Cardiovascular disease is the leading health issue in America, but many of the conditions associated with it can go undetected until they cause serious illness or death. To help identify individuals at risk — and intervene early when treatment is most effective — the University of Chicago Medicine is launching a free heart and vascular disease screening program, called Dare to C.A.R.E.

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

• Carotid artery disease, which causes strokes;
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm, which can be lethal if an aneurysm bursts;
• Renal artery disease, which can lead to serious kidney disease and hemodialysis; and
• Extremity artery disease, which affects the lower legs and can lead to amputation.

The program begins September 25th with a launch event at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Center for Care and Discovery, 5700 S. Maryland Ave., from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A limited number of attendees will have the opportunity to be screened at the event. Additional weekly screenings, which typically involve a 20-minute, non-invasive ultrasound, will be offered on Saturdays starting October 4th. Those who wish to attend the launch event should contact Abigail Irvine at 773-834-0999 to RSVP. To learn about eligibility or to make an appointment for a free screening, visit www.uchospitals.edu/dare-to-care or call the hospital at 773-834-5599.