Excessive meat consumption sans water intake raises heart attack’s risks, doctors warn

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2026) As families across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with traditional feasts and gatherings, doctors in Peshawar were dealing with a different side of the festivities—a substantial number of patients suffering from digestive disorders, chest pain, high blood pressure and, in some cases, potentially life-threatening cardiac complications linked to excessive meat consumption sans water intake.

The annual religious festival, marked by the sacrifice of animals and sharing of meat among relatives, friends and the underprivileged, is one of the most cherished occasions in Pakistan. However, health experts cautioned that overindulgence in red meat, coupled with unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity and water intake, can turn celebration into a medical emergency.

According to doctors and hospital officials, thousands of people sought treatment at major healthcare facilities across Peshawar during the Eid holidays after experiencing health complications associated with overeating sacrificial meat.

Professor Dr. Malik Riaz of Government Hospital Pabbi, Nowshera, said hospitals witnessed a noticeable increase in patients complaining of digestive and cardiovascular problems. “Most of these patients complain of chest congestion, indigestion and stomach disorders,” Dr. Riaz told APP. “People should drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids during post Eid days because hydration plays an important role in maintaining overall health and reducing heart complications.”

Medical experts said the concern is not merely temporary indigestion but poor food practices. Research has consistently shown that excessive consumption of red meat, particularly when combined with fatty foods and a sedentary lifestyle, contributes to inflammation and buildup of plaque inside arteries. These factors increase the risk of coronary artery disease, which remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The scale of the problem became evident at Peshawar's leading hospitals during Eid days. Officials at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), and Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) reported that more than 5,000 people sought medical treatment during the Eid holidays for overeating too much red meat.

Patients arrived with a wide range of complaints, including food poisoning, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, gastroenteritis, chest congestion, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels and cardiac complications.

Healthcare providers noted that people from all age groups including children, women, young adults and senior citizens were affected. Doctors attributed the increase in cases to excessive consumption of meat, poor food handling practices and widespread use of leftover food that had not been stored properly.

“Many people continue consuming meat for several days without observing proper storage methods,” a hospital official said. “Improperly cooked meat and contaminated leftovers can create serious health issues.”

The situation is often worsened by excessive intake of carbonated soft drinks, which many families consume alongside rich meat dishes during Eid gatherings. Among those who found themselves seeking medical treatment was Riaz Khan, who experienced chest pain after consuming excessive quantities of meat. “I suffered chest pain after my blood pressure shot up following excessive meat consumption and had to rush to a doctor for treatment,” he said.

His experience mirrors that of many patients who underestimate the impact of dietary excesses on cardiovascular health. Doctors said such cases should serve as a reminder that moderation remains essential, even during festive occasions.

Health experts argued that the Eid-related surge in hospital admissions reflects a much larger public health challenge facing KP. Cardiovascular diseases continue to claim a significant number of lives each year, yet awareness about prevention remains limited.

“Every year more than 100,000 people die of heart attacks alone,” a senior physician Dr Zahid Aslam observed. “Cardiovascular disease is among the biggest health threats facing our population.”

Medical professionals believe that while national attention often focuses on security concerns and other crises, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases deserves equal attention.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

“These diseases quietly affect thousands of families every year,” he said. “The economic and social consequences are enormous, particularly for low-income households.”

Former head of the Cardiac Department at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Dr. Zahid Aslam, believed that the region's high rate of cardiovascular disease stems from a combination of poor dietary habits, genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyles.

“In this region, a majority of people suffer from cardiac diseases due to unhealthy food practices and blood pressure issues,” he said. Dr. Aslam noted that certain genetic factors may increase vulnerability among South Asian populations, but stressed that lifestyle choices often determine whether those risks develop into serious disease.

“There is no harm in accepting that our society has little concept of maintaining a balanced diet,” he remarked. “People often prefer foods that satisfy their taste buds without considering long-term health consequences.” According to him, heart disease is no longer confined to older age groups but can also affect children and women.

“Heart diseases are not a matter of growing age alone. We are seeing patients between 22 and 35 years of age suffering from heart attacks,” he said. To illustrate the changing face of cardiovascular disease, Dr. Aslam recalled the case of a 22-year-old restaurant worker who suffered severe heart damage after developing a clot in one of his arteries.

The young man worked late into the night, rarely slept adequately and relied on poor-quality food for daily sustenance. Doctors believed these factors contributed significantly to his deteriorating health.

“The clot eventually damaged nearly 60 percent of his heart,” Dr. Aslam said. He also described the case of a 35-year-old woman who suffered a heart attack despite her relatively young age. Medical investigations revealed a combination of excessive meat consumption, lack of exercise and other lifestyle factors that contributed to her condition.

“These cases demonstrate that unhealthy diets, inadequate exercise, stress and poor sleep habits can have serious consequences even at a young age,” he said, adding traditional foods occupy a central place in Pakistan's social and cultural life.

From Halwa Puri breakfasts and spicy Nihari to Paey and richly prepared meat dishes, many of the country's most beloved foods are also high in fat, cholesterol and calories. Doctors acknowledged that these foods are part of cultural traditions and family gatherings. However, they emphasize moderation rather than complete avoidance.

“At least one can eat Paey, Nihari, BBQ and Halwa Puri occasionally rather than every day,” Dr. Aslam advised.

Health experts also expressed concern over the growing popularity of processed and fast foods, which add further strain to an already vulnerable population.

“Cholesterol-rich and unhealthy foods are becoming increasingly common in our daily lives,” a cardiologist noted. “Without lifestyle changes, the burden of heart disease is likely to continue rising.”

Medical professionals believed that prevention remains the most effective strategy against cardiovascular disease.

They recommend balancing meat consumption with fresh vegetables, fruits, salads and yogurt, while ensuring adequate hydration and regular physical activity.

Health experts specifically advise citizens to consume meat in moderate portions, drink plenty of water and healthy fluids, avoid excessive consumption of soft drinks and properly cook and store meat besides maintain regular physical activity and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as chest pain, severe indigestion, dehydration or food poisoning occur.

Doctors stressed that healthier lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve quality of life.

“As individuals and as a society, we must recognize the importance of preventive healthcare,” Dr. Aslam and Dr Riaz said and added that healthy habits can save lives.

The health experts hoped that citizens will enjoy Eidul Azha’s meat responsibly, remembering that moderation in diet and attention to personal health are just as important as the traditions being celebrated.

For many physicians, the message is simple that Eidul Azha is a time for sharing, gratitude and celebration but not at the cost of one's health.

APP/fam/1430