It’s late in the evening. You’ve just finished a heavy dinner, settled on the couch, and suddenly, there’s a sharp discomfort in your chest. Your mind races: Is this a heart attack? In the UAE, where busy schedules, long working hours, and family responsibilities often leave little time for self-care, chest pain can be a frightening experience. But not all chest pain signals a cardiac emergency. Understanding the differences can help you act quickly – and wisely – when it matters most.
Why Chest Pain Causes So Much Worry
Chest pain is one of the most common reasons adults rush to the emergency room. Here in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, our adult cardiology Cconsultant often see patients who feared the worst, only to discover the cause was something less serious, such as indigestion or muscle strain. That said, never ignore chest discomfort until you know the cause – some cases are urgent and life-threatening.
Common Causes of Chest Pain (Other Than a Heart Attack)
- Angina
Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It is not a heart attack, but it’s a warning sign that your heart is under strain.
- What it feels like: Pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest, often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress.
- When to worry: If the pain eases with rest but returns during activity, you should book an ECG or echocardiogram to check your heart’s condition.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a common condition in the UAE, especially with late-night meals, high caffeine intake, and rich diets.
- What it feels like: Burning sensation behind the breastbone, often after eating, sometimes accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth.
- When to worry: If symptoms are frequent or disrupt sleep, they should be evaluated – GERD can mimic heart-related pain.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
High-pressure jobs, traffic stress, and family commitments can fuel anxiety. Panic attacks can cause chest tightness so severe it feels like a heart attack.
- What it feels like: Sharp chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness.
- When to worry: Although anxiety itself isn’t life-threatening, these symptoms should be checked to rule out a cardiac cause, often with a stress test.
- Muscle Strain
Chest wall pain can result from heavy lifting, poor posture at a desk, or even intense coughing.
- What it feels like: Localised pain that worsens with movement or touch.
- When to worry: If pain doesn’t improve with rest and gentle stretching over a few days, see your doctor.
When It Is a Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms can vary, but in the UAE’s adult population, the most common warning signs include:
- Persistent chest pressure or pain lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness
In the UAE, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, accounting for more than one-third of all fatalities. Risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles are widespread – particularly among adults aged 30 to 55.
If you suspect a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself.
Why UAE Residents Need to Be Extra Alert
Hot weather, high-stress work environments, and dietary patterns during occasions like Ramadan can influence heart health. For example:
- Fasting followed by large, rich meals can strain the heart.
- Outdoor exertion in extreme heat can trigger dehydration-related chest discomfort.
- Smoking, including shisha, significantly increases cardiovascular risk.
These lifestyle and environmental factors make it essential for residents to stay informed and proactive about chest pain symptoms.
How Our Cardiology Team Can Help
Our goal is to help you identify the cause of your chest pain quickly, so you can receive the right treatment – whether it’s lifestyle guidance, medication, or urgent intervention.
Chest pain should never be ignored. While it isn’t always a heart attack, it’s not worth guessing when your health is at stake. Learning the differences between angina, GERD, anxiety, muscle strain, and a true cardiac emergency could save your life.
If you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain and have concerns about chest discomfort, our team at KidsHeart offers advanced diagnostics and personalized care.