Sharp rise in heart attack cases among young Pakistanis raises alarm

An unhealthy lifestyle, fast food consumption, smoking, anxiety, and other risk factors are driving a sharp rise in heart disease cases in Pakistan — the world’s fifth most populous country and third globally in diabetes prevalence.

Cardiologists at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) report that nearly half of Pakistan’s heart attack patients are under the age of 49, with a significant proportion younger than 40.

According to Dr. Abdul Hakeem, Director of NICVD’s Cath Lab, Pakistan has one of the highest global rates of young heart attack patients.

He noted that one in three adults suffers from diabetes, 40% have high blood pressure, obesity is widespread, and smoking remains common.

Dr. Hakeem warned that 90% of heart attack cases do not present with classic chest pain. Instead, patients often experience vague symptoms such as heaviness or acidity-like discomfort — delays in recognizing these signs can hinder timely treatment.

He advised that anyone feeling chest heaviness during activities like walking or climbing stairs should undergo an ECG without delay.

He also cautioned that anterior heart attacks can damage up to 60% of the heart muscle and trigger dangerous clots, increasing the risk of stroke.