KARACHI – Cardiologists are warning of a worrying rise in heart attacks among younger Pakistanis, with almost half of all cases now occurring between the ages of 30 and 50.
Dr. Abdul Hakeem, a leading cardiologist, told a local news channel that the trend is driven by poor lifestyle habits, including sleep deprivation, chronic stress, sedentary routines, and heavily processed diets.
“We are seeing young, seemingly healthy individuals collapsing from heart attacks without any prior warning signs,” Dr. Hakeem said.
Data from the National Institute for Heart shows that 47% of heart attack cases in the country occur under age 50, a sharp rise from previous decades. Experts say irregular sleep patterns, excessive caffeine intake, smoking, lack of physical activity, and increasing stress disorders are key contributors.
The Institute is urging people to begin cardiovascular screenings from age 30, adopt balanced diets, exercise daily, and prioritize mental health.
Dr. Jahangir Ali Shah, another senior cardiologist, called the situation a “growing public health crisis”, warning that years of poor lifestyle habits are now overwhelming younger hearts.
He urged workplaces, schools, and communities to actively promote heart health through preventive education and early intervention.
Both doctors emphasized that heart disease is no longer an illness of the elderly and called for urgent awareness campaigns, regular health check-ups, and individual lifestyle reforms to reverse the trend.
