Heart palpitations in Dubai: Which Doctor to See
Heart palpitations are the sensation of a fast, fluttering, pounding or skipped heartbeat that you can notice in your chest, throat or neck. They are a common complaint and often temporary; many people experience occasional palpitations with no serious underlying heart disease.
A wide range of issues can cause palpitations. Some are cardiac (related to the heart’s rhythm or structure) and others are non‑cardiac — for example, stress, caffeine, dehydration, low blood sugar, thyroid problems, or certain medications. In Dubai, factors such as heat, dehydration, desert dust exposure, air‑conditioning and the active expatriate lifestyle can contribute to triggers but are only part of a clinical picture a doctor will review.
When to seek urgent care
- •Chest pain or pressure with palpitations
- •Passing out, near‑fainting, or sudden severe dizziness
- •Shortness of breath at rest or with minimal activity
- •Palpitations that are severe, prolonged (more than an hour) or getting steadily worse
- •Sweating, nausea, or palpitations after a hard blow to the chest
If any of these apply, call 998 (Dubai ambulance) or go to the nearest emergency department. Emergency numbers
Conditions a doctor may consider
Commonly associated causes — only a doctor can diagnose which (if any) applies to you.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
A group of fast heart rhythm problems that start above the heart’s ventricles. Episodes often start and stop suddenly and may cause rapid, regular palpitations that last minutes to hours.
Atrial fibrillation (AF)
An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm where the upper chambers (atria) quiver. AF can cause fluttering, rapid heartbeat, breathlessness or fatigue and requires evaluation because of stroke risk in some people.
Premature ventricular or atrial contractions (PVCs/PACs)
Extra or early heartbeats that many healthy people experience. They can feel like a skipped beat or a strong thump and are often benign but may be investigated if frequent or bothersome.
Anxiety or panic attacks
Periods of intense anxiety or panic commonly cause palpitations along with sweating, breathlessness and a sense of dread. A clinician will assess whether symptoms are primarily anxiety‑related.
Thyroid or other metabolic causes
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), low blood sugar, or electrolyte disturbances can produce palpitations. Blood tests help identify these non‑cardiac contributors.
Medication or stimulant effects
Caffeine, nicotine, some cold and asthma medicines, certain supplements and other drugs can trigger palpitations. A doctor will review your medicines and supplements during assessment.
Which specialist should you see?
A cardiologist (a doctor specializing in heart conditions) is the specialist who evaluates recurrent or concerning palpitations. Cardiologists assess heart rhythm, structure and function; if needed they involve an electrophysiologist (a cardiologist who focuses on heart rhythm disorders) for advanced rhythm testing or procedures.
For first‑time, mild or clearly recent palpitations without red flags, starting with a general practitioner (GP) or family physician is appropriate. A GP can perform an initial exam, basic tests (pulse, blood pressure, ECG, blood tests), address reversible causes, and arrange referral to cardiology if further evaluation is needed.
While you wait for your appointment
- •Stop exertion and sit or lie down in a safe place until symptoms ease.
- •Try slow, steady breathing and relax your shoulders — anxiety and panic can amplify palpitations.
- •Reduce or avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol until you see a doctor.
- •Drink water if you may be dehydrated, especially in hot weather or after physical activity.
- •Note the time, duration, triggers and accompanying symptoms so you can report them to your clinician.
What to expect at the visit
At the appointment the clinician will take a focused history (when the palpitations started, how long they last, what triggers them, past medical history and medications) and do a physical exam checking pulse and blood pressure. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and any wearable or app recordings of your heartbeat if available.
Common tests include a resting ECG (electrocardiogram) and blood tests (for thyroid function, electrolytes). If palpitations are intermittent, you may be offered ambulatory heart monitoring (such as a 24–48 hour Holter monitor or a longer event monitor), an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) or referral to an electrophysiologist for specialized testing.
Top-rated cardiology facilities in Dubai
95 matching facilities, ranked by DubaiMed Rating.
Prime Medical Center - Barsha Heights
Prime Medical Center - Barsha Heights has consistently positive patient reviews praising attentive doctors, supportive nursing staff, and smooth, punctual appointment handling. Public evidence is strong on patient experience and clinical interactions but limited on formal credentials, pricing, and detailed facility descriptions (no website content provided).
Dr Marc Takla
Dr Marc Takla is a highly rated cardiologist in Dubai with consistent 5-star patient reviews praising his communication, attentiveness, and bedside manner. Available evidence is mainly patient reviews and a hospital listing (Emirates Hospitals) naming him as a French board‑certified cardiologist, with limited publicly available details on pricing or facility specifics.
Dr. Shereef ElBardisy د. شريف البرديسي
Dr. Shereef ElBardisy is a highly praised cardiologist in Al Barsha Third with consistently excellent patient reviews highlighting strong communication, compassion, and coordinated care. Public evidence is strong on patient experience and clinical competence from reviews but sparse or absent regarding facilities, pricing, and formal credentials (no website content provided).
Life Medical Centre – Al Qusais
Life Medical Centre – Al Qusais shows consistently excellent patient feedback for bedside manner, communication, and efficient service, with multiple reviewers praising specific doctors and staff. The website lists a broad set of specialties and claims experienced, board-certified clinicians, but public evidence about formal accreditations, pricing transparency, hours or parking is limited.
Aster Hospital, Al Qusais
Aster Hospital Al Qusais is a large, modern multispecialty hospital with consistently positive patient reviews praising doctors and nursing staff, especially in obstetrics and perioperative care. The website and reviews note extensive facilities (ICU, NICU, cath lab, OTs) and strong digital/technology adoption, but the provided evidence has little on pricing transparency or formal accreditations.
International Modern Hospital
International Modern Hospital (IMH) in Al Raffa scores strongly on patient experience and clinical reputation based on consistent 5-star patient reviews (notably for obstetrics and surgery) and the hospital’s website claims of recent renovation, 24/7 services and ACHS International accreditation. Public evidence is strong on clinical care and patient satisfaction but sparse on pricing transparency and operational details like wait times or parking.
Dr. Syed Adnan Munaf
Dr. Syed Adnan Munaf is a highly praised pediatrician/pediatric cardiologist in Dubai with consistently excellent patient reviews highlighting clear communication, gentleness with infants, and reassuring explanations. Evidence is strong for clinical bedside manner and pediatric cardiac care, but information about facilities, access, pricing, and formal credentials is limited in the provided evidence.
Life Medical Centre - Jumeirah Village Circle, Circle Mall
Life Medical Centre – Jumeirah Village Circle (Circle Mall) has consistently excellent patient reviews noting caring staff, clear communication, and successful treatments (especially dental). The clinic advertises a broad range of specialties and online booking, but public evidence about pricing and external accreditations is limited.
Dr Yasir Parviz
Dr Yasir Parviz is presented as a UK Board–certified interventional cardiologist practicing within the Emirates Hospitals network in Jumeirah; patient reviews consistently praise his professionalism, communication and the supportive care from his nurse, Fatima. Website credentials and repeated positive patient comments support strong clinical reputation, but evidence is limited on facilities and pricing details.
Zulekha Medical Centre
Zulekha Medical Centre in Al Twar/Al Qusais receives consistently positive patient reviews emphasizing skilled dental and pediatric care, friendly staff, and a clean clinic environment. The website documents a wide range of departments, 24/7 contact options and appointment channels, but public evidence is limited on pricing transparency and formal accreditation details.
Life Medical Centre - Deira City Centre
Life Medical Centre - Deira City Centre shows consistently excellent patient feedback for friendly, communicative doctors and helpful front‑desk staff, with reports of quick appointments and a pleasant clinic environment. The clinic's website lists many specialties and online booking, but publicly available evidence is limited on formal accreditations, pricing transparency, and specific facility/equipment details.
Life Medical Centre - DWTC
Life Medical Centre - DWTC shows consistently excellent patient experience in available reviews, especially for obstetrics/gynecology care, with multiple patients praising doctors, staff support and cleanliness. The clinic's website lists many specialties and online appointment booking, but published information on pricing, formal accreditations, hours or detailed credentials is limited in the provided evidence.
Heart palpitations in Dubai — FAQs
Common questions about heart palpitations and seeing a specialist in Dubai.
Sources & editorial note
This guide is consistent with public patient guidance from: NHS, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, MedlinePlus.
This page is informational only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed doctor about your symptoms. In an emergency call 998.