Health experts are sounding the alarm over a worrying surge in heart attacks among younger adults in Pakistan. Cardiologists report that almost half of all heart attack cases now involve people under the age of 50 a trend they link to harmful lifestyle habits such as poor sleep, chronic stress, and unhealthy diets.
Leading cardiologist Dr. Abdul Hakeem expressed serious concern over the growing number of patients between 30 and 50 collapsing due to sudden cardiac arrests, often without any early warning signs. He attributed this sharp rise to a combination of sleep deprivation, constant mental stress, sedentary routines, and overconsumption of processed foods.
According to the latest National Institute for Heart report, Dr. Hakeem noted that 47% of heart attack cases in the country now occur in people younger than 50 a dramatic increase compared to past decades. The report identifies irregular sleeping patterns, excessive caffeine intake, smoking, physical inactivity, and rising stress-related disorders as key factors fueling the crisis.
The Institute recommends regular heart check-ups starting at age 30, daily exercise, a balanced diet, and focusing on mental well being as urgent steps to reduce the risk. According to Dr. Hakeem, public awareness and active lifestyle changes are the only way to reverse this dangerous trend.
Adding to the warning, senior cardiologist and public health advocate Dr. Jahangir Ali Shah described the rise in early age heart attacks as not just a medical problem, but a major public health emergency. He explained that years of poor lifestyle habits skipping proper sleep, relying on junk food, spending long hours on screens, and enduring relentless stress are taking a serious toll on younger generations.
Dr. Shah cautioned that without immediate lifestyle reforms at both personal and societal levels, the problem could overwhelm healthcare systems. He urged workplaces, educational institutions, and communities to promote heart health through awareness programs and early intervention.
Both doctors stressed that heart disease is no longer confined to the elderly; it is increasingly affecting people in their prime working years. They called on adults between 30 and 50 to take charge of their health by managing stress, eating heart-friendly foods, staying physically active, and ensuring adequate rest.
They also appealed to policymakers and the medical community to strengthen public education campaigns and make quality cardiac care more accessible, in order to prevent a further rise in premature heart attack cases.
