Islamabad: Cardiologists have warned that unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking, junk food, physical inactivity, and uncontrolled conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, are driving an alarming surge in heart disease among Pakistan’s youth. They cautioned that people in their 30s and 40s are now presenting with heart attacks and other serious conditions once seen only in older patients.
Speaking at an event to mark World Heart Day at Shifa International Hospital on Monday, Dr. Asaad Akbar Khan, Chief of Cardiology, said the trend should serve as a wake-up call for the nation.
“What is truly shocking is that people in their 30s and 40s are now presenting with serious heart conditions and heart attacks once seen only in older patients. This is a wake-up call for our nation. Heart patients must also follow the instructions of their cardiologists carefully. Timely medication, regular check-ups, and lifestyle modifications are critical for survival and long-term health,” he said.
Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Saeed Ullah Shah underscored the importance of prevention. “Reducing modifiable risk factors can significantly lower the chances of developing heart disease. Prevention lies in simple lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, knowing the risks, daily exercise, balanced eating, quitting smoking, and managing stress,” he noted.
Doctors also stressed the need for people to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and rush immediately to the emergency room, since timely medical intervention can save lives and prevent irreversible damage to the heart muscle.
The Global Burden of Disease Study (2019) highlights the severity of the problem, showing that cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 23 percent of all deaths in Pakistan. Related deaths have doubled over the past three decades, with the number of Pakistanis living with heart disease surging from 4.1 million in 1990 to 8.6 million in 2019. Experts fear the numbers are even higher today given the lack of awareness and continued prevalence of risk factors.
To mark World Heart Day, Shifa International Hospital carried out awareness sessions in universities and corporate organizations, collaborated with media platforms, and launched digital campaigns to educate the public about prevention through lifestyle changes and early detection.
Hospital officials said their focus is on equipping people with the knowledge to make healthier choices and reduce the rising burden of cardiovascular disease.
Shifa International Hospital also reaffirmed its commitment to providing world-class treatment for heart patients. Its 24/7 primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) service remains active, with a dedicated STEMI Code in place to ensure timely and accurate treatment of heart attacks.
Cardiologists at the event emphasized that the growing crisis requires immediate attention from policymakers, health professionals, and the public. They warned that unless Pakistan invests in prevention and public awareness, the country risks an epidemic of heart disease among its younger population.
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