Michigan Cardiology and Michigan Heart Disease | Abdul Halabi, MD

MICHIGAN CARDIOLOGY

Leading the way as one of the top Michigan cardiology and Michigan heart care hospitals with a full array of cardiac treatments and programs that set new standards for heart care every day, that's the St. Joseph Mercy Oakland way. From heart valve replacement to coronary artery bypass, our doctors are at the forefront of heart procedures and treatments.

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE COPY
OF THE MEDICAL REPORT

Abdul Halabi, MD

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
Cardiologist

THE FACTS ABOUT PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE

Background

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a form of atherosclerosis, or
hardening of the peripheral arteries that occurs when the blood
vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs become narrowed
by accumulation of plaque. A common circulatory disorder,
PAD affects approximately 12 million Americans annually, most
frequently targeting the legs.

Podcast Posted: 4/25/2008
Duration: 01:01

Downloads
MP3 PDF

In severe cases, this blockage can result in a debilitating condition known as intermittent claudication - marked by pain in the calf or thigh muscles when walking even relatively short distances. Although the pain usually subsides when resting, it is likely to return as soon as activity resumes. In extreme cases, it can result in non-healing wounds and limb loss.

RISK FACTORS
Several risk factors are associated with PAD, including: diabetes, high levels of blood fat, high blood pressure, obesity, genetics and cigarette smoking. Tobacco use is the single most important risk factor for PAD. “If you are a smoker, it is important to stop,” says Abdul R. Halabi, MD and SJMO interventional cardiologist.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
“PAD tends to be an undiagnosed condition, often simulating other disease conditions,” adds Dr. Halabi. “Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving patient quality of life and preventing limb loss,” he warns. Also crucial in stopping or slowing the progression of PAD are dietary and lifestyle changes that can lower high levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Medications, such as aspirin or lipid lowering drugs, are prescribed for less serious conditions, while minimally-invasive therapies - such as angioplasty, atherectomy and stenting - are usually recommended
for more advanced cases.

CAUTIONS
Patients often assume that leg discomfort is a sign of arthritis, but it can also be an indicator of a blockage in the leg arteries. Diagnosis is very important since this can also be an indication of
more severe conditions. When arteries are damaged by atherosclerosis in one area of the body, such as the leg arteries, it is likely that arteries in other important locations, like the heart or brain, may also be affected. As a result, individuals with PAD are at an increased risk for heart disease, stroke and even death.

REFERRAL
Please contact the SJMO physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to find a SJMO cardiologist near you.

THE MEDICAL REPORT LIBRARY:

MICHIGAN CARDIOLOGY

	Carotid Artery Disease Nishit Choksi, MD Posted: 5/9/2008
	Cardiac Ablation Russell Steinman, MD Posted: 5/1/2008
	Peripheral Arterial Disease Abdul Halabi, MD Posted: 4/25/2008
	Women and Heart Disease Gheorghe Marinescu, MD Posted: 10/30/2007
	Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Kirit Patel, MD Posted: 10/30/2007
	Aortic Valve Replacement Nicholas Tepe, MD Posted: 10/30/2007

Page: 1 2 3