Dr. Russell Lam talks peripheral artery disease (PAD) with Alanna Sarabia on WFAA’s (ABC) “Good Morning Texas.” You can watch the full feature below.
Peripheral Artery Disease: Did You Know?
Read below for the interview.
Alanna Sarabia: If you’re over 50 and have diabetes, there’s a chance that you could have peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, and it could put you at a risk for heart attack or stroke. I got life-saving information from Doctor Russell Lam from Lam Vascular and Associates in Dallas.
Dr. Russell Lam: At Lam Vascular and Associates, we treat a wide variety of vascular diseases, including peripheral arterial disease, otherwise known as PAD.
Alanna Sarabia: But what exactly is PAD?
Defining Peripheral Artery Disease
Dr. Russell Lam: PAD is a common medical condition in which there is a build-up of plaques, which makes it difficult for blood to circulate. Over time, the arteries can be so narrow that makes it impossible for blood to flow and prevent oxygen from getting to the tissue, organs, and muscle. A normal artery should be free from any build-up and should allow for blood to circulate without any restriction.
Alanna Sarabia: And did you know there is a link between PAD and diabetes, which right now is at an epidemic level in the US?
Dr. Russell Lam: In fact, one out of three Americans over the age of 50 who has diabetes will also have PAD. Research shows that if you have PAD, you are four times more likely to die of a heart attack and twice as likely to suffer a stroke than the average person.
Alanna Sarabia: And, in addition to that really scary statistic, the risk factors are quite common, especially if you’re over 50 and have one of these symptoms.
Dr. Russell Lam: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high level of cholesterol in your blood, a history of smoking, or a history of heart disease or stroke, you may be at risk for PAD. Furthermore, if you are over the age of 70, you are automatically at risk for PAD.
Alanna Sarabia: If you’re experiencing any of these risk factors, you should probably ask your doctor to be tested for PAD. But what are your options?
Peripheral Artery Disease: Treatment Options
Dr. Russell Lam: An ankle-brachial index is a simple test that can be performed in your doctor’s office. The ratio between the blood pressure in the arm compared to the ankle is used to determine whether you have PAD. Your doctor may choose to prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure, reduce your cholesterol, manage your diabetes, and even prescribe medication to help you quit smoking.
Alanna Sarabia: And of course, lifestyle change is always a good idea. But for more severe cases, a minimally invasive procedure may be life-saving and could even prevent leg amputation, while they offer these minimally invasive options, as well as…
Dr. Russell Lam: Laser atherectomy, balloon angioplasty, and stent placement in our state-of-the-art Endovascular Center to take care of your PAD needs.
Alanna Sarabia: Lam Vascular and Associates offers convenient and personalized service in a safe and friendly environment with a team of skilled healthcare professionals, board-certified vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, and even nurses, to ensure the best outcome possible. Dr. Russell Lam: In the 10 years we’ve been in practice, we have performed over 10,000* interventions.
Alanna Sarabia: And get this. I also found out that their eldest patient that they’ve helped is over 105 years old. (laughs) And, their success rate is over 96%, one of the highest in the country.
Dr. Russell Lam: At Lam Vascular and Associates, we treat you like family.
The information contained in this article is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. Patient results will vary based on risk factors, age, disease and medical history. Please seek physician’s advice. Like any procedure, it may come with benefits, risks or side effects associated. The physicians of Lam Vascular and Associates manage and own a direct financial interest in their noninvasive ultrasound imaging center and Office Based Surgery Laboratory (Angio Suite). Click here for full disclosure.
