Dubai expat recalls near-death ordeal after heart attack

heart attack

Ali's near-death experience after a heart attack in Dubai left him grateful for the timely medical intervention. Despite living alone as an expat, the swift response of medical specialists and the efficient services of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) saved his life. Dr. Shaheen Ahmad, an interventional cardiologist at Zulekha Hospital Dubai, recounted the critical moments when Ali was brought to the emergency room. Despite limited initial information, the medical team initiated CPR and successfully restored his heartbeat after intense resuscitation efforts. Further diagnostic procedures revealed a triple vessel disease, with one artery entirely blocked, putting Ali's life at risk. However, prompt identification of ECG changes and immediate primary angioplasty ensured his survival. Ali underwent a meticulous procedure where a blood clot was removed, and normal blood flow was restored after stent deployment. Dr. Ahmad emphasized the importance of teamwork across different departments in ensuring a successful outcome. He also dispelled the misconception that heart attacks only affect senior citizens, highlighting that they can occur in younger age groups as well. Ali expressed deep gratitude to the ambulance team and the medical staff at Zulekha Hospital Dubai for their compassion and expertise, which helped him overcome the terrifying ordeal. Reflecting on his experience, Ali acknowledged that while being alone in a foreign land during a health crisis was terrifying, the support he received restored his faith in humanity and strengthened him.