Managing a heart condition doesn’t mean giving up on the life you love. But in the UAE—where extreme summer heat, busy work schedules, and frequent travel are part of daily reality—living well with a cardiac diagnosis takes planning and awareness.
At KidsHeart, our Adult Cardiology team in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain helps patients with heart conditions balance medical care with their daily routines. Here are practical tips tailored for life in the UAE.
Coping With the UAE Climate
The UAE’s hot, humid summers can be especially tough on people with heart conditions. High temperatures put extra strain on the cardiovascular system, making it harder to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Stay indoors during peak heat hours (11am–4pm). Choose malls, indoor gyms, or shaded areas for activity.
- Stay hydrated wisely. Sip water throughout the day, but avoid overhydration if you’re on fluid restrictions.
- Dress in light, breathable clothing to reduce strain from overheating.
- Monitor swelling or breathlessness—heat can worsen fluid retention in those with heart failure.
Our Shortness of Breath evaluations help ensure that heat-related symptoms aren’t masking something more serious.
Staying Active Safely
Exercise is important for heart health, but it must be tailored to your condition.
- Choose indoor activity during summer months. Swimming, treadmill walking, and yoga are excellent options.
- Start slow and progress gradually. Even 10-minute walks add up.
- Avoid sudden bursts of effort. Consistency is safer than overexertion.
- Use stress testing when advised. Our Stress Testing services help define safe limits for exercise.
Diet and Dining in the UAE
With diverse cuisines and frequent family gatherings, sticking to a heart-healthy diet can feel challenging. But small adjustments go a long way:
- Limit fried foods and heavy late-night meals. Opt for grilled or baked versions.
- Watch your salt intake. Traditional pickled foods and restaurant meals often contain hidden sodium.
- Balance Ramadan fasting carefully. Break fast with light, healthy foods rather than heavy fried dishes.
- Stay consistent with medications. Work with your doctor to adjust dosing schedules if fasting.
Our Hypertension and Lipid Disorder clinics support patients in making practical, sustainable dietary changes.
Travel Tips for Heart Patients
Whether traveling within the GCC or internationally, preparation matters:
- Carry a medical summary with diagnosis, medications, and recent test results.
- Pack extra medication in both hand luggage and checked bags.
- Stay active during flights. Walk the aisle or stretch legs every couple of hours to prevent blood clots.
- Check insurance coverage for emergencies abroad.
- Avoid high-altitude or extreme adventure trips without clearance from your cardiologist.
Pre-travel checks, including Preoperative and Cardiac Travel Evaluations, provide added safety before longer trips.
Managing Stress and Rest
Busy lifestyles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi often come with long commutes, late work hours, and limited downtime. Stress directly affects the heart through higher blood pressure, poor sleep, and unhealthy coping habits like smoking.
- Practice stress management. Even 10 minutes of breathing exercises or prayer can lower heart strain.
- Prioritize sleep. Aim for 7–8 hours; untreated sleep apnea may worsen heart problems.
- Seek help for smoking cessation. Our Smoking Cessation Counselling provides tailored support to quit safely.
Living Confidently With a Heart Condition
Heart conditions require care, but they don’t have to limit your lifestyle. With proactive planning, smart daily habits, and medical support, adults in the UAE can continue to work, travel, and enjoy family life safely.
At KidsHeart, our Adult Cardiology clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain offer comprehensive support for daily living with heart disease—from diagnostic testing to lifestyle counselling.
to schedule a heart health review and learn how to adapt your lifestyle without missing out on the things that matter most.