Boy Saved from Rare, Life-Threatening Heart Condition at Aster Hospital Mankhool, Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) affects 4-6% of congenital heart defect cases and occurs in about 1 in every 2,900 live births.
Dubai: In a landmark case, Aster Hospital Mankhool, ranked No. 4 on Newsweek’s 2025 list of the UAE’s Best Hospitals, successfully treated 14-year-old Mazin Muntassir Hassan from Sudan for a rare congenital heart defect that had gone undiagnosed since birth.
Mazin was admitted after experiencing extreme fatigue, elevated blood pressure, and a blackout episode. Under the care of Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Head of Cardiology at Aster Hospitals & Clinics UAE, advanced tests revealed coarctation of the aorta (CoA)—a narrowing of the aorta that restricts blood flow. Although CoA occurs in about 1 in every 2,900 births, diagnosis during adolescence is extremely rare.
“CoA is typically caught in infancy or early childhood. Undiagnosed until 14, it posed a serious risk of lifelong hypertension, stroke, or heart failure,” said Dr. Naveed. “This case was unique because of the delayed diagnosis, and treating it at this stage required precision and care.”
Avoiding open-heart surgery, the team opted for a minimally invasive coarctoplasty with stent placement through the femoral artery. The procedure was a success, with Mazin’s blood pressure stabilising and energy levels significantly improving within 24 hours.
Mazin shared, “Before, I felt weak all the time. Now, I feel like I’ve got my life back.” His mother and brother, who were by his side throughout, expressed deep gratitude for the care and compassion shown by the Aster team.
This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and advanced cardiac expertise. Aster Hospital Mankhool continues to lead the region in high-risk cardiac interventions, offering hope and healing through innovation and world-class care.
