title: Coronary Heart Disease in the Middle East and North Africa: Current Status and Future Goals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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. 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.
authors.affiliation: Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 112412, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Mahmoud I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Traina
authors.affiliation: Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 112412, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Wael
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Almahmeed
authors.affiliation: Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 112412, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Edris
authors.affiliation: Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 112412, United Arab Emirates. TUZCUE@ccf.org.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Murat Tuzcu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000352:Africa, Northern / Q000453:epidemiology; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008877:Middle East / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Coronary heart disease; Middle East; North Africa