An interventional cardiologist who has been practicing for over a decade, Dr. Joseph Hannan specializes in using a minimally invasive approach in the treatment of coronary artery disease and vascular problems.

Dr. Hannan enjoys cardiology because it allows him to have a big impact on a patient’s health and overall condition. He also enjoys the everyday challenge of finding the right course of treatment for each patient. “Many of the patients that we care for are older and tend to have more complex diseases and conditions. Even as we develop more effective and better treatments in cardiology, it becomes more challenging to apply those treatments to individual patients.”

As a cardiologist, Dr. Hannan performs interventional procedures such as balloon angioplasty and stent placements to open clogged arteries. He also treats peripheral vascular disease that affects the limbs and internal organs. The cause of coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease is atherosclerosis, a condition that causes unwanted plaque to form in the arteries, reducing blood flow.

Dr. Hannan feels more work needs to be done in prevention of cardiovascular disease. “We have made great improvements in preventative treatment, and helping patients see the benefit of diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes. The challenge remains now to convince our patients of the importance of these benefits and help more of them adopt these changes.”

In the future, Dr. Hannan sees further improvements in prevention including gene-based strategies that will help us identify patients who are at greatest risk for cardiovascular disease and allow the application of aggressive risk modification behaviors. “The idea is to do everything we can to prevent vascular disease. Although vascular disease is highly treatable, it’s always preferable to be proactive and prevent the development of it in the first place.”