A 28-year-old professional in Dubai rushes to the emergency room with chest pain. After a few tests, doctors tell him it’s “probably stress.” A 34-year-old mother in Abu Dhabi experiences tightness during exercise but dismisses it as lack of fitness. Stories like these are common—and while anxiety and stress do cause chest discomfort, chest pain in young adults should never be ignored.
At KidsHeart, we regularly see patients in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s who thought they were “too young” for heart problems—only to discover otherwise. That’s why we encourage young adults to take chest pain seriously, even if they seem low-risk on the surface.
Why Young Adults Dismiss Chest Pain
Many young people brush off chest symptoms because they believe heart disease is only for “older” adults. But in the UAE, heart attacks occur nearly a decade earlier than in Western countries, often in people in their 40s—and sometimes younger. High rates of diabetes, smoking, obesity, and stress mean that chest pain in young adults here deserves extra attention.
It’s true that non-cardiac causes like anxiety, acid reflux, or muscle strain are common in younger people. But the overlap of symptoms makes it impossible to rule out heart disease without proper testing.
The Chest Pain Checklist
If you’re under 40 and experience chest pain, here are important questions to consider:
- When does it happen? Pain during exertion (climbing stairs, exercising) is more concerning than pain at rest.
- Where do you feel it? Pressure or heaviness in the center of the chest may point to cardiac causes.
- Does it spread? Pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back can be a warning sign.
- How long does it last? Persistent discomfort, even if mild, should be checked.
- What other symptoms occur? Shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or palpitations make urgent evaluation essential.
- Do you have risk factors? Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history increase the likelihood it’s heart-related.
Our Chest Pain in Young Adults evaluations are designed specifically for this group, offering reassurance—or early diagnosis—when it matters most.
UAE-Specific Risk Factors
In the UAE, certain lifestyle and cultural factors contribute to early cardiac risks in young adults:
- Shisha smoking: Many underestimate its impact, but one shisha session can equal smoking dozens of cigarettes.
- Sedentary jobs: Long office hours and limited physical activity add to risk.
- Late-night eating and heavy meals: These increase reflux but also strain the heart in those with hidden disease.
- High stress and poor sleep: Long commutes, demanding work, and screen time all contribute to both anxiety and cardiac strain.
This overlap of stress-related and cardiac symptoms means chest pain in young adults can easily be misattributed to anxiety alone.
How We Evaluate Chest Pain
At KidsHeart, our adult cardiology team uses a step-by-step approach to find the real cause:
- Detailed history and examination to understand lifestyle, risk factors, and symptom patterns
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) for rhythm and electrical changes
- Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
- Stress Testing to see how the heart performs under exertion
- Holter Monitoring for 24-hour rhythm tracking
- Additional imaging (cardiac CT, MRI) if needed for more detailed evaluation
Many times, the result is reassuring—but in other cases, these tests uncover early warning signs that prevent future emergencies.
Real-Life Example
A 32-year-old Al Ain resident visited KidsHeart after several episodes of chest tightness during football. He assumed it was anxiety. Our evaluation revealed early coronary artery narrowing, which was treated before it became life-threatening. He was back on the field safely within weeks—proof that early checks save lives.
What to Do If You Experience Chest Pain
- Don’t ignore it—even if you’re young.
- Seek immediate medical help if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or comes with shortness of breath or dizziness.
- Schedule a cardiac evaluation if chest discomfort is recurrent, mild, or linked with stress or exertion.
Listening to Your Body Early
Chest pain in young adults isn’t always heart disease—but it should always be taken seriously. The cost of ignoring it can be far greater than the effort of a check-up.
At KidsHeart, our Adult Cardiology team in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain provides thorough, age-appropriate evaluations that clear confusion, reduce anxiety, and protect long-term heart health.
to schedule your chest pain evaluation. Because peace of mind—and a healthy heart—shouldn’t wait until your 40s or 50s.