When we hear the word “heart attack,” many of us still imagine an older man in his 70s. But in Pakistan today, reality is different. More and more men in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s are ending up in emergency rooms with chest pain — and too many don’t survive it.
On this World Heart Day, it’s important to pause and ask: why is this happening, and what can we do about it?
At Alaya Medical Center, G-13 Islamabad, we see this pattern every day. Men who are in the prime of their careers, fathers with young kids, breadwinners for their families — suddenly struck by a heart attack. And in most cases, it didn’t come out of nowhere. The warning signs were there.
The Hidden Pressures on Pakistani Men
Being a man in Pakistan between 35 and 65 often means carrying a lot on your shoulders. Long office hours, family responsibilities, rising expenses — the stress never seems to end. Add to that our food culture of oily karahi, fried snacks, and late-night chai with friends, and it’s not hard to see why the heart suffers.
Other common reasons include:
- Lack of movement — whole days spent at desks or in cars.
- Smoking and gutka — habits many men struggle to quit.
- Skipping checkups — because “I feel fine” or “I don’t have time.”
It’s a dangerous mix, and the result is clear: more young men are facing blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and sudden heart attacks.
Listen to What Your Body is Telling You
One mistake many men make is ignoring the early warnings. They push through chest heaviness, they dismiss shortness of breath, they call fatigue “just tiredness.” But your body is not lying — it’s asking for help.
If you notice:
- Pressure in the chest
- Pain moving to the arm, shoulder, or jaw
- Unusual tiredness or dizziness
👉 Please don’t wait. These are red flags that need immediate attention.
Small Changes That Protect Your Heart
The good news is: heart disease is not a death sentence. With the right lifestyle, many risks can be reduced. Start with small, realistic steps:
- Go for a brisk evening walk instead of sitting all night on the sofa.
- Replace one fried meal a day with fruits, salad, or grilled food.
- Cut down on cigarettes — even reducing is better than doing nothing.
- Sleep on time — the heart also needs rest.
- And most importantly, get your heart checked once a year after 35.
At Alaya Medical Center, Islamabad, we offer ECG, cardiac screening, and specialist consultations to help detect problems early. A simple check-up could save years of your life.
A Reminder This World Heart Day
Your family depends on you. Your children, your parents, your loved ones — they need you healthy and strong. Don’t wait for a heart attack to force you to take action.
💙 Make this World Heart Day the day you choose to protect your heart.
📍 Visit Alaya Medical Center, Street 108, G-13/1, Islamabad, for a complete heart check-up with our experienced doctors.
Because at the end of the day, taking care of your heart is not just about you — it’s about the people who love you.
