Abu Dhabi woman successfully treated for spasms undetected for long

Mari Kirsten

Mari Kirsten's journey began with seemingly minor symptoms, but soon escalated into debilitating chest pain that severely impacted her daily life. Enduring months of prolonged pain, Kirsten's condition remained undiagnosed until it was revealed to be a serious cardiac disorder that made her vulnerable to a heart attack.

Living in constant fear of a heart attack, Kirsten's symptoms disrupted her ability to walk, sleep, and carry out her usual activities. The 61-year-old Abu Dhabi resident, originally from South Africa, recounted experiencing severe chest pain while walking around the mall, initially dismissing it as heartburn. However, as the pain persisted and intensified, Kirsten sought medical attention, only to face challenges in diagnosis.

Routine cardiac tests failed to pinpoint the cause behind her symptoms, prompting a referral to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for more advanced testing. Under the care of Dr. Ashraf M. Al Azzoni, a staff physician in cardiovascular medicine at the Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute (HVTI), Kirsten underwent a comprehensive assessment that revealed severe spasm and epicardial coronary arteries, confirming the diagnosis and guiding tailored treatment.

Successfully treated through Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's pioneering invasive microvascular dysfunction and coronary spasm program, Kirsten's case sheds light on the prevalence of often-undetected cardiac issues. The hospital's HVTI facility has diagnosed and treated approximately 100 patients for microvascular dysfunction and coronary spasm, highlighting the importance of specialized care in managing complex cardiac conditions.

Dr. Ronney Shantouf, another staff physician at HVTI, emphasized the significance of accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment in improving patients' quality of life. Many patients with these conditions experience recurrent chest pain, often incorrectly attributed to stress or anxiety. Through the program, the hospital aims to increase awareness and provide tailored care to enhance patients' well-being.

Kirsten's remarkable turnaround underscores the importance of early diagnosis and specialized care in managing complex cardiac conditions. With the support of the Spasm Support Group led by the hospital, Kirsten expressed gratitude to the entire team for their exceptional expertise and support, highlighting the transformative impact of comprehensive cardiac care on her life.

As medical advancements continue to evolve, initiatives like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's invasive microvascular dysfunction and coronary spasm program play a vital role in improving patient outcomes and enhancing cardiac care in the region. Through early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment, patients like Mari Kirsten can reclaim their quality of life and overcome the challenges posed by complex cardiac conditions.