You’re sitting in a meeting, sipping your coffee, when suddenly your heart feels like it’s skipping a beat – or racing for no reason. It passes in seconds, but you’re left wondering: Is this dangerous?
In the UAE, where work stress, long hours, and lifestyle factors often collide, heart palpitations are a frequent reason adults visit a cardiologist. While they are often harmless, sometimes they signal a deeper heart rhythm problem that needs attention.
What Exactly Are Palpitations?
Palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating too fast, too hard, skipping beats, or fluttering. Some people describe them as a “flip-flop” feeling in the chest, others as a steady pounding. They can happen when you’re resting, exercising, or even lying in bed at night.
Palpitations are not a diagnosis – they are a symptom. The key question is whether they are linked to a harmless cause or to a heart rhythm disorder, known as arrhythmia.
Common Causes of Palpitations
- Stress and Anxiety
High-pressure jobs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, combined with constant digital connectivity, can trigger palpitations. Stress hormones increase heart rate, sometimes causing a fluttering sensation.
- Caffeine and Stimulants
Coffee, energy drinks, and certain medications can cause temporary heart rhythm changes. In the UAE’s café culture, multiple daily coffees are common – but if palpitations follow, it may be time to cut back.
- Dehydration and Heat
The UAE’s extreme summer heat can lower blood volume through dehydration, making the heart work harder and beat irregularly.
- Thyroid Problems
An overactive thyroid can speed up your heart, while an underactive thyroid can slow it down. Both can trigger noticeable palpitations.
- Arrhythmias
Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or extra heartbeats (premature contractions) can cause palpitations. Some are harmless, others increase stroke or heart failure risk.
When Palpitations Need Urgent Attention
Most palpitations are brief and harmless, but you should seek immediate medical care if they occur with:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- A known history of heart disease
In the UAE, where cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking are common, ignoring these symptoms can be dangerous.
How We Diagnose the Cause
At KidsHeart Medical Center, our adult cardiology team offers comprehensive testing to pinpoint the cause of palpitations, including:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) – a quick test that records your heart’s electrical activity
- Holter monitoring – continuous recording for 24–72 hours to catch irregular rhythms
- Stress testing – to see how your heart behaves during activity
- Cardiac Event – Monitoring heart beats for 7 days
Our American and UK-trained cardiologists use these results to tailor a treatment plan that could range from lifestyle adjustments to medication or minimally invasive procedures.
Living in the UAE? Here’s How to Reduce Your Risk
- Stay hydrated, especially during hot months.
- Limit caffeine and avoid energy drinks.
- Manage stress through regular exercise, deep breathing, or mindfulness.
- Maintain regular heart health checkups if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease.
Your Heart’s Whisper – Listening Before It Shouts
Palpitations are your body’s way of saying, Pay attention to me. Most are harmless, but some are an early sign of heart rhythm disorders that need prompt treatment. The earlier we investigate, the better the outcome – and the greater your peace of mind.
If you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain and have experienced recurring palpitations, our team at KidsHeart offers advanced rhythm monitoring and personalized care.