Movers and Shakers…

Movers and Shakers…

By Ian Perrotta

Fuad F. Katbi, M.D., is a cardiologist who practices at 10005 Jos. Campau. Originally from Damascus, Syria, Katbi graduated from the University of Damascus and completed his post-graduate work and residency at Wayne State University and Coney Island Hospital in New York, respectively.

As a diplomat for the American Board of Cardiovascular Disease and a diplomat for the Board of Nuclear Cardiology, Dr. Katbi truly has his heart in his work. He set aside a few minutes last week to tell us more about who he is and what he does.

Why did you choose to go into the field of cardiology?

When you go into medical school, you start to develop interests. My interest from day one was cardiology. Heart-related problems are some of the most common diseases and the most common causes for death. Treatment saves a lot of lives. And prevention more than treatment.

How long have you been practicing?

I’ve been practicing cardiology since 1975. It was mostly at St. Joseph’s in Bloomfield. This is the second year we’ve been in Hamtramck. We used to have it in Dearborn, but Hamtramck had a need for it.

What are some of the main problems facing this area in terms of cardiology?

It’s the same as other areas. The problem with patients is that they usually don’t seek a doctor’s advice until it’s too late. If you’re a 40-year-old male or a 50-year-old female and your family has a history of medical problems, you should see a doctor early. The earlier we can catch a problem the easier it is to treat it.

What are some common risk factors?

High blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight, and having a sedentary lifestyle are among some of the more common risks. And anything out of the ordinary may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Have you ever saved anyone’s life with your direct intervention?

I’m sure we did. Definitely. If you look at the curve of people dying from heart disease, it’s less and less since the 1980s when we started aggressively treatment of heart disease. There are fewer heart attacks and fewer deaths, so there is documentation and statistics that show treating patients helps save lives.

What’s the best way to stay healthy?

To start, don’t smoke. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet not high in meat or fat, and regular check-ups once a year also help. Sometimes, like with high blood pressure, you don’t have symptoms and you don’t know you have a problem. Some things you can’t prevent, but you can treat them.

Can you tell me about the article you’ll be writing for this paper?

It’s going to be a question-and-answer format. A person writes in, gives their family history and a description of their ailments, and if I can answer the question I will. It won’t be a diagnosis, and I’ll tell them to seek a doctor for treatment, but it will provide some guidelines.

Why should someone write to you?
Some people just don’t know about the risks they face, and things like high blood pressure and high cholesterol don’t have symptoms. I think there is a need to know about cardiology in the city. I’m looking forward to helping people learn about their health and how they can improve it.

If you have a question for Dr. Katbi e-mail it to katbimd@aol.com.