Vascular Medicine in Abu Dhabi

Vascular medicine, also known as angiology, is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all problems that involve the lymphatic and circulatory systems outside of the heart. These problems can involve:

• Arteries, which is the blood vessel that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body.
• Veins, which is the blood vessel that delivers blood back to the heart.
• Lymphatic system, which is the network of vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

A physician who specializes in vascular medicine is called an avascular doctor or vascular medicine specialist. They are trained to provide comprehensive and effective care for all kinds of vascular diseases and conditions of the circulatory system. Some of the most common conditions are as follows:

• Peripheral arterial disease or claudication, which is blockages in the leg arteries that can cause pain when walking.
• Renal artery stenosis, which is blockages in the kidney arteries. It can contribute to chronic kidney disease and/or high blood pressure.
• Carotid artery stenosis, which is blockages in the kidney arteries. It can lead to a stroke.
• Venous problems, such as chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms, which is a bulging of the aorta. It can cause the aorta to rupture.
• Vasculitis, lymphedema, Raynaud’s, and varicose veins.

Vascular medicine doctors diagnose and treat all blood vessels conditions using numerous non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, such as:

• Abdominal aortic ultrasound
• Carotid ultrasound
• Venous and arterial ultrasound
• Wound care
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation
• Sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Anticoagulation management and monitoring.

How Long Should I Stay in Abu Dhabi?

Since most vascular medicine procedures can be performed as an outpatient procedure, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day. Still, you should plan to stay in Abu Dhabi for at least 3 to 7 days to let your body recover and attend a follow-up checkup, if necessary. However, this depends on the condition and the type of treatment you will have. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Different conditions and procedures have different recovery times. In many cases, you can expect to return to work immediately or within a couple of days and strenuous activities within 5 days or so. However, for more serious conditions, such as renal artery stenosis, longer recovery time may be needed.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you aftercare instructions, which normally include activity restrictions, dietary and exercise recommendations, as well as how to care for yourself at home. Following all of the instructions is important to avoid complications and to speed up your recovery. If your doctor prescribes you medicines, make sure to take them as directed. For certain diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis, you may need to see your doctor regularly for scans to check your blood clots. If you cannot travel multiple times to Abu Dhabi, you can choose to have the checkups with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

Over the last several decades, the clinical practice of vascular medicine has significantly changed. Understanding of vascular diseases is continuously expanding, resulting in the development of new therapeutic approaches. A better understanding of vascular conditions, new techniques, and technological advances have played crucial roles in improving the success rates and safety of vascular medical procedures.  

Are there Alternatives?

There is currently no alternative to vascular medicine. However, if your doctor thinks that you need surgery, they will refer you to vascular surgery. They will also refer you to a relevant specialist if your condition is found to be caused by something else unrelated to the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Vascular Medicine in and around Abu Dhabi

About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in the country due to its oil fields. Abu Dhabi is an advanced but conservative cosmopolitan city. In 2018, the city was ranked as the safest city in the world with the lowest crime index of more than 300 cities.

Culture, adventures, shopping malls, to coastal beauty; Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer that will leave anyone in awe. The city is filled with opulent architecture, making the skyline of Abu Dhabi a captivating view.

Abu Dhabi is now developing to be the region’s leading medical tourism destination. The government is working continuously to establish a world-class healthcare system. The city targets patients from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, Russia, China, and other parts of the world. Attracting top-quality doctors and a range of specialist services, Abu Dhabi focuses its procedures on cardiology, oncology, and executive screenings. A total of 16 public and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi offer a wide range of medical treatment with quality care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Ahalia Hospital Musafahl, and Burjeel Hospital are among the highest-regarded medical facilities in the city. The city attracts many medical tourists for the following reasons.

• Medical facilities with the highest standards and international accreditations.
• Treatment using cutting-edge technology.
• Medical interpreters who speak a range of languages.
• The best hospitality, at the hospital, and throughout the city.

Popular Areas in Abu Dhabi

With a beautiful mixture of ultramodern architecture and Islamic traditions, Abu Dhabi is packed with amazing attractions and exhilarating adventure.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the United Arab Emirates’ largest place of worship that attracts millions of tourists each year. The mosque is an architectural wonder, mesmerizing even to the little details. Tourists can choose to get a free one-hour guided tour to get the best insight into the religion and culture that surrounds the mosque.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum that has been open since 2017. The museum is showcasing artworks from around the world. Apart from the artwork, the architecture of the museum is also breathtaking with a web-patterned dome that allows sunshine to filter through.
• Al-Ain Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oasis has only been open to the public recently. It is full of palms and mango trees. Al-Ain Oasis is home to a 3000-year-old falaj irrigation system, the oasis provides an insight into the history of Abu Dhabi inhabitants.
• Ferrari World is the perfect place for tourists who want to celebrate all things, Ferrari. People come to this indoor theme park to experience Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster.
• Abu Dhabi Corniche is a beautiful clean beach with great views of turquoise waters and Abu Dhabi skyline that will not disappoint. Tourists can enjoy a day under the sun lounging on the beach, walk along Corniche Road, or admire the sunset.

Weather and Climate in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has a subtropical climate. The city enjoys sunny skies and hot temperatures throughout the year. Summer starts from May to September and the average temperature ranges between 38–42°C. During the hottest days, the temperature can get as high as 48°C. Winter starts from December to February, the average temperature is around 13-29°C. Rain mainly falls in winter.

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to April when the temperature is cooler and more pleasant.

Despite the heat in the summer, it is advised to always wear modest clothing as the locals do not welcome revealing or tight clothing. Lightweight and comfortable clothing are suitable most of the year.

Getting Around in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi International Airport serves more than 30 airlines that connect the city to more than 60 countries in the world. Etihad Airways dominates the airport terminal spaces. Abu Dhabi International Airport mainly serves major airlines, although budget airlines such as Airblue Limited and IndiGo also operate flights.

Tourists can choose the airport taxis, buses, or hire a car to get to their destinations from the airport. Airport taxis cost around 75AED to 85AED for a trip to the city center. If you want to take the airport bus, purchase a Hafilat card from the vending machine at the airport terminal bus stop.

There are many ways to get around Abu Dhabi. Taxis are relatively cheap and metered; tourists can flag down the taxis or order through a call center. Abu Dhabi also has a city bus that operates on 14 routes between 6.00 am to 11.00 pm, most fares are 2AED. Hiring a car can be a good way of getting to many destinations as it offers more flexibility. If you’re in Corniche or Yas Island, hiring a bike is the best choice to explore these Islands.

The ever-changing street names and numbering system can be confusing, so it is advisable to describe the landmark you are looking for.

Tourist Visas in Abu Dhabi

Citizens of 60 countries can get a free entry visa (30 or 90 days depending on the country) upon arrival. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens do not require a visa to enter Abu Dhabi. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa before entering Abu Dhabi through the nearest UAE embassy.

Tourists flying with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi International Airport can request a visa arrangement. All visitors are required to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham or Emirati Dirham (AED). 1 USD gets you around 3.7 AED. The notes are written in Arabic letters.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs and currency exchanges are available across the city. Hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Tipping is common, but not expected. Tipping a hotel and restaurant staff is at your discretion. Many high-end restaurants may add a service charge of around 10% and a tourism levy of around 6%.
3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken especially in the city center. Road and shop signs are written in Arabic and English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The culture in Abu Dhabi is deeply rooted in Arabia’s Islamic Tradition. Islam is the official religion but people can freely practice their religion as long as they don’t interfere with Islam.
5. Public Holidays: Ramadhan is hugely celebrated with the biggest festivals and the city is beautifully decorated. It is important to remember that during Ramadan, drinking, eating, and smoking at fasting hours (daylight) is illegal. Nightclubs are closed for the whole month. Other public holidays are the Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, the King’s Coronation Day, Diwali, and Chinese New Year.