UAE Doctors Warn of Silent Heart Conditions in Teenagers: Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

Abu Dhabi / Sharjah – The sudden collapse of seemingly healthy teenagers is a rare but serious concern, and doctors in the UAE are urging parents to be aware of hidden heart conditions that can remain undetected for years.

The concern was highlighted following the tragic death of a 17-year-old girl in Sharjah, who was active and healthy with no known medical issues. Her death was reported as a result of cardiac arrest, a condition that experts say is often caused by electrical problems in the heart rather than blocked arteries, which are extremely rare in young people.

According to Dr. Rahul Chaudhary, Head of Cardiology at International Modern Hospital, sudden cardiac arrest in teenagers is uncommon but typically linked to genetic or structural heart issues that may only become apparent during physical activity, stress, or even sleep.

Many young people show no symptoms at all. The heart’s electrical system can suddenly fail due to hidden conditions, making early detection challenging,” Dr. Chaudhary explained.

Dr. Anil Prahalada Rao Kumar, interventional cardiologist at Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, said such cases are particularly observed among athletes and individuals with inherited heart conditions. Common underlying conditions include:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle)
Long QT syndrome
Brugada syndrome
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Congenital coronary artery abnormalities

In some cases, viral infections affecting the heart can also trigger dangerous rhythms. These conditions can remain silent for years, giving little or no warning until the first serious event occurs.

Dr. Georgie Thomas, consultant interventional cardiologist at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, emphasized that triggers can include intense exercise, dehydration, fever, lack of sleep, high caffeine intake, or certain medications.

Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Doctors advise vigilance if a teenager experiences:

Unexplained fainting or collapse, especially during activity
Chest pain or pressure during exercise
Palpitations or a racing heartbeat
Sudden breathlessness
Seizure-like episodes with normal brain tests
Extreme fatigue disproportionate to activity
A family history of sudden death, early pacemaker use, or unexplained drowning

Silent heart conditions often give subtle clues. Palpitations, dizziness, or brief loss of consciousness shouldn’t be ignored,” said Dr. Thomas.

Preventive Measures and Response

Parents are encouraged to consider cardiac screening for children involved in competitive sports, those showing concerning symptoms, or those with relevant family history. Screening may include: