Dubai:Dr. Annie Thomas Varughese, Consultant Cardiologist at C37 in Dubai Healthcare City, emphasizes the significance of addressing heart health proactively, as some cardiovascular diseases may develop without clear warning signs.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Varughese highlights the importance of recognizing risk factors and potential warning signs, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, irregular heart rates, dizziness, and numbness or tingling in the face or limbs. More severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention include chest pain, arm pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, and sudden weakness of the face or limbs, as well as signs indicative of a stroke.
In a statement ahead of World Heart Day 2026, observed annually on September 29th, Dr. Varughese stresses the need to maintain cardiovascular health from an early age. She notes that changes affecting blood-vessel function can begin in young adulthood, emphasizing the importance of endothelial health in blood flow maintenance. Physicians can assess these functions through selected tests based on individual health status and risk factors.
Dr. Varughese mentions that early interventions in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular function are crucial for preventing serious diseases. Modern imaging technologies, such as cardiac and vascular ultrasound, stress testing, and coronary CT angiography, allow for precise, often non-invasive assessments of heart health.
Additionally, Dr. Varughese points out that managing conditions like diabetes, obesity, and kidney health is vital in reducing cardiovascular risk. Identifying insulin resistance early is important due to its links to prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk. Access to green spaces, walkable environments, and opportunities for physical activity are also highlighted as factors that can mitigate cardiovascular risks.
Regular physical activity is particularly emphasized, with Dr. Varughese recommending 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week, to support heart health. Managing stress, reducing inactivity, and ensuring sufficient sleep are also advised as part of daily cardiovascular prevention.
Dr. Varughese urges monitoring key heart health indicators, such as blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels, and early metabolic and vascular changes. Early attention to these indicators can help identify risks and promote long-term heart health.
The World Heart Federation continues its global "Don't Miss a Beat" campaign in 2026, underlining that cardiovascular warning signs and risk factors can often be unnoticed, underestimated, or ignored.