Vascular and Veins Care

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  • The Hidden Danger: How Peripheral Artery Disease Increases Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

    Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is often thought of as a condition that only affects the legs—but the truth is far more serious. PAD is not just a localized circulation issue; it’s a warning sign of widespread arterial disease. Individuals with PAD face a significantly higher risk of both heart attack and stroke.

    Understanding this connection is essential—not just for managing leg symptoms, but for protecting your life.

    Carotid artery disease can lead to stroke in patients with PAD

    PAD Is a Red Flag for Systemic Atherosclerosis

    PAD occurs when fatty deposits (plaques) narrow the arteries in the legs, limiting blood flow. But the same atherosclerotic process usually affects arteries throughout the body—including those supplying the heart and brain.

    If you have PAD, there’s a 70% chance you also have coronary or cerebrovascular disease, even if you don’t have symptoms yet.

    🔗 Trusted Reference – Mayo Clinic on PAD and cardiovascular risk

    The Link Between PAD, Heart Attack, and Stroke

    PAD is considered a cardiovascular risk equivalent—meaning your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke is similar to someone who already has heart disease.

    Here’s how PAD contributes to cardiovascular events:

    • Plaque instability in one artery often signals similar instability elsewhere
    • Reduced circulation affects oxygen delivery to vital organs
    • Inflammation and endothelial damage from PAD promote clot formation
    • Coexisting risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and smoking multiply the danger

    Alarming Statistics

    the statistics from a publication on Mayo clinic website are truly alarming

    Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

    While PAD often causes leg symptoms, the underlying cardiovascular risk can be silent. Be alert to:

    • Chest pain or pressure
    • Shortness of breath
    • Leg pain while walking (claudication)
    • Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
    • Transient vision loss or slurred speech

    How to Reduce Your Risk

    1. Get Diagnosed Early

    If you have risk factors—age over 50, diabetes, smoking history, or high cholesterol—schedule a vascular screening. We use Doppler ultrasound and ABI testing for early PAD detection.

    2. Control Underlying Conditions

    Managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels significantly reduces your cardiovascular risk.

    3. Adopt Lifestyle Changes

    • Quit smoking
    • Follow a heart-healthy diet
    • Exercise regularly
    • Maintain a healthy weight

    4. Medical & Surgical Options

    In advanced PAD, angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be required to restore circulation and reduce heart stress.

    Explore arterial treatments

    FAQs

    Q1: Why does PAD increase the risk of stroke?
    PAD reflects widespread arterial damage, including in the neck (carotid arteries). If plaques travel to the brain or cause clots, stroke can result.

    Q2: Should all PAD patients take blood thinners?
    Your doctor may prescribe antiplatelet therapy like aspirin or clopidogrel to reduce clot risk, depending on your overall cardiovascular profile.

    Q3: Can treating PAD reduce my heart attack risk?
    Yes. By addressing the underlying vascular disease and modifying risk factors, you not only improve leg symptoms but dramatically lower your risk of heart-related events.

    When to See a Vascular Specialist in Dubai

    If you’ve been diagnosed with PAD—or have symptoms like leg pain or cold feet—don’t delay evaluation. Treating PAD is not just about improving mobility—it’s about preventing life-threatening events.

    📞 Book your consultation with Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon in Dubai or visit vascular-surgeon.ae.

  • Understanding the Risk Factors of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

    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:

    • Leg pain while walking (claudication)
    • Numbness or weakness
    • Cold feet or legs
    • Slow-healing wounds on the feet or toes

    🔗 Read more about PAD – Mayo Clinic

    Major Risk Factors of PAD

    1. Smoking

    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.

    📍 Schedule your consultation in Dubai

    How PAD Is Diagnosed

    We provide:

    • Doppler Ultrasound
    • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing
    • CT or MR Angiography for advanced imaging

    Learn more about vascular treatments in Dubai

    FAQs

    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.

    📞 Book your consultation today with Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, consultant vascular surgeon in Dubai.

  • Intermittent Claudication: A Warning Sign of Peripheral Artery Disease

    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.

    👉 Understand Peripheral Artery Disease in more detail

    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.

    ✅ Book your appointment now
    📍 Located in City Walk and Al Wasl Road, Dubai
    🩺 Learn more about Peripheral Artery Disease
    🔧 Explore Angioplasty, Stenting, and Lithotripsy

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the UAE: What You Need to Know

    Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the UAE: What You Need to Know

    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.

    Learn more from Mayo Clinic

    PAD Treatment Options in Dubai

    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.