Leading cardiologists in Islamabad have warned that Pakistan is facing a growing heart disease problem among younger adults driven by poor lifestyle habits and uncontrolled chronic conditions. Smoking, frequent consumption of processed foods, physical inactivity and untreated high blood pressure and diabetes are contributing to deteriorating youth heart health across the country.
Dr Asaad Akbar Khan, Chief of Cardiology at Shifa International Hospital, highlighted the alarming trend of patients in their 30s and 40s presenting with serious cardiac conditions and heart attacks previously seen mainly in older age groups. He urged patients to follow cardiologist instructions closely, keep up with timely medication and attend regular check-ups to protect long-term heart health.
Dr Saeed Ullah Shah, Consultant Cardiologist, stressed that many risks are modifiable and preventable through simple lifestyle changes. He recommended daily physical activity, balanced eating, quitting tobacco and active stress management as practical steps to reduce the burden of heart disease and improve youth heart health nationwide.
Cardiologists also warned that recognizing warning signs of a heart attack and seeking immediate care can save lives and limit permanent damage to the heart muscle. Timely intervention at emergency departments remains critical, and hospitals must keep systems ready to respond around the clock.
Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 underlined the scale of the challenge: cardiovascular disease accounted for nearly 23 percent of deaths in Pakistan, with related deaths doubling over three decades. The number of Pakistanis living with heart disease rose from 4.1 million in 1990 to 8.6 million in 2019, reinforcing the need for urgent public health action to protect youth heart health.
To mark World Heart Day, Shifa International Hospital held awareness sessions in corporate organisations and universities, worked with media partners and launched digital campaigns to educate the public about prevention and early detection. The hospital reiterated its commitment to fighting heart disease in Pakistan through awareness, prevention and high-quality care.
Shifa International Hospital provides 24/7 primary PCI services and operates a dedicated STEMI Code to ensure rapid and accurate treatment of heart attacks, a capability experts say is vital to improving outcomes for patients of all ages and addressing the countrywide concerns around youth heart health.
