John Jordan has been given a quality of life he never thought was possible. He is an active member in the Sarasota Cycling Club and swims several miles on the days he isn’t out riding his bicycle. This is an accomplishment by any measures for anyone, especially someone who is quickly approaching 80 years of age. To make John’s story even more encouraging is that he is still able to enjoy these physical activities even after having not one, not two, but 12, yes 12, stents and a triple bypass heart procedure.
John was diagnosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and even though he has always taken care of his body by being physically active and eating healthy, he still suffers from the symptoms of the disease. “You can’t change your genes,” expressed John as he explained his situation.
In fact, John is right about not being able to change your genetic makeup. Like many diseases, a tiny handful of genes appear to hold important clues to understanding why some patients with PAD face recurring blockages despite being in otherwise great shape and health.
PAD is a major health problem worldwide, affecting millions of patients. Although cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, tobacco use, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia have been associated with the development of PAD, the existence of an inherited genetic predisposition to PAD has been reported by many studies. A link between genetics and PAD may open new avenues for the prevention of this disorder.
Peripheral arterial disease is caused by plaque build-up or blockages in an area of the body outside of the heart such as the legs, neck or arms. The blockages keep extremities and organs from receiving oxygen-rich blood. And just like clogged arteries in the heart, blocked arteries in the legs raises the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Ultimately, PAD can reduce mobility and be fatal if left untreated.
John first noticed signs of PAD when he began experiencing pain in his legs. After 40 years of long distance running, John initially thought the pain was from his active lifestyle but some tests revealed that he had blocked arteries that were preventing adequate blood flow to his legs. In 2005 John was referred to Dr. Sedillo at CardioVascular Solutions Institute (CVSI). “After the first two stents were put in by Dr. Sedillo I thought I was in good shape and wouldn’t experience any further complications but that wasn’t the case.” Because John’s PAD is genetic and not self induced, his arteries continued to form blockages and aside from blood-thinning medications, there isn’t anything that can be done to further prevent blockages. Dr. Sedillo has performed all 12 of John’s stent procedures and John shared his excitement about the “amazing things Dr. Sedillo can do.”
John said that some of his surgeries were not normal procedures and he had complications along the way. But, Dr. Sedillo overcame those obstacles by performing well with calmness and confidence. Not only is Dr. Sedillo outstanding, the entire office is terrific. You will not find this high level of diagnostic care or services anywhere else.”
John exclaimed that over the years he has learned so much about different treatment options that Dr. Sedillo could provide for patients with various heart conditions. He hopes that by sharing his story he will inspire others to learn about the new treatments available for heart patients. He encourages anyone who feels their condition is keeping them from enjoying life to contact Dr. Sedillo and realize there is hope and that life can be fulfilling even with a chronic genetic disease.
“When you reach my age, you realize just how precious each year is and I am forever thankful that Dr. Sedillo and his team aren’t just keeping me alive, they are allowing me to continue doing the things I love and giving me a quality of life I didn’t think was possible with PAD. I had no idea I would feel this great at my age, even after all of the procedures I have gone through. I feel great and truly believe that I owe it all to Dr. Sedillo and his team at CardioVascular Solutions Institute.”
With the help of a great health care team, John says there is no reason why neither age nor heart conditions should keep anyone from enjoying the activities they love and living the life they deserve.
Do you experience pain or cramps in your legs and feet? These symptoms may not only be caused by increasing age; they may be signs of a much more serious condition, peripheral arterial disease. One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD, but many do not experience symptoms or know of the disease. PAD is a common and treatable disease, but it is often unrecognized, and its main symptom of leg pain is typically considered an inevitable consequence of aging. If you suspect PAD is the cause of your leg pain, please call 941-747-8789 today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Gino Sedillo, M.D. F.A.C.C. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dr. Sedillo is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology, and has been a member of the American College of Cardiology since 1996.
After 15 years of training, Dr. Sedillo started working for the Bradenton Cardiology Center in 1995. While there he performed more than 1,000 procedures per year and he began teaching procedures and techniques to other practicing cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists. He served as Director of the cardiac catheterization lab at Manatee Memorial Hospital.
Most recently, in May 2011, Dr. Sedillo founded his independent practice, CardioVascular Solutions Institute, with offices in Sarasota and Bradenton. Since then Dr. Sedillo has been named director of the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention program at Doctors Hospital in Sarasota.
When he’s not seeing patients, teaching other physicians or doing clinical research, Sedillo cherishes time with his three children.
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