It’s a moment no parent forgets—your child clutches their chest and says, “It hurts here.” In a place like Dubai, where children are constantly moving between school, sports clubs, and weekend outings, chest pain can understandably cause alarm.
But when should you worry? And how can you tell if it’s something minor like muscle strain or a potential heart concern?
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we often meet families in our Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain clinics with this very question. Here’s what every UAE parent should know.
Chest Pain in Children: Usually Not a Heart Problem
First, a bit of reassurance. Most cases of chest pain in children are not caused by heart disease. Studies show that fewer than 2% of these cases are actually cardiac in nature. The most common causes include strained chest muscles after play or sports, respiratory infections like asthma or bronchitis, acid reflux, or even anxiety and emotional stress.
While these causes are typically harmless, it’s important to be aware of the signs that might suggest something more serious. Our pediatric cardiology team is trained to help families make this distinction with confidence and care.
When to Suspect a Heart-Related Cause
Although rare, there are certain red flags that may point toward a cardiac issue. If your child experiences chest pain during physical activity, such as running or playing sports, or if it comes with symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or a fluttering heartbeat, it’s time to dig deeper. A family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac arrest also increases the need for a careful evaluation.
Another concern is if your child shows signs of bluish lips or skin (called cyanosis), or if your pediatrician has previously detected a heart murmur. In some cases, lingering chest pain after a viral illness could signal inflammation of the heart muscle, a condition known as myocarditis.
Learn more about when to worry on our Chest Pain in Children page.
What We See in the UAE
In the UAE, congenital heart disease affects approximately 8 in every 1,000 newborns. That means some children are born with structural heart issues that may not become noticeable until they grow older and become more active. Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, mitral valve prolapse, or coronary artery abnormalities may show up as chest pain or discomfort.
This is why early screening and continuous monitoring are so essential. Our pediatric cardiology services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain are equipped with specialized diagnostic tools and child-focused protocols to catch these signs early.
What to Expect During a Cardiac Check-Up
If your child is referred to a pediatric cardiologist, the visit is typically simple and non-invasive. It starts with a discussion about the child’s symptoms and any relevant family history. We then perform a physical exam and diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). These tests are quick, painless, and specially adapted for children.
Our diagnostic services, like Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Trans-thoracic Echocardiography, are available in all three branches and help provide clarity and reassurance to families quickly. In more complex cases, we may use Holter monitoring to track heart rhythm over 24 to 72 hours, especially if symptoms come and go.
Should You Wait or Act?
Mild, occasional chest pain that occurs at rest and without any other symptoms is usually not a cause for concern. But if the pain keeps coming back, disrupts sleep, or is linked to physical activity or fainting, it’s time to act. Parents should also seek help if the pain worsens, or if their child seems unusually tired, pale, or short of breath.
In such situations, early assessment can make a real difference. Our goal at KidsHeart is to ensure children in the UAE receive timely and appropriate cardiac care, minimizing risk and supporting healthy development.
A Local Approach to Heart Care
Life in the UAE moves fast, and with so many opportunities for sports and outdoor activity, children often push their limits. It’s easy for chest discomfort to go unnoticed or be brushed off as fatigue or indigestion. But heart health should never be left to chance.
At KidsHeart, we combine American- and UK-trained pediatric cardiologists with advanced, child-friendly equipment to make your visit reassuring and efficient. Whether you’re based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain, you’ll find specialized support just a call away.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s chest pain is harmless or a sign of something deeper, don’t guess. Let us help.