After living with severe leg and hip pain for more than three years, Ponca City resident Sylvia Urioste finally found answers—and relief—thanks to a diagnosis and procedure performed by Dr. Jim Melton, Peripheral and Endovascular Surgeon at Cardiovascular Health Clinic.
Urioste’s pain had become so debilitating that she could barely walk half a block without stopping. When she visited Dr. Melton, a clinical exam revealed 100% blockages in the arteries leading to her hips, leading to a diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)—a common but often underdiagnosed condition.
“PAD can be caused by several factors, including genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes,” explained Dr. Melton. In Urioste’s case, genetics played a significant role.
To restore blood flow, Dr. Melton performed a balloon angioplasty and stenting procedure, which relieved the blockages and ultimately saved her toe from gangrene.
“Today, I can walk across Walmart. I can dance again,” Urioste shared. “It was not just life-changing—it was lifesaving.”
PAD is particularly prevalent in Oklahoma and can affect people of all backgrounds. Dr. Melton emphasizes the importance of early detection and avoiding nicotine use, which can greatly increase the risk of developing PAD.
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