Two recent deaths of UAE residents during sports activities have brought renewed attention to the potential risks of undiagnosed heart conditions, even among seemingly healthy individuals. Within four days, a 38-year-old cricketer in Dubai collapsed and died on June 14, followed by the sudden passing of a 42-year-old badminton player in Ajman on June 17. These incidents have prompted medical professionals to caution that an active lifestyle does not necessarily guarantee a healthy heart.

Cardiologists stress that underlying cardiac issues can remain hidden until an individual experiences a medical emergency during physical exertion or undergoes specific testing. “Being young, slim, or physically active does not always mean the heart is healthy,” said Dr Harb Abubaraka, consultant interventional and non-invasive cardiology at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Many residents in the UAE identify as “weekend athletes,” engaging in strenuous activities such as cricket, football, badminton, or cycling mainly during weekends after a sedentary workweek. Dr Harb explained that sudden, intense exercise can place added stress on the body, particularly if a person’s cardiovascular system is not regularly conditioned. This sporadic activity may temporarily elevate the risk of heart attacks, dangerous arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac arrest in individuals with undetected heart disease. The risk factors increase in people who smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart conditions.

Medical experts also clarified the distinction between heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest, terms often used interchangeably. A heart attack results from blocked blood flow to part of the heart muscle, with symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath, though the heart usually continues beating. Sudden cardiac arrest, by contrast, involves the heart’s electrical system failing abruptly, causing unconsciousness and cessation of normal breathing. Without immediate medical intervention, including CPR and defibrillation, death can occur within minutes. It is possible for a person to experience one without the other or both sequentially.

Medical professionals advise individuals to be vigilant for seven warning signs that could indicate underlying heart issues: chest pain or pressure during exercise, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, palpitations, extreme fatigue after activity, a family history of heart disease, and the assumption that physical fitness equates to heart health.

Dr Shipra Srivastava, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Aster Hospital in Al Qusais, emphasized that cardiac conditions such as hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, electrical abnormalities, or coronary artery disease can affect younger people and may remain undiagnosed until a critical event occurs. She noted that the misconception that heart disease primarily affects older adults is misleading.

Additionally, the extreme heat and dehydration prevalent during the UAE summer can exacerbate risks during outdoor exercise. Dehydration may cause electrolyte imbalances and muscle cramps, while heat and humidity force the cardiovascular system to work harder to regulate body temperature. Doctors recommend staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat hours for exercise, and allowing the body time to acclimate.

Experts recommend that individuals planning to engage in intense physical activity undergo medical evaluations, particularly adults over 35 and those with existing risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of heart disease. Basic screenings including blood pressure measurement, blood sugar, cholesterol tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), and stress tests can help identify potential issues.

Despite the warnings, doctors encourage continued physical activity but advise maintaining consistent exercise routines rather than sudden intense exertion. They urge individuals to take warning signs seriously and seek medical advice as needed. “Most of the casualties during heavy and unacclimatised sports happen due to pre-existing and undiagnosed conditions,” Dr Shipra said. “To say that sports are the cause of fatality is not always true.”