The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc around the world, with 88 million confirmed cases and more than 2 million deaths as of January 8, 2021. In the United States, the number of infections has risen dramatically since the first week of March, and the US now has more confirmed cases and deaths than […]
Vascular Manifestations of COVID-19 Read More »
While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences of smoking on their lungs (COPD, cancer), heart (coronary artery disease) or brain (stroke), its direct relation to limb loss escapes public attention! For far too many smokers, the first time they learn of the connection with limb loss is when a vascular surgeon diagnoses them
Smoking Can Lead to Amputations Read More »
Eye doctors are excited this year with 2021 rolling in. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to shine some light on eye care topics that we would like to highlight. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Over 2 million Americans are affected by glaucoma. With proper treatment, the vast majority will not go blind from
Glaucoma and Dry Eyes Read More »
Cataracts are the most treatable form of blindness worldwide. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed each year, restoring patients to functional visual status. Cataract surgery was once the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States until about 6-11 years ago when intraocular anti-VEGF injections were developed to treat macular degeneration. This has
Understanding Cataract Surgery Read More »
Last month I discussed the role of lipids in atherosclerosis. This month, I’ll talk about treatment. For patients at high risk or those who have had a cardiovascular event (prior heart attack, stroke, stent, bypass, etc.), pharmacological treatment may be needed. Cholesterol production and accumulation in the body involves three processes. First, intake from food
Treatments That Help Lower Cholesterol Read More »
Last time we spoke of the various factors that play a part in plaque buildup and rupture causing a heart attack/stroke. We discussed the role of inflammation. This time, we will discuss the role of lipids. We know these are important and these numbers can be impacted by various treatments. So the question to be
The Role of Lipids in Atherosclerosis Read More »
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States in adults. November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Over the past several years, the incidence of diabetes has grown as well as the rate of vision loss due to the disease. Diabetes can cause many eye problems. Here are three important things every
Diabetic Eye Disease Read More »
Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls (plaque), which can restrict blood flow. The plaque can burst, triggering a blood clot. Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in your body. For years, the belief was that plaque builds up, narrowing
Knock knock…trick or treat… A lot of your neighbors might be tempted to choose trick over treat during COVID Halloween 2020. If you plan to partake in the Halloween festivities of 2020, please do so with a clear vision of safety. The following are some of my pointers to observe good Halloween safety. If you
Halloween Eye Safety Read More »
A cryptogenic stroke (CS) is defined as cerebral ischemia of obscure or unknown origin. The cause of CS remains undetermined because the event is transitory or reversible, investigations did not look for all possible causes, or because some causes truly remain unknown. One third of the ischemic strokes are cryptogenic. Cryptogenic stroke is a diagnosis
A Closer Look at Cryptogenic Stroke Read More »
