Free Cardiovascular Disease Screenings

Dominican Hospital Launches Dare to C.A.R.E in Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ — Local business owner Ted Burke took 20 minutes out of his busy morning today to make sure that his cardiovascular health is on track. Mr. Burke participated in Dignity Health Dominican Hospital’s new Dare to C.A.R.E. free cardiovascular screening program. The program screens for cardiovascular diseases that can lead to kidney failure and more sudden conditions like stroke and aneurysm.

“I know that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women,” said Burke, owner of the historic Shadowbrook Restaurant and also president of the Dominican Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, “After today’s screening, I’m relieved to say cardiovascular disease isn’t in my future. Dominican gives to this community in so many ways — these free screenings are just another example of their mission to provide the same excellent care to everyone who walks through their doors.”

Every year, more than 600,000 Americans die of cardiovascular disease — that’s one in four deaths. Unfortunately, many of the conditions associated with cardiovascular disease can go undetected until they cause serious complications or death. The free, 15-20 minute cardiovascular screenings offered through Dominican’s Dare to C.A.R.E. Program help identify at-risk individuals so that doctors can intervene early when the diseases are easier to treat. The program was underwritten by the Dominican Hospital Foundation, thanks to private donations from the community.

“We know that many older adults have risk factors for vascular disease, and we strongly advocate for screenings that can aid in detection of vascular disease at early stages,” said cardiothoracic surgeon Bilal Shafi, MD, lead physician for Dominican’s Dare to C.A.R.E. Program. “This program is an important public health tool because the screenings are quick, pain-free, and non-invasive.”

The Dare to C.A.R.E. program screens for common vascular diseases:

• Carotid artery disease (which causes strokes).
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is highly deadly if the aneurysm bursts.
• Renal artery disease, which when left untreated can lead to serious kidney disease requiring hemodialysis.
• Extremity artery disease, which can cause serious complications in the lower legs and, in severe cases, may lead to amputation.

Screenings are recommended for those meeting potential risk criteria, including adults age 60 or older, adults age 50 or older with one or more risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoker), and adults age 40 or older with diabetes.

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To learn about eligibility and how to make an appointment for a free screening, visit dignityhealth.org/dominican/medical-services/cardiac-care/dare-to-care, or call 831.462.7788.