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Sunday, Dec 07, 2025

Stroke Incidence Among Young Adults in the UAE Alarmingly High

Stroke Incidence Among Young Adults in the UAE Alarmingly High

Research reveals that 50% of stroke patients in the UAE are under 45, significantly younger than their counterparts in Europe and the US.
Dr. Suhail Al Rukn, a consultant neurologist and head of the Emirates Neurology Society, has reported a concerning trend regarding the age of stroke patients in the United Arab Emirates.

According to Al Rukn, the average age of stroke incidence in the UAE is twenty years younger than that observed in Europe and America.

Notably, 50% of stroke patients in the UAE are less than 45 years old, while the equivalent age group in Europe averages around 65 years.

Recent studies conducted in the UAE suggest that more than 12,000 individuals suffer from strokes annually.

The World Health Organization has established an acceptable rate of stroke incidence in countries to be between 125 and 150 cases per 100,000 people.

Dr. Al Rukn emphasized the need for stringent regulations regarding salt consumption in foods, advocating for limits that do not exceed 1.2 grams per day, which equates to half a teaspoon.

Elevated salt intake has been linked to increased blood pressure, a significant risk factor for strokes.

The primary causes of stroke, according to Al Rukn, include hypertension and diabetes, conditions that are increasingly affecting younger demographics, particularly those aged 30 to 40. In contrast, these diseases tend to be more prevalent in individuals aged 60 to 70 in Europe and America.

Al Rukn also pointed out that poorly managed vascular diseases, such as high cholesterol and obesity related to physical inactivity, contribute significantly to stroke risk.

He called for the development of a national strategy to combat diseases that lead to strokes, citing alarming incidence rates and the impact on the economically productive population.

In the UAE, 50% of stroke patients fall within the working-age demographic, while globally, approximately 80% of stroke cases occur in individuals aged 70 and above.

Dr. Al Rukn called for the expansion of early detection centers for stroke-related diseases and the establishment of additional specialized stroke units in hospitals.

These initiatives are expected to improve treatment efficacy and outcomes for patients, potentially reducing mortality and complications associated with strokes.

He highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technologies in healthcare, including telemedicine and digital health solutions, to enhance patient care and streamline the management of stroke cases.

Stroke is recognized as one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide.

Recent studies indicate that it is the primary cause of motor disability in adults and the second leading cause of death.

Globally, around 15 million people experience a stroke each year, with 50% at risk of mortality within six months of the event, although innovative treatment techniques are proving effective in reducing mortality rates.
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