Many UAE Women Underestimate Risk of Heart Disease, Says New Survey

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi survey reveals women misidentify breast cancer as number one threat

Many women in the UAE underestimate the significant risks posed by heart disease, believing breast cancer to be the bigger threat, according to a new survey commissioned by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

In total, 82% of women who responded to the survey did not identify heart disease as the leading cause of death among women in the UAE. Instead, breast cancer was misidentified as the number one threat by 46% of the women surveyed – the highest proportion in the survey. Heart disease is the most frequent cause of death among women in the UAE and across the globe.

 “The results of this survey are concerning. They clearly reflect the success of breast cancer awareness campaigns, with women identifying it as the greatest threat to their health. However, heart disease kills more women every year than all cancers combined. If women are unaware of their risk, they are less likely to visit a doctor for preventative care or treatment,” says Dr. Dima Quraini, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Compounding the lack of overall awareness, 76% of women surveyed did not know that men and women can experience heart attacks differently. A majority also failed to identify the unique symptoms of heart attack that women can experience. 

Unlike men, women are more likely to experience a ‘silent heart attack’ with symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, indigestion, neck pain and fatigue. Only 31% of women surveyed associated these symptoms with heart attack, while 58% associated them with stress.

The most common risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, lack of exercise and smoking are generally well understood. However, the survey revealed that some of the unique factors that can increase women’s risk are not. 

Only 17% of women understood that pregnancy can increase their risk of heart disease, a number which drops to just 8% among Arab expatriates surveyed. Early menopause has been linked to an increase in the risk of heart disease, but 67% of women over 40 who responded to the survey were not aware of this possibility. 

While people are generally aware that high blood pressure increases their risk of heart disease, just 24% of female respondents knew that it increases their risk more than it would a man’s. 

“The bad news from this survey is that a significant proportion of women are unaware of their own risk factors. The good news is that, in 2020, we’re able to do something about it. Prevention really works and can reduce a woman’s chances of developing heart disease by up to eighty percent,” concludes Dr. Quraini.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is using Heart Month in February to raise awareness of heart disease, with a particular focus on women in the UAE. The hospital recently opened a women’s heart health clinic to ensure women receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary care tailored to their specific needs. 

People who want to know more about the risks of heart disease and the steps they can take to reduce them can visit this page.