Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) recently treated a 61-year-old patient, Mary Kirsten, who had been experiencing debilitating chest pain for months. Initially, her symptoms were attributed to heartburn, but further testing revealed a serious cardiac disorder that put her at risk of a heart attack. Kirsten underwent an invasive microvascular disease and spasm assessment at CCAD, where she was diagnosed with severe spasm and epicardial coronary arteries. Dr Ashraf M. Al Azzoni led Kirsten’s case and tailored a treatment plan to alleviate her symptoms.
CCAD’s groundbreaking invasive microvascular dysfunction and coronary spasm programme has treated over 100 patients in the past year. This programme focuses on providing complex diagnosis and treatment for microvascular angina and coronary spasm using wire technology and specialised medication injections. Dr Azzoni emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in managing these often-undetected cardiac issues, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. The programme aims to increase awareness and provide personalized treatment for these conditions to improve the overall well-being of patients.
Dr Ronney Shantouf, who is also a staff physician at CCAD’s Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute (HVTI), highlighted the recurrent chest pain experienced by patients with these conditions, often misattributed to stress or anxiety. The goal of the programme is to fill a critical gap in cardiac care by offering accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment for these overlooked conditions. Kirsten’s recovery and participation in the Spasm Support Group at CCAD demonstrate the positive impact of early diagnosis and expert care in managing complex cardiac conditions.
Early diagnosis and specialized care play a crucial role in managing complex cardiac conditions such as microvascular dysfunction and coronary spasm. CCAD’s innovative programme aims to provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for these often-overlooked conditions to improve the quality of life for patients. The success of Kirsten’s treatment at CCAD highlights the importance of specialized care and support in managing debilitating cardiac symptoms and underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive cardiac care to patients in the region.
The hospital’s HVTI facility has successfully diagnosed and treated numerous patients with microvascular dysfunction and coronary spasm, showcasing the prevalence of these cardiac issues that often go undetected. The programme’s diagnostic techniques and targeted medication regimens have proven to alleviate symptoms and enhance patients’ ability to engage in physical activities. CCAD’s team of expert physicians, led by Dr Azzoni and Dr Shantouf, collaborate to provide individualized care and support to patients with complex cardiac conditions, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and specialized treatment in improving outcomes and quality of life.
