Nearly 50% of Pakistan’s heart attack patients are under the age of 49, and up to 15% are younger than 40, according to cardiologists at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). Experts warn that heart attacks in younger individuals are rising sharply, driven by diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and poor lifestyle habits.
Dr. Abdul Hakeem, Director of NICVD’s Cath Lab, highlighted the alarming trend:
“Pakistan has the highest rate of young heart attack patients globally. One in three adults has diabetes, 40% have hypertension, obesity is widespread, and smoking remains common.”
He added that many at-risk individuals are unaware of their condition, partly because weight gain is often hidden under loose clothing, a cultural norm.
“After the age of 30, everyone should undergo a heart check-up,” he advised.
Dr. Hakeem also warned that 90% of heart attack patients report no classic chest pain, but instead experience vague symptoms like heaviness or acidity-like discomfort, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
“If you feel chest heaviness while walking or climbing stairs, get an ECG immediately,” he said. “The most dangerous type, an anterior heart attack, can damage up to 60% of heart muscle and often leads to a clot within 4–8 weeks, raising the risk of stroke.”
NICVD Advances Research and Innovation
NICVD Executive Director Dr. Tahir Saghir announced that the institute is advancing into cutting-edge research, including trials on drug-coated balloons as a stent-free solution for artery blockages, supported by international funding.
Senior cardiologist Dr. Nadeem Rizvi emphasized the importance of locally conducted research tailored to Pakistan’s specific healthcare realities.
Similarly, Dr. Tariq Furman, Director of the Dow Institute of Cardiology, noted that genetic, socioeconomic, and physiological differences require adaptation of Western treatment guidelines for Pakistani patients.
New Hope for Stroke Prevention: RIVAWAR Trial
These insights were released alongside findings from Pakistan’s largest clinical trial on acute left ventricular thrombus (LVT)—a life-threatening blood clot that can form after a major heart attack and lead to stroke.
The RIVAWAR trial, conducted by NICVD in partnership with local pharmaceutical company Pharmevo, compared the efficacy of rivaroxaban, a newer blood thinner, with the traditional drug warfarin.
Running from June 2021 to December 2023, the study involved 261 patients, all enrolled within a week of a heart attack. Most had severely reduced heart function due to extensive damage.
Results showed rivaroxaban to be a safe and effective alternative, with faster early clot resolution and comparable long-term outcomes over 12 weeks.
Researchers say early diagnosis and timely treatment of LVT could prevent thousands of strokes each year in Pakistan.