World Heart Day | 29 September 2024

On World Heart Day 2024, let’s pause and appreciate what keeps us alive — our hearts. Just as ‘H’ stands for both Heart and Health, it reminds us that caring for one requires caring for the other. 

Every year, on September 29th, we unite globally to raise awareness about the silent, yet deadly, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) — the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 20.5 million lives annually. These diseases, which affect the heart and blood vessels, can lead to life-altering conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. 

To combat this, the World Heart Federation (WHF) drives a global effort each year, setting a theme to encourage awareness and action. In 2024, the theme is ‘Use Heart for Action’, inspiring us to take proactive steps in protecting our heart health and preventing these diseases.

In today's fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to ignore the subtle whispers of our hearts. But as the very core of life, our hearts demand more attention. This year, let’s commit to slowing down, listening, and acting. 

Important: One way to protect yourself is by obtaining a comprehensive health insurance policy that provides financial protection in case of unexpected heart-related issues.

Most Common Heart Diseases in the UAE

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the leading cause of death in the UAE, responsible for approximately 40% of all fatalities. CVD encompasses a range of conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, all of which are becoming more prevalent in the UAE due to lifestyle factors like high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. 

Alarmingly, 55% of UAE residents have been directly impacted by heart disease, either through personal diagnosis or a family member's condition​.

Here are some of the most common heart diseases in the UAE —

1. Ischemic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease): This is the leading cause of death in the UAE. It occurs when blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked, leading to heart attacks.
2. Stroke (Ischemic and Hemorrhagic): Strokes, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, are major contributors to cardiovascular mortality. Hemorrhagic strokes are particularly concerning, as they are often fatal. Strokes rank second in cardiovascular-related deaths in the UAE.
3. Heart Failure: This condition, which results from the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, is becoming increasingly common, particularly among older adults and those with uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension.
4. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Nearly 46% of UAE residents report having high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
5. Diabetes-Related Heart Conditions: Due to the high prevalence of diabetes in the UAE, complications such as heart disease are common. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How Critical Illness Coverage Shields You from Heart Disease Costs?

Critical illnesses are severe, life-threatening medical conditions that often require extensive and expensive treatment. These include diseases such as cancer, stroke, organ failure, and heart-related diseases like heart attacks and coronary artery disease. 

Two Types of Coverage for Heart-Related Diseases

When it comes to covering heart-related illnesses, individuals in the UAE generally have two options — 

1. Critical Illness Insurance: This standalone policy offers a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of a covered illness like a heart attack. The payout can be used for any purpose — paying for medical treatment, day-to-day expenses, and more — making lifestyle adjustments or covering daily expenses. 

However, this insurance type does not cover pre-existing conditions. Thus, any heart-related issues diagnosed before the policy start date won't be eligible for claims​. 

1. Health Insurance with Critical Illness Coverage: Many health insurance plans provide coverage for heart-related conditions, including pre-existing diseases, but only after a specified waiting period. Health insurance reimburses medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgeries, and hospital stays. 

Why is Critical Illness Coverage Important?

The costs of treating heart diseases can be overwhelming. This can especially be the case in the UAE, where healthcare is advanced but often expensive. Having critical illness coverage provides you with the financial support to afford life-saving treatments, manage recovery, and cover non-medical costs, such as home care or rehabilitation. Without this safety net, a diagnosis of heart disease can lead to significant financial strain.

On World Heart Day, it’s important to highlight the importance of securing both health insurance and critical illness insurance for yourself and your family. 

How Do Health Insurance Providers in the UAE Support Preventive Health Check-ups for Heart Diseases?

Regular heart health check-ups are crucial for detecting early signs of cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arrhythmias.

In the UAE, health insurance providers play an important role in supporting preventive health check-ups for heart diseases. They offer comprehensive packages that cover essential screenings. 

Many health insurance companies in the UAE now include preventive heart health screenings as part of their policies. These screenings generally involve tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), cholesterol level checks, blood pressure monitoring, and stress tests. 

These tests identify risk factors early, helping doctors to recommend lifestyle changes or treatments that can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Preventive health screenings are often fully or partially covered under insurance plans.

Furthermore, some health insurance plans also provide coverage for annual check-ups as part of a wellness package. These check-ups may include heart-specific evaluations, especially for high-risk individuals or those with a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Tips for a Healthy Heart

Taking care of your heart is one of the most important things you can do for a long, healthy life. With heart disease being one of the leading causes of death worldwide, simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in protecting your heart health. T

Listed below are some practical tips to keep your heart in top shape —

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating heart-healthy foods is important. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts and olive oil. Limiting your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and flaxseeds, are particularly beneficial for heart health.
2. Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation — aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or even dancing can help keep your heart healthy. Even short bursts of movement throughout the day, such as taking the stairs or walking during breaks, can make a big difference.
3. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Learning to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga can help lower your blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Taking time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy also helps alleviate stress.
4. Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly improve heart health, no matter how long you've been a smoker. Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease, so it’s important to avoid it.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent killer that can lead to heart disease if left untreated. However, by regularly monitoring your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet, reducing sodium intake, and staying physically active, you can control it to a great extent.
6. Control Your Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Make sure to have regular check-ups for the same. If needed, follow medical advice for managing cholesterol levels through diet and medication.
7. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Even losing a small amount of weight can have significant benefits for your heart health.

Will You Listen to Your Heart this World Heart Day?

As we observe World Heart Day 2024, let it be a powerful reminder that heart health is the key to a fulfilling life. This year’s theme, ‘Use Heart for Action’, encourages all of us to take steps toward preventing heart disease. 

Whether it’s making healthier lifestyle choices or ensuring regular check-ups, your heart deserves your attention. While making these changes, also prioritise getting comprehensive health insurance to get comprehensive protection and minimise your financial burden.

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