Expatriate high life in the UAE brings hypertension risks

Recent pan-UAE studies have revealed some 30 per cent of Emirates-based adults are suffering from hypertension, with the figures including expats as well as Emiratis.

Three recent studies carried out in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of an awareness campaign have shown that at least a third of adults in the region are suffering from high blood pressure. The studies also predict the numbers will increase with time, due to work-related stress and a lack of awareness of healthy living. The Dubai and Abu Dhabi surveys involved Emiratis with the Al Ain survey concentrating on expats living and working in the region.

Medical professionals are concerned about the high level of sufferers detected by the survey, especially as half those found to be affected had no idea their blood pressure was higher than is normal and could pose a severe risk to their health in the future. Not for nothing is hypertension known as the ‘silent killer’ as it often strikes with no prior warning in the form of heart attacks or strokes. Unhealthy lifestyles, stress and a lack of exercise in those who were identified as having dangerously high levels of blood pressure are all considered as the cause, along with genetic predisposition.

The awareness campaign began last May, with over 30,000 people screened at hospitals, offices, homes, clinics, shopping malls and mosques. Of those found to be suffering from hypertension, over four thousand had never checked their blood pressure and a good proportion had readings well within the moderate to severe range. A significant number of those detected had not been controlling the condition, and another significant number had no idea they were risking their lives without immediate treatment.

The majority of expats working in the region are fully aware their jobs are stressful, with many unaware of the risks of long-term., untreated hypertension as it’s quite possible to live symptom-free until it’s too late. In some cases, the cause may be identifiable as kidney problems or hereditary defects in the blood vessels themselves, but living the high life and working 24/7 can exacerbate serious, possible life-threatening developments.