Cardiac Issues Among Indian Expats Surge in Dubai
Data from Aster Hospital Mankhool, released ahead of World Heart Day 2026, highlights a worrying rise in cardiac issues among Indian expats in Dubai. An analysis of 3,500 patients at the facility's Cardiac Catheterisation Lab shows that over 65 percent of cases involve Indian nationals, with South Asians making up more than 90 percent of the total.
A Growing Trend in Younger Populations
A secondary review of 6,000 cases indicates that heart problems are increasingly affecting the working-age population. Approximately 35 percent of patients were aged between 41 and 50, while another 15 to 20 percent were in the 31 to 40 age bracket. This means nearly half of all procedures are being performed on individuals between the ages of 31 and 50. In stark contrast, only 10 to 15 percent of the patients treated were 60 years or older.
Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiac Services at Aster Hospitals & Clinics UAE, described the trend as alarming. Having performed over 60 percent of the lab's 10,000 procedures since 2018, he noted that he frequently treats patients in their late 20s and early 30s. In one particularly striking case, a 19-year-old Indian worker was treated for having three blocked arteries.
Lifestyle and Genetic Triggers
Medical experts believe this spike is driven by a combination of genetic predisposition within South Asian populations and specific lifestyle factors common among expatriates in the Gulf. These contributing factors include:
- Dietary Habits: Diets that are high in ghee and palm oil.
- Physical Activity: A lack of regular exercise and sedentary lifestyles.
- Work Environment: Long working hours and chronic stress related to financial and visa pressures.
- Habits: Increased rates of smoking.
Urgent Warnings for the Gulf Diaspora
The Aster Hospital Mankhool lab operates 24/7 to handle emergencies such as clot removal, stent insertion, emergency angioplasty, and TAVI valve replacements. The facility handled 1,470 procedures last year and is projected to reach 1,600 this year, according to CEO Dr. Sherbaz Bichu.
UAE cardiologists have issued a stern warning, noting that residents are developing coronary disease 10 to 15 years earlier than populations in Western countries. Medical professionals are urging the diaspora living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman to prioritize regular medical screenings to catch these issues before they become life-threatening.