10 Signs You Should See a Heart Specialist in Dubai

1. Chest pain: A critical warning sign

Chest pain is perhaps the most well-known symptom associated with heart problems. While not all chest pain indicates a heart issue, it’s a red flag symptom in cardiology that should never be ignored. It can manifest as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a burning sensation in the chest.

• When to worry: If the pain is sudden, severe, spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, or back, and is accompanied by sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention. Even milder, recurring chest discomfort warrants a visit to a heart specialist in Dubai.

2. Breathlessness: Gasping for air

Breathlessness at rest or even after light effort might be a worrisome sign of a cardiac disease. Dyspnea, another name for this ailment, is frequently one of the indicators of a sick heart.

• Why it matters: Your heart’s inability to pump enough blood efficiently can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs, causing breathlessness. This is a common symptom for individuals wondering, “What does Stage 1 heart failure feel like?”

3. Palpitations: When your heart races or skips a beat

Palpitations are characterised by a racing, pounding, fluttering heart or a skipped heartbeat. While often harmless, persistent or concerning, palpitations should prompt a visit to a heart specialist in Dubai.

• Understanding the cause: They can be triggered by stress, caffeine, or vigorous exercise but can also signal arrhythmias or other heart conditions. Consulting a heart specialist in Dubai can help determine the cause.

4. High blood pressure: The “silent killer”

Often without noticeable symptoms, high blood pressure (hypertension) is a big risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Regular check-ups are vital.

• Silent threat: Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts immense strain on your arteries and heart. If your readings are consistently high, it’s a clear red flag symptom in cardiology requiring immediate attention from a heart specialist in Dubai.

5. Family history of heart disease: Genetic predisposition

If you have a close relative (parent or sibling) who developed heart disease at an early age, your risk is significantly higher. This is a crucial factor when considering, “What are signs you should see a cardiologist?”

• Proactive care: Discussing your family history of heart disease with a heart specialist in Dubai, like Dr Tamkeen Kinah, can lead to personalised screening and preventive strategies.

6. Diabetes: A major cardiovascular risk factor

Diabetes significantly increases a person’s risk of heart disease. High blood sugar levels harm heart-controlling neurons and blood arteries.

• Integrated approach: If you have diabetes, regular cardiac screenings are essential. A heart specialist in Dubai can help manage your cardiovascular risk alongside your diabetes care.

7. Extreme fatigue: More than just tiredness

Even after getting enough sleep, feeling exhausted all the time may indicate a cardiac condition. This is a severe form of exhaustion that interferes with day-to-day tasks; it’s not just ordinary fatigue.

In cardiology, this kind of extreme exhaustion can be a subtle warning sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively enough to supply your body’s energy needs. It may also be related to the symptoms of heart failure in stage 1.

8. Swollen legs: A sign of fluid retention

Swollen legs, ankles, or feet (oedema) can occur when your heart isn’t pumping effectively, leading to fluid build-up in the lower extremities. This is another red flag symptom.

• What it means: This symptom is associated with heart failure and should prompt an urgent consultation with a heart specialist in Dubai.

9. High cholesterol: Clogging your arteries

Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol often has no outward symptoms but significantly increases your risk of heart disease. It contributes to plaque build-up in your arteries, narrowing them.

• Risk reduction: Regular cholesterol checks are vital. A heart specialist in Dubai can provide guidance on managing your cholesterol levels through diet, lifestyle, and medication if necessary.

10. Heart failure: Understanding the stages

When your heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, heart failure results. Depending on the stage, the symptoms may change. 

If you’re wondering, “What does stage 1 heart failure feel like?”, it might seem as mild breathlessness or fatigue with activity. As it progresses, these symptoms become severe.

• Early intervention: Recognising the early signs of an unhealthy heart, particularly those associated with heart failure, is crucial for effective management and improving your quality of life. Dr Tamkeen Kinah is a leading heart specialist in Dubai who can provide comprehensive care for all stages of heart conditions.