A 51-year-old Indian expatriate tragically died of a heart attack while cycling during his regular evening exercise routine in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Syed Asif, a father of three, was known for his active lifestyle. Unfortunately, he collapsed suddenly due to a heart attack and could not be revived despite immediate hospitalization.
Medical experts at Khaleej Times have observed that heart attacks and related issues are increasingly affecting even those who are health-conscious and physically active. Dr. Ahmad Assaf, a cardiology specialist at Aster Clinic in Fujairah, emphasized that regular exercise, while beneficial, does not guarantee protection against heart disease. He cautioned that some people may overestimate the benefits of exercise and neglect other vital health aspects such as diet, stress management, and regular medical check-ups.
Dr. Assaf also highlighted genetic factors, chronic stress, and undiagnosed conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes as contributors to heart attacks in seemingly healthy individuals. Other risk factors include living in polluted areas, consuming high-fat and sugary diets, and experiencing poor sleep quality.
Dr. Mehmet Urumdas, an experienced cardiologist, noted that while regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, intense physical activity can trigger dangerous heart rhythms in individuals with undetected heart conditions. He stressed the importance of heart screenings to identify potential issues, especially in younger people who may have structural or genetic heart problems, and adults over 35 who are at higher risk for coronary artery disease.
Dr. Urumdas also discussed the risk factors for artery blockage, including smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. He emphasized that adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can mitigate these risks.
Warning signs of heart issues include chest pain, discomfort in various body parts, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, and palpitations. Swelling in the legs and abnormal heartbeats can also indicate underlying heart conditions.
Experts like Dr. Kaes Al Anee advocate for early detection of heart conditions to enable personalized treatments and safe lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Al Anee recommends a balanced lifestyle, including daily exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular health check-ups, to maintain overall well-being and prevent heart-related diseases.
