts emphasize that most heart problems are preventable. Small but consistent lifestyle changes—healthier eating, regular exercise, stress management, and timely medical checkups—can go a long way in reducing risks.

UAE doctors used World Heart Day to remind especially younger generations to prioritize their cardiovascular health. In essence, “taking care of your heart” should become just as important as any other step in daily self-care routines.