Sponsored by Norwalk Hospital, part of Northwell Health.  

By Gina Zammit

If you’ve ever sat in traffic on I-95 or the Merritt Parkway, you know how much depends on keeping things moving. Your blood vessels work the same way: they’re the transportation network that carries oxygen and nutrients to every corner of your body. And yet most of us don’t think about them until something goes wrong. 

Javairiah Fatima, MBBS, Chief of Vascular Surgery at Northwell Health’s Danbury and Norwalk hospitals, sat down with us to explain why blood vessels are the unsung heroes of your body, what warning signs to watch for and why she tells every patient the same thing: “We’re going to be friends for life.”

How would I end up seeing a vascular surgeon?

“Your entire body is essentially made up of blood vessels that circulate throughout the body from head to toe,” says Dr. Fatima. “Vascular surgery comes into play when there’s any abnormality of these blood vessels, such as blockages, or if there’s any degeneration, or if there is a dissection, anything that’s an abnormal pathology occurring within the blood vessels.”

Degeneration happens when arteries and veins become damaged, narrowed or weakened. A blood vessel dissection is a tear in the inner lining of an artery.

Most patients are referred to a vascular surgeon through their primary care doctor, specialists or are flagged during a hospital stay. Dr. Fatima works closely with cardiologists, neurologists, nephrologists and internal medicine physicians across Northwell.

Once referred, evaluation and management move quickly. 

“Vascular diseases can be limb-threatening, and they can be life-threatening, so they need to be addressed in a timely fashion,” she says.

Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Dr. Fatima breaks down the symptoms by condition:

Carotid artery disease (CAD): Carotid artery disease is a major risk factor for stroke. CAD is a form of atherosclerosis and happens when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply the brain with blood. The plaque build-up can cause narrowing in the blood vessels and restrict blood flow or even form a clot and block blood flow, causing a stroke.

Vascular surgeons can treat CAD to help restore blood flow and lower the risk of stroke. CAD can be diagnosed through a physical exam and hearing a carotid bruit – wooshing sounds in your neck – through a stethoscope. Many times, CAD is found by primary care providers during routine annual exams, so it is important to have regular check-ups for early detection.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Atherosclerosis also causes PAD, just in a different area of the body. The plaque build-up causes narrowing of the arteries and blood circulation problems in limbs, usually in the legs.

“Cold or discolored legs, painful cramps in the legs when you walk or wounds that are slow to heal are important warning signs of PAD,” Dr. Fatima says.

Aortic aneurysms: An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the body’s main artery. These often have no symptoms at all until a rupture, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. Symptoms of rupture include sudden chest, back or belly pain, a tearing sensation in your chest, very low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate or neurological changes like dizziness or fainting – requiring immediate emergency care.

“Many aneurysms are found incidentally during imaging for unrelated reasons,” she notes. “We intervene when appropriate to prevent rupture.”  

Vein disease: Varicose veins, bulging veins, purple and/or swollen or itchy legs are all reasons to consider that you may have potential venous insufficiency.

Prevention: what you can actually control

While genetics and anatomy play a big role, many risk factors are within your control including having a healthy diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking.

“Smoking is the number one risk factor. Smoking weakens your blood vessels and increases your risk for all types of vascular diseases,” Dr. Fatima says.

Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, she emphasizes, makes a concrete difference: “If you have well-controlled diabetes, the odds of you having wounds and gangrene is reduced. And even if you do have complications arise, they can be managed earlier and more effectively, with a much better outcome.”

Myths worth busting

Two misconceptions come up often in Dr. Fatima’s practice. First, the idea that an aneurysm might shrink on its own: “Aneurysms don’t go away without treatment. They may remain stable, but they do not shrink without treatment.” Healthy lifestyle changes can slow progression but not reverse it.

Second, the belief that surgery is a one-time fix. “People often think, ‘I’ve had my surgery, I am cured.’ That’s a myth. Vascular disease is progressive and can recur in other areas. Ongoing follow-up is essential.”

A doctor close to home

Dr. Fatima sees patients at both Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital and encourages anyone with concerns to reach out. Her philosophy is straightforward: “We’re going to be friends for life. So even if I fixed your blockage, you need to follow up for continued surveillance.”

That long-term relationship, she says, is the whole point. “Our goal is to identify vascular disease early and manage it proactively. I always tell my patients that whether it’s every six months or once a year, ongoing follow-up and long-term care helps ensure you stay well.”

Learn more and/or book an appointment with Dr. Fatima.

Northwell Health’s Norwalk Hospital has sponsored this content for Westport Journal.