Slow heart rate in Dubai: Which Doctor to See
A slow heart rate, also called bradycardia, means your resting pulse is lower than typical for adults. Some people—particularly well-trained athletes—naturally have a lower resting heart rate and feel well. For others, a slow rate can be related to medicines, medical conditions, or problems with the heart’s electrical system.
How common it is depends on the group: occasional mild slowing is common, but persistent or symptomatic bradycardia is less so and usually needs medical assessment. In Dubai, factors such as dehydration in hot weather, high indoor air-conditioning, vigorous exercise routines, and new or changed medications may be relevant triggers to mention to a clinician.
When to seek urgent care
- •Fainting or passing out (syncope) or recurrent near-fainting spells
- •Sudden chest pain or pressure, especially with breathlessness
- •Severe shortness of breath or difficulty speaking
- •Confusion, seizure, or collapse
- •Very slow pulse with weakness, dizziness, or inability to stay alert
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.
Medication effects
Several commonly used drugs (for example for high blood pressure or heart rhythm control) can slow the heart. A doctor will review all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as supplements.
Sinus node dysfunction
The sinus node is the heart’s natural pacemaker. If it becomes less active, the resting rate can be abnormally low and cause symptoms like tiredness or fainting.
Heart block (electrical conduction problems)
Electrical signals traveling through the heart can be delayed or blocked, leading to a slower heartbeat. This ranges from mild delays to more serious blocks that need urgent attention.
Metabolic or endocrine causes
Problems such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or imbalances of salt and minerals in the blood can slow the heart rate and are checked with blood tests.
Vagal overactivity
Increased vagal nerve activity—for example during fainting, after vomiting, or in response to intense heat or coughing—can transiently lower heart rate and may be situational.
Other heart disease
Conditions that affect the heart muscle or its structure, such as prior heart attack or inflammation, can involve the conduction system and contribute to bradycardia.
Which specialist should you see?
Cardiologists (heart specialists) are the main doctors who evaluate persistent or symptomatic slow heart rates. They assess whether the slow rate is harmless, caused by medicines or other conditions, or due to an electrical problem that may need intervention.
Your general practitioner (GP) or family doctor is a sensible first contact for a new or mild slow pulse—especially if you are otherwise well. A GP can take a history, check your pulse and blood pressure, review medications, order basic blood tests and an ECG (electrocardiogram), and then refer you to cardiology if needed.
While you wait for your appointment
- •Stop strenuous activity and sit or lie down safely if you feel dizzy or faint.
- •Keep well hydrated in Dubai’s heat; dehydration can worsen symptoms.
- •Make a list of all medicines, supplements, and recent doses to bring to the appointment.
- •Note when symptoms occur, what you were doing, and any triggers (exercise, heat, fainting).
- •Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the condition affects you.
What to expect at the visit
A specialist visit typically starts with questions about your symptoms (when they started, what brings them on), medical history, and a review of medicines. The doctor will examine you, measure pulse and blood pressure, and listen to the heart.
Common tests include a 12-lead ECG, blood tests (for thyroid function and electrolytes), and often ambulatory monitoring such as a 24–48 hour Holter monitor or longer event recorder to capture rhythm over time. In selected cases you may have an exercise test, echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), or referral for pacing (pacemaker) assessment if an electrical problem is confirmed.
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.
Slow heart rate in Dubai — FAQs
Common questions about slow heart rate 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.