Fadi Healthcare, Treatment

Can Smartwatches Really Detect Heart Problems? Here’s What You Should Know Dubai

In recent years, smartwatches have evolved from simple fitness trackers to personal health monitors. From tracking steps and sleep to monitoring heart rates and sending health alerts, these devices promise a closer look at your wellbeing.

But how reliable are these features when it comes to detecting heart problems? Can your smartwatch actually catch serious conditions like irregular heart rhythms or even a heart attack?

As a practicing cardiologist in Dubai, I regularly see patients concerned about alerts from their smartwatches. Let’s take a closer look at what these devices can — and cannot — do for your heart.

How Do Smartwatches Monitor Your Heart?

Most modern smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit Sense, come equipped with sensors that measure:

  • Heart rate
  • Heart rate variability (HRV)
  • Blood oxygen levels (SpO₂)
  • Single-lead ECG recordings (in certain models)

These devices use a technology called photoplethysmography (PPG), which shines light through the skin to detect changes in blood flow. Some also have built-in electrodes to record basic ECG tracings, capable of identifying potential heart rhythm issues.

What Can a Smartwatch Detect?

While not a replacement for clinical tools, some smartwatches are FDA-approved to detect signs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) — a common irregular heart rhythm that raises stroke risk.

Smartwatches can also alert users to:

These notifications act as helpful early warnings, prompting users to seek a proper medical evaluation.

What Can’t a Smartwatch Detect?

It’s important to be realistic about their limitations. Smartwatches are not designed to diagnose or detect:

They may also miss subtle or infrequent rhythm changes and can’t replace the accuracy of a 12-lead ECG or continuous heart monitoring in a clinical setting.

 Are Smartwatch Readings Accurate?

For tracking resting heart rates and step counts, most smartwatches are fairly reliable.

When it comes to detecting AFib via a single-lead ECG, devices like the Apple Watch have shown good accuracy in studies like the Apple Heart Study.

However, no device is perfect. Smartwatches can produce:

  • False positives, where the watch notifies you of an issue when there’s none
  • False negatives, where a real problem goes undetected

Accuracy can also be affected by factors such as skin tone, tattoos, wrist movement, or how tightly the watch is worn.

Should You Rely on Your Smartwatch for Heart Health?

Smartwatches are valuable tools for raising awareness and tracking general heart patterns, but they should be treated as supportive devices — not diagnostic ones.

If your smartwatch sends you an alert about an irregular heartbeat, rapid pulse, or unusual ECG result:

  • Stay calm
  • Don’t dismiss it
  • Schedule a consultation with a cardiologist for a detailed check-up

For people with known heart conditions or a family history of heart problems, these devices can help monitor trends and prompt timely medical attention.

Advice for My Patients in Dubai

During my consultation, I advise patients to:

  • Use their smartwatch as a complementary health tool
  • Pay attention to changes in heart rate trends or symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath
  • Seek professional evaluation for any concerning alerts or if they feel unwell

While technology makes it easier to stay proactive about heart health, it doesn’t replace expert clinical care.

Final Thoughts

Smartwatches have brought personal heart health monitoring into the hands of everyday users. They’re surprisingly helpful for keeping track of heart rates and detecting possible signs of arrhythmias like AFib.

However, while your smartwatch might flag a potential problem, it cannot diagnose or manage heart conditions on its own. If you experience unusual symptoms or receive an alert from your device, the safest step is to consult a heart specialist.

Book your heart health check-up today at www.dubaicardiology.com and stay ahead of your heart health — with the perfect balance of smart technology and expert care.

Fadi Healthcare, Treatment

How Summer Heat Affects Your Heart: What Every Dubai Resident Should Know

As temperatures in Dubai climb past 40°C, it’s not just your comfort at risk — your heart health can suffer too. Most people associate hot weather with dehydration or sunburn, but the effects on the cardiovascular system are often overlooked.

For those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or anyone active outdoors, it’s important to understand how extreme heat stresses the heart. In this article, we’ll explain why heat affects your heart, who’s most at risk, and how to stay safe during the UAE’s hottest months.

Why Does Heat Affect the Heart?

When exposed to high temperatures, your body works harder to stay cool. It:

  •         Widens blood vessels (vasodilation) to release heat
  •         Increases heart rate to pump more blood to the skin
  •        Triggers sweating to regulate body temperature

These natural reactions place extra strain on your heart, especially in people with underlying heart problems like hypertension, arrhythmias, or heart disease.

In extreme heat, your body also loses fluids and vital electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. This can lower blood volume and pressure, making your heart work harder to circulate blood efficiently — increasing the risk of complications.

Who’s Most at Risk?

While anyone can be affected by heat-related heart stress, certain groups are more vulnerable:

  •         People with high blood pressure
  •     Patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease
  •     Older adults, whose bodies don’t regulate temperature as well
  •        Diabetics
  •     Those taking medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, or antihypertensives
  •        Outdoor workers and athletes

Even healthy people should stay cautious during heatwaves, especially when humidity is high, which reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweat.

How Can Heat Impact the Heart?

The effects of heat on your heart can range from mild to severe. Common issues include:

  •        Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
  •        Low blood pressure due to fluid loss
  •        Dizziness or fainting from dehydration
  •        Arrhythmias triggered by electrolyte imbalances
  •        Worsening of existing heart conditions
  •        In severe cases, heatstroke, which can lead to multi-organ failure and cardiac complications

If you have a history of heart problems, your heart is less equipped to handle this added workload.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Certain signs during hot weather should never be dismissed. Act quickly if you experience:

  •         Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  •         Extreme fatigue or weakness
  •         Dizziness or lightheadedness
  •         Shortness of breath
  •         Nausea or vomiting
  •         Cold, clammy skin
  •         Chest pain or tightness

These could signal heat exhaustion, dehydration, or a serious heart problem and should be checked by a doctor immediately.

How to Protect Your Heart in Dubai’s Summer

You can dramatically reduce your risk by taking a few simple precautions:

  1. Stay Well-Hydrated:
    Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If sweating heavily, replace lost electrolytes with appropriate fluids — avoid sugary or energy drinks.
  2.   Avoid Outdoor Activity During Peak Heat:
    Limit outdoor walks, exercise, or labor-intensive tasks to early mornings or evenings.
  3.  Dress for the Heat:
    Wear loose, breathable, light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.
  4.  Review Your Medications:
    Some heart medications affect how your body reacts to heat. Discuss with your cardiologist whether you need to take extra care during the hotter months.
  5. Take Frequent Breaks in Cool, Shaded Areas:
    Rest regularly to allow your body to recover from heat exposure.
  6. Listen to Your Body:
    Don’t ignore symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or chest discomfort. Acting early can prevent serious complications.

Final Thoughts

Dubai’s intense summer heat can seriously impact your heart health. Understanding how your body responds to heat and knowing when to be cautious is crucial — especially if you have existing heart conditions or other risk factors.

If you notice unusual symptoms during hot weather, or if you have a history of heart disease, it’s wise to consult a cardiologist.

Dr. Fady Turquieh provides tailored heart care for all seasons, with extra precautions for the summer months.

Book your heart check-up today at www.dubaicardiology.com and stay heart-safe this summer.

Fadi Healthcare, Treatment

MRI and Heart Screening: Unlocking the Secrets to a Healthier Heart Dubai, UAE

In a city known for its futuristic skyline and world-class amenities, Dubai is also making waves in the healthcare sector, particularly in advanced diagnostic technologies like MRI and heart screening. These cutting-edge tools are revolutionizing the way health conditions are detected and managed, offering residents and visitors access to preventive care that is both precise and proactive.
Whether you’re looking to assess your heart health or uncover hidden medical issues, Dubai’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert medical professionals like Dr. Fady Turquieh are setting new standards in diagnostic excellence.

The Role of MRI in Modern Diagnostics

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for repeated use.

One of the key advantages of MRI is its ability to provide high-resolution images of soft tissues, which are often difficult to visualize with other imaging methods. For example, an MRI can detect early signs of multiple sclerosis, identify ligament tears in the knee, or reveal the extent of damage caused by a stroke.

Heart Screening: A Lifesaving Preventive Measure

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 17.9 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This represents 32% of all global deaths, making it a critical public health issue. However, early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Heart screening in Dubai encompasses a range of tests designed to assess cardiovascular health. These screenings are particularly important for individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.

Cardiac MRI, in particular, has become a game-changer in heart screening. It provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, allowing doctors to evaluate blood flow, detect blockages, and assess damage from heart attacks.

Who Should Consider MRI and Heart Screening?

While MRI and heart screening are beneficial for everyone, they are particularly recommended for:

  • Individuals over the age of 40, as the risk of heart disease increases with age.
  • Those with a family history of cardiovascular conditions or other hereditary diseases.
  • People experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats.
  • Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to ensure their heart is in optimal condition.
  • Anyone interested in a thorough health check-up as part of a proactive approach to wellness.

The Future of Diagnostics in Dubai

As Dubai continues to invest in healthcare innovation, the future of diagnostics looks promising. Emerging technologies, such as AI-powered imaging analysis and 3D MRI, are set to further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of screenings. Additionally, the city’s focus on medical tourism is driving the development of specialized diagnostic centers, making Dubai a global destination for advanced healthcare services.

Conclusion

MRI and heart screening in Dubai represent the pinnacle of modern diagnostic care. By combining cutting-edge technology with expert medical expertise, these services offer a powerful tool for early detection and prevention.
 
Dr. Fady Turquieh, a leading cardiologist provides patients with accurate diagnoses and personalized care. Whether you’re looking to assess your heart health, investigate unexplained symptoms, or simply take a proactive approach to your well-being, Dubai’s world-class facilities and experts like Dr. Fady Turquieh are here to help.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—take charge of your health today. Book an MRI or heart screening with Dr. Fady Turquieh in Dubai and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your health is in the best hands.