{
  "id": 10972759,
  "title": "Study Raises Alarm Over Rising Heart Disease Risk Among Young Pakistanis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/study-raises-alarm-over-rising-heart-disease-risk-among-young",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-30T14:46:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/30/study-raises-alarm-over-rising-heart-disease-risk-among-young-pakistanis/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A nationwide health study has uncovered widespread cardiovascular risk factors among seemingly healthy Pakistanis, raising alarms about the emerging burden of heart disease at younger ages. Preliminary results of the Pak Sehat Study indicate that approximately 45% of participants suffered from high blood pressure, 35% had diabetes, and nearly 70% exhibited elevated cholesterol levels. Between 72% and 80% of the study participants were found to be obese. These findings were unveiled at a seminar held at the University of Karachi in conjunction with World Heart Day. Dr. Bashir Hanif, Director of the Tabba Heart Institute, stated that the study screened around 2,000 individuals aged 30 to 65 across Pakistan, with participants chosen to represent the population demographics of each province. Despite participants' self-proclamation of good health, comprehensive medical examinations, blood tests, and advanced diagnostic procedures, including CT angiography and ultrasound, revealed several previously undetected cardiovascular risk factors. Dr. Hanif emphasized that obesity is closely associated with the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, all of which contribute to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. He further noted that South Asians are prone to developing heart disease at a younger age and reported instances of heart attacks even in individuals under 30. The study aims to investigate premature narrowing of coronary arteries and associated risk factors among young and middle-aged Pakistanis to comprehend why cardiovascular disease is manifesting earlier in the country. Researchers have also collected blood samples from participants for genetic analysis, and will examine dietary, environmental, and lifestyle factors to identify potential causes of premature heart disease. The participants will be monitored for a decade, with their medical histories, physical examinations, and blood tests reassessed at various intervals. CT angiography will be repeated after five and ten years.",
  "summary": "A nationwide health study has found widespread cardiovascular risk factors among Pakistanis who considered themselves healthy, raising concerns over the … Read More The post Study Raises Alarm Over Rising Heart Disease Risk Among Young Pakistanis appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ProPakistani",
        "title": "Experts Warn of Rising Heart Disease Risk Among Pakistani Women",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/experts-warn-of-rising-heart-disease-risk-among-pakistani-women",
        "published": "2026-09-29T11:32:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}