Pakistani Expat in Dubai Survives Rare Heart Rupture After Emergency Surgery

Pakistani Expat in Dubai Survives Rare Heart Rupture After Emergency Surgery

Dubai, UAE – September 29, 2025 — A 53-year-old Pakistani businessman has made a remarkable recovery after surviving a rare and life-threatening heart complication at Aster Hospital, Qusais.

A Life-Threatening Emergency

Shah Nawaz was admitted to the hospital with severe chest pain lasting four days, radiating to his jaw, and accompanied by fever. Tests revealed that he had suffered a major anterior wall heart attack — considered one of the most serious forms of cardiac emergencies.

Further examinations revealed reduced heart muscle activity and a Ventricular Septal Rupture (VSR), a rare complication where a tear forms in the wall dividing the heart’s chambers. This condition can cause blood to flow into the lungs instead of circulating properly in the body, leading to severe breathing problems and often proving fatal if not treated immediately.

High-Risk Surgery with a Positive Outcome

The case was highly complex due to Nawaz’s weakened heart tissue and recent heart attack. A multidisciplinary team of surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and intensive care specialists collaborated to stabilize him.

The surgical team successfully repaired the ventricular rupture and performed Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) to improve blood circulation. Remarkably, Nawaz was removed from the ventilator on the same day, required no blood transfusion, and was discharged just four days later. Doctors confirmed his heart function had improved significantly.

What Is a Heart Rupture?

A heart rupture occurs when damaged or weakened heart muscle tears after a severe heart attack. Depending on the site, it may involve the heart wall, the septum between the ventricles, or the muscles controlling the valves.

Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:

• Severe chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Very low blood pressure or fainting

• Rapid heartbeat and sweating

• Bluish skin and confusion

Without urgent surgery, survival is extremely rare.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

Dr. Sandeep Shrivastava, Consultant in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, stressed that prevention remains the best approach. He advised controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol; quitting smoking; limiting alcohol; exercising regularly; and following a heart-healthy diet.

Patients with existing heart conditions should also adhere to prescribed medications and attend regular follow-up check-ups.

Treatment for ruptures typically involves surgical procedures such as VSR repair, heart wall patching, or bypass grafting. In some cases, temporary devices like intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) or ECMO may be used to stabilize patients before surgery.

A Case of Timely Medical Intervention

Doctors at Aster Hospital noted that Shah Nawaz’s case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and coordinated medical care. With swift action, even one of the most critical cardiac emergencies can be successfully managed, offering hope to patients facing similar challenges.