What this condition is
A spectrum of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and arrhythmia.
Why prevention matters
Most heart attacks are preventable with early identification of risk and modern lipid, BP and metabolic management.
Who is at risk
- •Family history of premature heart disease
- •South Asian and Middle Eastern ethnicity
- •Diabetes or prediabetes
- •Hypertension
- •High ApoB or Lp(a)
- •Smokers
- •Central obesity
- •Sedentary lifestyle
Early warning signs
- •Often silent
- •Reduced exercise tolerance
- •Chest tightness on exertion
- •Unexplained breathlessness
Modifiable risk factors
- •BP
- •ApoB / LDL
- •HbA1c
- •Weight
- •Smoking
- •Activity
- •Sleep
- •Diet
- •Stress
Non-modifiable risk factors
- •Age
- •Genetics
- •Sex
- •Ethnicity
Recommended screening
- •Annual BP
- •Lipid panel including ApoB
- •Lp(a) once in adulthood
- •HbA1c
- •ECG
- •Consider CAC score from age 40
Blood tests we use
- •ApoB, Lp(a), full lipids
- •HbA1c, fasting insulin
- •hs-CRP
- •Renal function and urine ACR
- •TSH
Imaging where appropriate
- •ECG
- •Echocardiogram
- •CAC score
- •Carotid intima-media thickness
Lifestyle interventions
- •Nutrition — Mediterranean dietary pattern with extra virgin olive oil, nuts, legumes, oily fish and fibre.
- •Exercise — 150–300 min of moderate aerobic activity plus two resistance sessions weekly.
- •Weight — Aim for waist <94 cm men / <80 cm women.
- •Sleep — 7–8 hours; treat obstructive sleep apnoea.
- •Stress — Daily breath-work, social connection, manage work hours.
- •Smoking — Complete cessation — the single largest modifiable risk factor.
- •Alcohol — Minimise; no safe lower limit for cardiovascular health.
- •Vaccinations — Annual influenza and updated COVID vaccinations.
Monitoring schedule
Annual cardiovascular review with bloods and BP; sooner after intervention.
British GP recommendations
- •Start risk assessment from age 30
- •Treat ApoB to target
- •Treat BP to target
- •Address sleep and stress
- •Family cascade screening for early disease
Have this assessment at home, hotel, office or in our Business Bay clinic
Same British GP. Same evidence-based plan. Same-day visits across Dubai — usually within 60–90 minutes of booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a heart disease prevention assessment at home in Dubai?+
Yes — our British-trained GP and nurse attend your home, hotel or office anywhere in Dubai. You get a full history, examination, blood tests and a personalised written prevention plan in one visit.
What is included in an Aafiyah heart disease prevention review?+
A 30–60 minute consultation with your named GP, comprehensive bloods, targeted imaging where indicated, and a written wellness plan covering nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, medications and follow-up.
Is this covered by insurance?+
Most premium UAE and international insurers reimburse preventive care. We provide a fully coded invoice at the visit.
How often should I have a heart disease prevention review?+
Annually for most adults; sooner if you have risk factors or new symptoms. Your named GP keeps a single longitudinal record so each review builds on the last.