Our circulatory system, comprising arteries, veins and capillaries that carry oxygen to our cells as well as remove waste from them, plays a vital role in keeping us alive. However, even the healthiest among us don’t pay much attention to it until, of course, the smooth flow of blood is hindered creating bodily symptoms - a pain here; a swelling there; a wound that won’t heal; numbness that won’t go away. Dr Mohamed Rafaar Okelah, Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai and one of the most distinguished vascular and endovascular surgeons in the region, explains that poor blood circulation can cause a lot of problems whether it affects the arteries or the veins. Arteries that transport blood with oxygen and nutrients can gradually develop blockages giving rise to a condition called chronic ischemia. “A lot of people in the UAE suffer from chronic ischemia due to the prevalence of diabetes, which also causes delay in wound healing and feet deformity,” says Dr Okelah. “Whereas a sudden blockage in an artery, or acute ischemia, is a surgical emergency that requires immediate attention.” Another major concern is aneurysm, the weakening or dilation of the arterial wall, which can rupture leading to life-threatening problems. Cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments ensure results at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai