Are You at Risk of a Heart Attack Without Knowing It?
Understanding Hidden Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Introduction
Heart attacks can happen suddenly - but they rarely occur without warning. Across the gulf region, cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are rising at an alarming rate, increasing the likelihood of silent heart conditions that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
At Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre in Abu Dhabi, our Cardio-Metabolic department specialises in identifying and managing these hidden risks. With world-class expertise and regionally tailored care, we help individuals across the UAE detect problems early and prevent future heart disease or stroke.
What Is Cardiometabolic Risk?
Cardiometabolic risk refers to your chances of developing cardiovascular disease - like a heart attack or stroke - alongside metabolic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity. These risks are especially high in the region, where lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and genetic predispositions contribute to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Heart Attacks Without Symptoms: A Growing Concern in the GCC Silent or asymptomatic heart attacks are more common than many realise - particularly in individuals with diabetes, which is highly prevalent in the region. Diabetes can reduce nerve sensitivity, dulling the pain response and making a heart attack feel less obvious or even go unnoticed entirely.
If you are living with uncontrolled diabetes, excess weight, or high cholesterol, you may already be at increased risk of a silent heart attack, even without classic warning signs like chest pain.
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Common in the Gulf Region
Many residents in the region face a unique combination of environmental and lifestyle-related risk factors, including:
Even in the absence of symptoms, these risk factors can silently increase your chance of heart failure or stroke.
How our Cardio-Metabolic Clinic Can Help
At Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, our Cardio-Metabolic Clinic offers a unique, multidisciplinary approach tailored to the region’s health needs. Whether you are living in Abu Dhabi, elsewhere in the UAE, or visiting from the GCC, our clinic provides internationally benchmarked care with local understanding.
Our services include:
Our expert team is trained to spot early signs that others may miss - so you can take action before complications arise.
Should You Get Checked?
If you are over the age of 35, have a family history of heart disease, or live with any of the common cardiometabolic risk factors, it’s time for a full evaluation. In the UAE and the Gulf, where high temperatures, fast-paced lifestyles, and urbanisation all contribute to increased health risks, preventive care has never been more important.
You don’t need to wait for a symptom to start. Screening today can prevent a heart attack tomorrow.
Take the Next Step
Your heart and metabolic health are too important to leave unchecked. Visit our Cardio-Metabolic Clinic at Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre in Abu Dhabi for expert evaluation and support.
Call 80077 or Request an Appointment to schedule your consultation today.
A cardiometabolic risk assessment evaluates your likelihood of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or Type 2 diabetes by reviewing key indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, weight, and lifestyle habits.
Yes. Many people, especially those with diabetes, may experience a silent heart attack - one that causes little or no noticeable symptoms. That’s why early screening is essential if you have risk factors.
Anyone with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease should consider visiting. The clinic is also ideal for individuals with sedentary lifestyles or poor dietary habits who want to prevent future complications.
We offer non-invasive cardiac tests including echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter ECG monitoring, 24-hour blood pressure checks, and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing.
Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and lipid disorders increase inflammation, damage blood vessels, and raise blood pressure - all of which significantly heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Absolutely. Dietary improvements, regular exercise, weight loss, and proper medical management can dramatically lower your risk of serious complications.
No, you can book a consultation directly with our Cardio-Metabolic Clinic by calling 80077 or using our online appointment request form.
Not at all. We welcome all individuals, whether or not they have been diagnosed with diabetes. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are simply concerned about your heart and metabolic health, we are here to help.
Our clinic takes a multidisciplinary and preventive approach by combining the expertise of cardiologists, endocrinologists, dietitians, and exercise specialists under one roof. This allows us to treat the whole person, not just one condition.
