Expert Cardiology Advice
Heart disease remains the world's leading cause of death, yet it rarely strikes without warning. In many cases, the heart sends subtle signals weeks or even months before a major cardiac event. Knowing these early signs — and acting on them — is the difference between prevention and crisis. As one of Dubai's most trusted cardiac specialists, Dr. Muhamed Shaloob at JTS Medical Centre urges patients never to dismiss symptoms that could indicate an underlying heart condition.
Chest Pain, Pressure, or Tightness
Any discomfort in the chest — pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain — is one of the most classic warning signs of heart disease. It may come and go or persist. Never dismiss chest pain as indigestion without medical evaluation.
Unexplained Shortness of Breath
Feeling breathless during routine activities or while at rest — without an obvious cause — can signal that your heart is struggling to pump blood effectively. This is a hallmark symptom monitored by every heart specialist in Dubai.
Extreme Fatigue and Weakness
Persistent tiredness — especially in women — that goes beyond normal exhaustion can be an early sign of heart failure or coronary artery disease. When your heart can't pump efficiently, your body runs low on energy.
Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat
Feeling your heart flutter, pound, race, or skip a beat could indicate arrhythmia — an abnormal heart rhythm. Occasional palpitations may be benign, but frequent episodes warrant an ECG assessment from one of the best cardiologists available.
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles or Feet
Oedema — fluid accumulation in the lower extremities — often indicates that the heart is not moving blood efficiently. When the heart's pumping weakens, fluid backs up into the veins and seeps into surrounding tissue.
Dizziness, Lightheadedness or Fainting
Sudden dizziness, feeling faint, or actually losing consciousness can be caused by the heart pumping too little blood to the brain. This can occur with certain arrhythmias or structural heart problems and requires urgent evaluation.
Nausea, Indigestion or Stomach Pain
Heart attacks — particularly in women — can mimic gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms, combined with any other warning sign, should prompt immediate cardiology assessment.
Cold Sweats Without Obvious Cause
Breaking out in a cold, clammy sweat — especially when accompanied by chest discomfort or shortness of breath — is a red flag for a possible cardiac event. This is the body's stress response to a compromised cardiovascular system.
Jaw, Neck, Shoulder, or Arm Pain
Cardiac pain often radiates far beyond the chest. Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, shoulders, or down the left arm is a classic sign of a heart attack. This referred pain pattern is caused by shared nerve pathways between the heart and the upper body.
Persistent Cough or Wheezing
A long-lasting cough — particularly one that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus — can indicate fluid build-up in the lungs due to heart failure. When the heart fails to pump effectively, fluid accumulates in the pulmonary system.
When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately
If you experience chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes, sudden shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, sudden dizziness or fainting, or cold sweats with nausea — call emergency services immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Early intervention is critical and can save your life
Who Is at Higher Risk?
High blood pressure
Silent damage to artery walls over time
Diabetes
Elevates risk of coronary artery disease significantly
High cholesterol
Leads to arterial plaque build-up
Smoking
A major independent risk factor for a heart attack
Obesity
Strains the heart and promotes inflammation
Family history
Genetic predisposition to cardiac events
Sedentary life>
Weakens cardiovascular fitness over time
Chronic stress
Raises blood pressure and inflammatory markers
5 Steps to Protect Your Heart Today
1. Schedule a cardiac check-up. Even without symptoms, a routine cardiovascular screening — including blood pressure, cholesterol, ECG, and stress testing — is the most reliable way to catch early-stage disease.
2. Adopt a heart-healthy diet. Reduce saturated fat, processed sugars, and excess sodium. Prioritise vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3-rich fish.
3. Stay physically active. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. Even brisk walking significantly reduces cardiac risk.
4. Know your numbers. Monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels regularly. Uncontrolled values silently damage the heart over years before symptoms appear.
5. Don't ignore symptoms. If something feels wrong with your heart — trust that instinct. Consult a heart specialist in Dubai without delay. Early diagnosis changes outcomes dramatically.
Dr. Muhamed Shaloob | Interventional Cardiologist — JTS Medical Centre, Dubai
Recognised as one of the best cardiologists in Dubai, Dr. Muhamed Shaloob brings decades of experience in interventional cardiology, preventive heart care, and complex cardiac diagnostics. Patients across the UAE trust his expertise for both routine screenings and advanced cardiac procedures.
