A research study conducted by Khyber Medical University has highlighted a concerning pattern among cardiovascular patients in Peshawar, finding that approximately one in four patients visiting major public hospitals for heart-related treatment is a young adult.
The research examined patients between the ages of 18 and 45 and indicates that cardiovascular diseases are not limited to older people. The findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis, awareness and preventive healthcare among younger populations.
The study was based on patient data from four major public hospitals in Peshawar: Hayatabad Medical Complex, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Lady Reading Hospital and Peshawar Institute of Cardiology.
Researcher Dr Nauman Arif reviewed records of 8,650 patients as part of his PhD research. According to the findings, 2,090 patients, representing 24.2 per cent of the total, belonged to the young-adult age group.
The research also identified serious coronary artery diseases and disorders affecting the heart muscle among the diagnoses recorded in younger patients. It highlighted several potential risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, abnormal cholesterol levels, diabetes and a family history of cardiovascular disease.
The study also considered genetic factors in some family-related cases, indicating that inherited susceptibility may play a role in certain patients.
The findings underline the need for greater awareness about cardiovascular health among young people. Regular blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, a balanced diet, physical activity, weight management and avoiding tobacco can help reduce several established risk factors.
Healthcare professionals also stress the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms such as chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness or unexplained fatigue occur.
However, the research is based on patients attending selected hospitals in Peshawar. Its findings should therefore not be interpreted as a direct estimate of heart disease prevalence among all young people in Pakistan.
Despite this limitation, the study provides important evidence that cardiovascular disease among younger adults deserves greater attention from healthcare providers and public health authorities.
