You’re walking through Dubai Mall, enjoying the air-conditioning, when you suddenly feel unusually winded after just a few steps up the escalator. Or maybe it’s climbing the stairs to your office in Abu Dhabi – something you’ve done countless times – but today you’re breathless, even though you’re not carrying anything heavy.
Most people dismiss shortness of breath as simple tiredness, lack of fitness, or the result of a busy day. But sometimes, it’s your heart quietly telling you something is wrong.
Why We Need to Pay Attention in the UAE
In the UAE, where hot weather keeps many indoors and work schedules are demanding, breathlessness is often brushed off. Many adults assume it’s just due to low stamina or an intense week at work. However, with cardiovascular disease still a leading cause of death in the Emirates, ignoring this symptom can be risky.
Shortness of breath – known medically as dyspnoea – can be a sign of heart conditions like heart failure, coronary artery disease, or heart valve problems. It’s especially concerning when it appears during activities that used to feel easy.
How the Heart and Lungs Work Together
Your heart and lungs are a team. The lungs bring oxygen into your body, and the heart pumps that oxygen-rich blood to your organs and muscles. If the heart can’t pump efficiently, oxygen delivery suffers, leaving you feeling breathless even with minimal effort.
This can happen for several reasons:
- Weakened heart muscle (heart failure)
- Blocked arteries reducing blood flow to the heart
- Valve problems disrupting normal blood circulation
- Abnormal heart rhythms making the heart beat too fast or too slow
When to Worry About Breathlessness
You should seek medical advice if you notice:
- Breathlessness during light activity (walking on flat ground, climbing one flight of stairs)
- Worsening shortness of breath over time
- Trouble breathing when lying flat
- Waking at night feeling breathless
- Accompanying symptoms like chest discomfort, swelling in the ankles, or rapid heartbeat
These could indicate a heart problem that needs prompt attention.
Common Cardiac Causes of Shortness of Breath
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Narrowed arteries limit oxygen supply to the heart, causing breathlessness, especially during exertion.
- Heart Failure
When the heart muscle is too weak or stiff to pump effectively, fluid can build up in the lungs, making breathing harder.
- Heart Valve Disorders
Leaky or narrowed valves force the heart to work harder, leading to fatigue and breathlessness.
- Arrhythmias
Irregular heart rhythms can reduce cardiac output, leaving you feeling short of breath.
The Overlap With Non-Cardiac Causes
Not all breathlessness is heart-related. Lung conditions (like asthma or COPD), anaemia, and even deconditioning from inactivity can cause similar symptoms. That’s why getting a proper diagnosis is essential – guessing can delay needed treatment.
Why Early Diagnosis Changes Everything
Catching heart-related breathlessness early allows for treatments that can slow disease progression, improve quality of life, and in some cases, reverse damage.
At KidsHeart Medical Center, our adult cardiology specialists in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain offer:
- Echocardiography to assess heart muscle and valve function
- Stress testing to evaluate how your heart responds to exertion
- Cardiac MRI and CT scans for detailed imaging when needed
- Holter or Cardiac Event to uncover Arrhythmia
- Comprehensive risk assessments, especially for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of heart disease
UAE Lifestyle Factors That Can Mask or Worsen the Problem
- Heat and dehydration – The summer climate can strain the heart and make breathing feel harder.
- Indoor inactivity – Many residents spend long hours sitting, reducing lung and heart efficiency.
- Fasting patterns during Ramadan – Large meals after fasting can briefly raise heart workload.
- Smoking and shisha – Both irritate the lungs and increase cardiovascular strain.
These factors can make it harder to tell whether breathlessness is “normal” or a warning sign – which is why screening is so important.
Practical Steps to Support Your Breathing and Heart Health
- Stay active with low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling indoors.
- Drink enough water, especially in hot weather.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on both heart and lungs.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Schedule annual heart checkups if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Breathing Shouldn’t Be Hard Work
If you find yourself stopping to catch your breath more often than before, don’t ignore it – even if you think you’re just tired or out of shape. Your body is excellent at sending early warning signs, and shortness of breath is one you can’t afford to overlook.
If you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain and have noticed unusual breathlessness, our cardiology team can help you find the cause and create a personalised treatment plan.