Methodist Healthcare
September 04, 2013

Are you at risk for peripheral artery disease?  Northeast Methodist Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, would like to help you find out.

John Canales, M.D., interventional cardiologist, will present “Peripheral Artery Disease—Are You at Risk?” on Tuesday, September 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Health Center at Northeast Methodist Hospital located at 12412 Judson Road in Live Oak.

The presentation will focus on the diagnosis, treatment and management of PAD.  It is open to the public and free of charge.  

Peripheral artery disease is the narrowing of the peripheral arteries caused by fatty deposits or plaque.  When leg arteries are hardened and clogged, blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced. One of the most common symptoms of PAD is cramping or pain in the hip or leg muscles while walking.

“Lower-extremity PAD is a serious disease that affects about 8 million Americans,” says Dr. Canales.  “The hardened arteries found in people with PAD are a sign that they are likely to have hardened and narrowed arteries to the heart and the brain. That is why people with PAD are at high risk for having a heart attack or a stroke.”

Considered a new breed of interventional cardiologist, Dr. Canales was trained at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions including Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, and the Texas Heart Institute in Houston.
 
While at the Texas Heart Institute, he spent a year dedicated to investigating the role of using a patient’s own stem cells to regenerate damaged heart muscle and to rebuild arteries in the legs of individuals with severe blockages.  Based on his academic excellence and success in performing complex peripheral and coronary interventions while providing outstanding, compassionate care to his patients, he was named Chief General Cardiology Fellow and Chief Interventional Fellow at the Texas Heart Institute.
“The good news is that PAD can be treated by making lifestyle changes, by taking medicines, or by having endovascular or surgical procedures, if needed,” says Dr. Canales.

The signs and symptoms of PAD may not arise until later in life. For many, the outward indications will not appear until the artery has narrowed by 60 percent or more.  People over age 50 have a higher risk for PAD, but the risk is increased if you:

Smoke, or used to smoke
Have diabetes
Have high blood pressure
Have abnormal blood cholesterol levels
Are of African American ethnicity
Have had heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke


This event is free but registration is required and seating is limited. To register for the presentation, please the Methodist Healthcare HealthLine at 210-575-0355.