Arterial diseases are conditions that narrow or block the arteries – the blood vessels carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. Common arterial disorders include atherosclerosis (cholesterol plaque buildup), peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, and aneurysms. When arteries become narrowed or blocked, the organs and tissues they supply may not get enough blood, leading to pain or organ damage. In Dubai, our vascular surgery department provides comprehensive care for arterial diseases, using advanced endovascular procedures and personalized treatment plans. We emphasize early evaluation and healthy lifestyle guidance to improve circulation and prevent complications.
Symptoms of Arterial Disease
Symptoms depend on which arteries are affected. Common signs include:
Leg Pain (Claudication): Pain or cramps in the calf, thigh or buttocks during walking or exercise; usually eases with rest.
Limb Numbness or Weakness: One arm or leg may feel numb, weak or heavy, due to poor circulation.
Cold or Pale Extremities: An affected foot, leg, hand or arm may feel unusually cold or look pale/bluish.
Non-healing Wounds or Ulcers: Cuts or sores on the feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all because of reduced blood flow.
Chest Pain (Angina): Narrowed heart arteries can cause chest discomfort or shortness of breath during activity.
Dizziness or Confusion: Blockages in neck arteries (carotid disease) may lead to dizziness, confusion, slurred speech or stroke symptoms.
Diagnosis of Arterial Disease
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical exam, checking pulses and skin health in the limbs. Our vascular team then uses imaging tests to confirm disease:
Physical Exam and ABI: Doctors check pulses and compare blood pressure in the ankle and arm (Ankle-Brachial Index) to detect blockages.
Duplex (Doppler) Ultrasound: A painless scan that shows blood flow in the arteries and identifies narrowed or blocked segments.
CT Angiography / MR Angiography: Advanced 3D scans that map the arteries with contrast dye, highlighting blockages or aneurysms.
Angiography: A minimally invasive X-ray test where dye is injected through a catheter to directly visualize artery blockages or clots.
These tests allow precise mapping of arterial disease so the best treatment plan can be chosen.
Treatment Options for Arterial Disease
We offer a full range of treatments, often using minimally invasive endovascular procedures. Key options include:
Ultrasound-Guided Imaging: Duplex ultrasound is used during procedures to guide catheters and ensure precise treatment of blockages.
Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting: A tiny balloon is threaded into the narrowed artery and inflated to open it. A small metal stent is often placed to keep the vessel open.
Atherectomy: A catheter device is used to remove plaque from the artery wall, clearing blockages without open surgery.
Stent Grafts (Aneurysm Repair): For aneurysms (weakened arterial walls), a fabric-covered stent (graft) is placed via catheter to reinforce the artery and prevent rupture.
Thrombectomy: If an artery is blocked by a clot, this procedure mechanically removes the clot to restore circulation.
Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis: Clot-dissolving medication is delivered directly to a blockage through a catheter to clear a thrombus.
These minimally invasive procedures often mean less pain and faster recovery than traditional surgery. Our specialists will recommend the best option for your condition.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What lifestyle changes can help with arterial disease?
Healthy habits are a cornerstone of arterial disease management. Key steps include:
Quit Smoking: Stopping tobacco use is the single most important change.
Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking or moderate activity most days to improve circulation.
Heart-Healthy Diet: Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. Limit saturated fats and sugary foods.
Manage Health Conditions: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes under control with your doctor’s guidance.
These changes slow plaque buildup in your arteries and improve symptoms.
How can I prevent arterial disease or its progression?
Preventive measures include lifestyle habits and medical management:
Regular Check-ups: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of vascular disease, see your doctor for routine vascular screenings (such as blood pressure checks or Doppler ultrasound).
Medication Adherence: Take any prescribed blood pressure or cholesterol medications as directed to protect your arteries.
Healthy Habits: Continue exercising, eating well, and avoiding smoking as mentioned above.
By combining healthy habits with medical care, you can significantly reduce your risk and catch any problems early.
What are the risks if arterial disease is left untreated?
Untreated arterial blockages carry serious risks because tissues are deprived of blood. Possible complications include:
Heart Attack or Stroke: A blocked artery in the heart causes a heart attack; in the brain causes a stroke.
Chronic Leg Pain and Ulcers: Poor leg circulation may lead to persistent pain, non-healing ulcers, and tissue damage.
Limb Loss: In severe cases of PAD, critical lack of blood flow can cause gangrene and may require amputation.
Timely intervention greatly reduces these risks by restoring blood flow.
How long do treatments take and what is recovery like?
angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, clot removal) take 1–2 hours. Hospital stay is usually short (often same-day or one night), and most patients return to normal activities within a few days. If an open surgical repair (like a bypass) is needed, hospital stay and recovery may take longer (often one to two weeks in hospital plus several weeks of recovery). Your vascular surgeon will explain exactly what to expect.
Can arterial disease be cured?
Arterial disease (like atherosclerosis) is generally chronic, but it can be managed very effectively. Treatments open blocked arteries and relieve symptoms, and lifestyle changes can improve artery health. Many patients live long, active lives after treatment. Ongoing care—including healthy habits and medications—is usually necessary, but with our help you can keep arterial disease under control and prevent serious problems.