Pakistani Woman Undergoes Rare Second Heart Bypass in Dubai

Mahpara Ashraf, a 32-year-old Pakistani expat in Dubai, recently underwent emergency heart surgery for the second time in six months. Doctors at Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, performed a rare redo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure to save her life. Ashraf was admitted with unstable angina, a serious condition that increases the risk of a major heart attack. Tests revealed multiple blockages in her native arteries and most of the grafts from her first surgery, with only one still functioning.

She had several underlying health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and severe coronary artery disease. These factors made her case particularly complex.

The surgical team at Aster Hospital carried out four new bypass grafts during the emergency redo CABG. Remarkably, the operation was performed on a beating heart. Such procedures so soon after an initial surgery are extremely uncommon, representing just 2% of similar cases worldwide.

Ashraf’s recovery was smooth and without complications. After waking, she thanked the doctors and hospital staff for their life-saving care. The case underscores the need for regular follow-ups after heart surgery. Women, who account for only 20% to 30% of CABG patients globally, often face more challenges due to delayed diagnosis and additional health conditions. Ashraf’s successful treatment demonstrates the importance of prompt medical intervention.