Screening for Cardiovascular Disease

Get a Leg Up With Lake Forest Hospital’s free
Dare to C.A.R.E program

In an effort to help Baby Boomers and older adults live well and detect cardiovascular disease, Lake Forest Hospital introduced an important community health initiative—the national, vascular screening program, Dare to C.A.R.E.—in fall 2007. C.A.R.E. stands for screening for carotid artery stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, renal artery stenosis and extremity artery stenosis. The free program was a resounding success with patients eager to understand the state of their cardiovascular health, as well as the physicians and nurses involved in their care.

“The public’s response has been overwhelming,” said Kathleen Rylance, APN, CNP, and Lake Forest Hospital Dare to C.A.R.E. program manager. “I’m receiving daily phone calls from participants, so appreciative that Lake Forest Hospital has brought Dare to C.A.R.E. to our community. My waiting list for future sessions continues to grow.”

Saving Lives through Education and Screening

Since its inception in fall 2007, 325 patients have been screened in five sessions. In each session to date, approximately four participants have required immediate follow-up care with their primary care physician due to screening results that uncovered an emergent health issue. Approximately eight other patients each session have needed follow-up care that is important, but not deemed immediate. We hope to screen 500 attendees for this important, life-saving program in 2008.

How it works

The free, two-night education and screening session includes: a mandatory first night educational seminar with dinner provided, led by physicians specializing in the prevention, early detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The second evening includes an ultrasound screening for carotid artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms, finger-stick cholesterol and diabetes screening, blood pressure measurement, and, if needed, a Doppler assessment for peripheral artery disease. Immediately upon completion of the screenings, there is a one-on-one meeting with a physician specializing in these areas to review the results and discuss suggestions for lifestyle modification and follow-up. Lastly, there is an opportunity to review some of the related programs and services offered at Lake Forest Hospital with hospital staff available to answer any questions. This entire screening process is concluded within 30 to 40 minutes.

“We’ve clearly uncovered a huge need with the introduction of the Dare to C.A.R.E. program,” said Dr. Susanne Woloson, director of vascular surgery at Lake Forest Hospital. “We’re helping people identify potentially life-threatening cardiovascular issues in their bodies, and providing them with the information and guidance to address the problems without delay.

The actual screening is held on the Lake Forest Hospital campus and is open to adults over the age of 60 (or over 50 with identified risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, abnormal cholesterol and family history of stroke or heart attack).

To learn more about the Dare to C.A.R.E. program, call (847) 535-7474.