Dare to C.A.R.E.

Dare to C.A.R.E is a community health initiative founded in Annapolis, Maryland and adopted by Forsyth Medical Center. The health information and screenings received by many at the events have led to life saving procedures.

Dare to C.A.R.E. screens for:

• Carotid Artery Disease (the primary source of preventable strokes)
•  
  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (the 10th leading cause of death in men)
• Renal Artery Stenosis (responsible for at least 20% of patients on dialysis)
• Extremity Artery Disease (a disease which has a mortality rate significantly higher than breast cancer and affects 12 million Americans)

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a systemic disease that affects the heart and arteries in the body. It is called coronary artery disease (CAD) when the heart is involved and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when it involves the other arteries in the body such as the arms, legs, kidneys, intestines and the brain.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) 

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious condition that affects people as they age and drastically increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Symptoms may include:

• Cramping in the hips/legs
•  
  Fatigue while walking
• Numbness
• Pain in the hip or leg muscles that goes away when you stop or rest
• Burning or aching pain in the feet and toes

Those at risk may include anyone:

• Over the age of 50
• With a history of coronary artery disease
• Who Is a tobacco user
• Who has diabetes
• Who has high blood pressure
• Who has high cholesterol

The Program

The first component of the free program is an evening lecture given by vasuclar surgeons , interventional radiologists or cardiologists about PAD risk factors, detection and treatment. 

Screenings

The second componenent of the program consist of screenings. A blood pressure check and a non-invasive ultrasound examination of your carotid arteries, abdominal aorta, and evaluation of the circulation in your legs takes place. An immediate consultation with a physician occurs after the screening.