70% of Young Pakistanis Obese, Facing Early Heart Attacks by Age 30 – New Study Exposes Hidden Epidemic

A shocking new study has sent alarm bells ringing across Pakistan — over 70% of young Pakistanis are obese, with many facing early heart attacks as young as 19. The first-of-its-kind PAK-SEHAT study has uncovered a silent health catastrophe brewing in the country, one that threatens to cripple the nation's youth unless immediate action is taken.

Led by Professor Bashir Hanif, a top interventional cardiologist in Karachi, the PAK-SEHAT (Pakistan Study of prEmature coronary aTHerosclerosis in young AdulTs) is Pakistan’s largest longitudinal study on heart disease risk in younger populations. Funded by Getz Pharma with Rs1.4 billion (approx. $5 million), this decade-long project is the country’s boldest attempt to understand why Pakistanis are suffering heart attacks in their 30s and 40s, far earlier than those in the West.

Unprecedented Obesity and Cholesterol Crisis

According to the study’s initial findings presented at the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) Conference, more than 70% of participants were clinically obese, with obesity in women surging past 80%. Even more alarming, 70% had dangerously high LDL (“bad” cholesterol), while over 50% had abnormally low HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels.

"This level of cardiovascular risk in such a young population is unheard of,” said Prof. Hanif. “We’re now seeing heart attacks in people as young as 19 and 20 years old. This is not a global trend — it’s a uniquely Pakistani crisis."

The Hidden Killers: Undiagnosed Hypertension and Diabetes

The study also revealed that 42% of young adults had undiagnosed high blood pressure, and 23% had undetected diabetes. Many of these individuals had no prior symptoms, further emphasizing the urgent need for widespread screening and preventive healthcare programs.

These hidden conditions significantly raise the risk of coronary atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become clogged with plaque, leading to heart attacks and strokes.

More Than Diet and Smoking: A Multifactorial Crisis

The PAK-SEHAT study goes beyond traditional heart disease factors like smoking and junk food. Researchers are also exploring how air and water pollution, genetics, poor urban infrastructure, and cultural dietary habits play a role in worsening heart health.

Participants are undergoing advanced coronary CT angiography (CCTA), inflammatory blood marker tests, and full genome sequencing to detect genetic predispositions specific to the South Asian population.

Why Western Models Don’t Work for Pakistan

Prof. Hanif strongly criticized the use of Western heart risk calculators in South Asia, stating that these tools underestimate risk in people under 40. “In the U.S., these tools start measuring heart risk after 60. In Pakistan, people are dying at 30 or even younger. We need a Pakistani-specific cardiovascular risk score now.”

Industry-Backed Health Transformation

Dr. Khurram Hussein, managing director of Getz Pharma, emphasized that the PAK-SEHAT study is more than just data collection — it’s about shifting Pakistan toward a patient-first, evidence-based healthcare system. “We want to break free from blindly following Western protocols,” he said, “and focus on research rooted in local realities.”

Former Punjab Health Minister Prof. Javed Akram applauded Getz Pharma for funding such transformative research, calling it essential for any real progress in national healthcare.

Urgent Call for Action

As the nation reels from these findings, experts are demanding nationwide health education campaigns, early screening programs, and school-based nutrition awareness. The youth of Pakistan is in crisis, and without bold, immediate interventions, the country could face a wave of premature deaths.

The study has laid bare an uncomfortable truth: Pakistan’s youth is dangerously unhealthy, and the country is on the brink of a massive public health disaster.

FAQs on Early Heart Attacks and Obesity in Young Pakistanis

1. Why are young Pakistanis experiencing heart attacks so early?

Due to high obesity rates, poor cholesterol levels, and undiagnosed conditions like hypertension and diabetes, young people in Pakistan are at extreme risk of early cardiovascular disease.

2. What percentage of young Pakistanis are obese?

Over 70%, according to the PAK-SEHAT study — with obesity in women rising above 80%.

3. What is LDL and HDL cholesterol and why does it matter?

LDL is "bad" cholesterol that clogs arteries, while HDL is "good" cholesterol that helps clear them. High LDL and low HDL levels are major contributors to heart attacks.

4. At what age are Pakistanis getting heart attacks?

Shockingly, some cases are reported as young as 19 years old, with a significant spike in heart attacks for people in their 30s and 40s.

5. What is the PAK-SEHAT study?

It’s Pakistan’s largest 10-year research project aimed at identifying the causes of premature heart disease in young adults, funded by Getz Pharma.

6. What are the main causes of obesity in Pakistan?

Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, high sugar consumption, lack of awareness, and environmental pollutants all contribute to rising obesity levels.

7. Is air pollution affecting heart health in Pakistan?

Yes. The study is investigating environmental factors like air and water quality as contributing factors to cardiovascular disease.

8. How can young people in Pakistan reduce their heart disease risk?

By maintaining a healthy weight, checking cholesterol and blood pressure regularly, exercising, and avoiding sugary and fatty foods.

9. Are Western heart health models useful in Pakistan?

Not entirely. Western models often overlook the unique genetic and environmental factors affecting South Asians under 40.

10. What steps should Pakistan take to address this health crisis?

Public health campaigns, mandatory health screenings in schools and workplaces, healthier food regulations, and a Pakistan-specific heart risk model are all needed urgently.