Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common yet often underdiagnosed vascular condition caused by narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the limbs. Identifying risk factors early is key to preventing serious complications like limb loss, heart attack, or stroke.
At our Dubai vascular clinic, we focus on early detection and tailored treatment plans to protect your vascular health.
What Is PAD?
PAD occurs when plaque (fat and cholesterol) builds up in the arteries, most often in the legs, limiting blood flow. This leads to symptoms such as:
The most preventable risk factor—damages arteries and reduces blood flow.
2. Diabetes
Increases the risk of both PAD and diabetic foot complications.
3. High Blood Pressure
Weakens arterial walls and promotes narrowing.
4. High Cholesterol
Elevated LDL contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.
5. Age Over 50
PAD risk rises significantly after age 50.
6. Family History
Genetic predisposition plays a major role.
7. Lack of Exercise
Physical inactivity contributes to several PAD risk factors.
8. Obesity
Often linked with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
9. Kidney Disease
Impaired kidney function increases PAD risk and severity.
When to See a Vascular Specialist
If you experience leg cramps, walking difficulty, or persistent foot wounds, consult a vascular expert. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent severe outcomes such as amputation or stroke.
Q1: Can PAD be reversed? While plaque buildup cannot be completely reversed, lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures can significantly slow progression and relieve symptoms.
Q2: Is PAD only a leg problem? No. PAD is a systemic condition linked to heart disease and stroke. If you have PAD, your risk of cardiovascular events is also elevated.
Q3: Does PAD always require surgery? Not always. Many patients benefit from conservative management, but those with severe narrowing or ulcers may require procedures like angioplasty or stenting.
Final Thoughts
PAD is a serious but manageable condition when detected early. If you have one or more risk factors, don’t delay evaluation. Protect your circulation—your limbs and life may depend on it.
Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Advanced Vascular Treatments in the UAE
Intermittent claudication is one of the earliest and most important warning signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)—a condition that affects thousands of people in the UAE, especially those over 50 or with cardiovascular risk factors. The condition causes leg pain during walking or physical activity due to reduced blood flow. Left untreated, it can progress and affect your mobility, independence, and overall cardiovascular health.
At vascular-surgeon.ae, we specialize in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of intermittent claudication and arterial disease in Dubai and across the UAE, offering personalized care and the latest technology.
pain in calf during walking could be a sign of intermittent claudication
What Is Intermittent Claudication?
Intermittent claudication is caused by atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in the arteries supplying blood to your legs. As these arteries narrow, muscles receive less oxygen during physical activity, leading to a cramping or aching pain that improves with rest.
This discomfort usually starts in the calves but can also affect the thighs or buttocks depending on the artery involved. It is often one of the first signs of a circulatory problem that requires vascular assessment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, intermittent claudication is a common symptom of PAD, and early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
Symptoms of Intermittent Claudication
Leg cramps, heaviness, or burning pain when walking
Pain that disappears at rest
Weak pulses in the lower limbs
If you live in the UAE and experience any of these symptoms, particularly during warm weather walking or long periods of activity, a vascular screening is recommended.
Who’s at Risk in the UAE?
The following individuals are at increased risk of intermittent claudication and PAD, especially in the UAE’s urban and high-risk population:
People over age 50
Smokers or former smokers
Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
People with sedentary lifestyles
Patients with a family history of vascular disease
Given the high prevalence of diabetes and heart disease in the UAE, intermittent claudication is a symptom that should never be ignored.
Diagnosing Claudication in Dubai
At our vascular clinic in Dubai, we use modern, non-invasive diagnostics to assess blood flow:
Doppler ultrasound
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
CT angiography or MR angiography
These tools help pinpoint arterial blockages and guide treatment planning for patients across the UAE.
Vascular Treatments for Intermittent Claudication in Dubai
We offer internationally recognized treatments adapted to the needs of patients living in Dubai and the UAE.
Lifestyle Changes
Quitting smoking
Supervised walking programs
Managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes
Weight control and healthy diet (adapted for UAE lifestyle)
Supervised or unsupervised exercise programs
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a balloon catheter to reopen narrowed leg arteries. It is performed at our Dubai facility under local anesthesia and offers same-day discharge in most cases.
Arterial Stenting
When the artery requires long-term structural support, we insert an arterial stent—a small metal mesh tube that holds the artery open. This is a common step in treating UAE-based patients with moderate to severe narrowing.
Arterial Lithotripsy
Arterial lithotripsy is ideal for patients in the UAE who have calcified or hardened arteries. It uses sound wave energy to break apart calcium, allowing safer and more effective ballooning and stenting.
Surgical Bypass
In advanced cases, especially with multiple or long-segment blockages, we may perform bypass surgery using your own vein or a synthetic graft. This is done in select patients across Dubai and the UAE after thorough assessment.
Why Choose vascular-surgeon.ae?
Dr. Soroush Sohrabi is a UK-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon with decades of experience treating patients in Dubai and abroad. He provides world-class vascular diagnostics and interventions, including:
Full Doppler assessments
Balloon angioplasty, stenting, and lithotripsy
Non-surgical and surgical limb salvage
Personalized treatment plans adapted to your lifestyle in the UAE
Book a Vascular Consultation in Dubai
If you live in the UAE and experience leg pain when walking, don’t ignore it. Intermittent claudication is a sign of a deeper vascular problem. Get the answers and treatment you need from one of Dubai’s leading vascular specialists.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, restricting blood flow to the limbs. Understanding the risk factors that contribute to PAD is critical for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.
In the UAE, lifestyle-related health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension are prevalent, contributing to increased awareness and diagnoses of PAD.
Peripheral artery disease
Why Risk Factors Matter
Risk factors don’t just raise your chances of developing PAD—they can influence how quickly the condition progresses and how severe the symptoms become. Identifying and addressing these factors early can delay onset, reduce complications, and improve overall vascular health.
Major Risk Factors for PAD
Below are the most significant contributors to PAD, many of which are common and preventable:
Diabetes: Chronic high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and impair circulation.
Smoking: Tobacco use accelerates arterial damage and increases the likelihood of blood clots.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Over time, increased pressure weakens arterial walls.
High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol leads to plaque buildup inside arteries.
Obesity: Excess weight contributes to hypertension, diabetes, and sedentary habits.
Age Over 50: Risk increases with age, particularly when combined with other conditions.
Family History of Vascular Disease: A genetic predisposition can raise your risk.
Diagnosing PAD in At-Risk Individuals
Early detection in high-risk individuals is key. Doppler ultrasound, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) test are very useful as initial tests to determine the presence of PAD.
Reducing Your Risk: Lifestyle Modifications That Work
Making the following changes can significantly reduce your PAD risk:
Stop smoking completely
Manage diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication
Keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control
Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet
Incorporate regular walking or low-impact aerobic activity
When to See a Specialist
If you fall into one or more of the high-risk categories listed above, it’s important to consult a vascular specialist even if symptoms are mild or absent. Early PAD can be silent but may progress to serious complications like ulcers, gangrene, or limb loss.
What to do if you are in the UAE / Dubai
Risk factor management and early intervention are central to PAD care. In Dubai, consultants such as Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, a UK-trained vascular surgeon, provides tailored assessments and minimally invasive treatments for patients at risk. His approach is rooted in evidence-based care, international fellowship training, and patient education.
Book a Vascular Risk Assessment
If you are concerned about your risk for PAD, early evaluation can make all the difference. Visit www.vascular-surgeon.ae to book a consultation with Dr. Soroush Sohrabi.
FAQs
Q: I have diabetes—should I be screened for PAD? A: Yes. Diabetics are at significantly higher risk and should undergo regular vascular assessments.
Q: Does quitting smoking reduce my risk even if I smoked for years? A: Absolutely. Quitting at any stage slows arterial damage and improves circulation.
Q: Can PAD be prevented entirely? A: While not all cases can be prevented, managing risk factors can delay onset and reduce severity.
Q: Are PAD risk factors the same as heart disease risk factors? A: Many are shared, including smoking, hypertension, and high cholesterol. PAD often coexists with coronary artery disease.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the UAE: What You Need to Know
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that affects blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. It occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, reducing oxygen-rich blood supply. While often overlooked, PAD can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated early. In the UAE, the prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, and sedentary habits has contributed to an increased awareness and diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) as a growing vascular concern
Peripheral Artery Disease
Early Signs and Symptoms
PAD can develop gradually and may go unnoticed in its early stages. Common symptoms include:
Leg pain or cramping during walking (claudication)
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Coldness in the lower leg or foot
Slow-healing sores on the toes, feet, or legs
Changes in skin colour or loss of hair on the legs
These symptoms are often dismissed as signs of aging or fatigue, but they may indicate serious arterial narrowing. If you experience any of these signs, early vascular evaluation is essential.
Risk Factors for PAD
The following conditions significantly increase the risk of developing PAD:
Diabetes
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Age over 50
Family history of vascular disease
PAD is more common in individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. In particular, diabetic patients in the UAE are at elevated risk due to the impact of high blood sugar on arterial walls.
Understanding the Progression of PAD
Without timely intervention, PAD can progress from mild symptoms to critical limb ischemia—a condition in which blood flow to the extremities becomes severely compromised. This may lead to non-healing wounds, infections, tissue loss, and eventually amputation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these outcomes and preserve limb function.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Early detection of PAD is crucial. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination and diagnostic imaging. A Doppler ultrasound is often used to assess blood flow and identify arterial blockages. In some cases, an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test or CT angiography may be required.
Treatment for PAD depends on the severity of the condition. Options include:
Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, adopting a balanced diet, managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and engaging in a regular walking program can significantly improve symptoms and slow disease progression.
Medication: Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin or clopidogrel) may be prescribed to reduce the risk of clot formation. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), antihypertensives, and medications to improve walking distance (cilostazol) are also common.
Minimally invasive procedures: In cases where blood flow is severely restricted, image-guided procedures such as angioplasty (using a balloon to open the artery) or stenting (placing a mesh tube to keep the artery open) are effective.
Surgical intervention: In advanced cases, bypass surgery may be required to reroute blood flow around the blocked arteries.
Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, a UK-trained consultant vascular surgeon in Dubai, offers a comprehensive range of PAD treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. His expertise in minimally invasive techniques ensures better outcomes with shorter recovery times, allowing patients to return to daily life quickly and safely.
“One of my patients, a 62-year-old man with longstanding diabetes and smoking history, presented with calf pain, non-healing foot ulcers, and visible skin changes. A Doppler assessment revealed multiple areas of arterial narrowing. The patient underwent angioplasty with stenting, followed by a supervised walking program. Within three weeks, his ulcers healed significantly, and he was able to walk longer distances without pain.”
Preventing PAD: What You Can Do
Prevention is crucial, especially for individuals with risk factors. Here are some steps to lower your risk:
Stop smoking immediately
Maintain a healthy weight and BMI
Monitor and control blood sugar if diabetic
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol through medication and diet
Exercise regularly, especially walking
Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity
These changes not only reduce the risk of PAD but also improve heart health and overall circulation.
PAD treatment in Dubai
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) requires careful evaluation and management by a qualified vascular specialist. In Dubai, consultants such as Dr. Soroush Sohrabi—trained in the UK, Australia, and the US—offer evidence-based care supported by modern diagnostic and minimally invasive treatment options.
Book a Consultation
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of PAD, don’t delay treatment. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and preserve quality of life. Visit www.vascular-surgeon.ae to book your consultation with Dr. Soroush Sohrabi.
FAQs
Q: Is PAD the same as poor circulation? A: PAD is a form of poor circulation, specifically due to narrowed arteries restricting blood flow to the limbs.
Q: Can PAD be cured? A: While PAD can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and interventions.
Q: Is PAD a serious condition? A: Yes. If untreated, it can lead to limb ischemia, ulcers, gangrene, or even amputation.
Q: Does PAD only affect older adults? A: While PAD is more common in those over 50, younger individuals with diabetes, high cholesterol, or a smoking history are also at risk.
Q: When should I see a vascular surgeon for PAD? A: If you experience leg pain while walking, skin discoloration, cold limbs, or non-healing wounds, it’s important to consult a vascular specialist as soon as possible.
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