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Coronary Heart Disease in the Middle East and North Africa: Current Status and Future Goals

  • Global Coronary Heart Disease (S. Virani and S. Naderi, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The Middle East and North Africa has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the last 30 years caused by rapid urbanization and modernization and significant changes to diet and lifestyle. This review attempts to highlight recent data in regards to ischemic heart disease and its risk factors from the region.

Recent Findings

Ischemic heart disease is now the leading cause of death in the region. Age at presentation with myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome appears to be significantly younger than global averages. Increased rates of all major risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle have been noted. Specifically, significant changes to dietary habits and growing epidemic of use of alternative tobacco products are noted.

Summary

This review article highlights the growing epidemic of ischemic heart disease in the region led by dramatic increases in incidence of its risk factors. This epidemic will require a multipronged approach to address the varied issues and mitigate the growing prevalence of the disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 112412, United Arab Emirates

    Mahmoud I. Traina, Wael Almahmeed, Ahmad Edris & E. Murat Tuzcu

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  1. Mahmoud I. Traina
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  2. Wael Almahmeed
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  3. Ahmad Edris
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  4. E. Murat Tuzcu
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Correspondence to E. Murat Tuzcu.

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Mahmoud I. Traina, Wael Almahmeed, Ahmad Edris, and E. Murat Tuzcu declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Global Coronary Heart Disease

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Traina, M.I., Almahmeed, W., Edris, A. et al. Coronary Heart Disease in the Middle East and North Africa: Current Status and Future Goals. Curr Atheroscler Rep 19, 24 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-017-0659-9

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