100 High Street
Buffalo, NY 14203



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael P. Hughes (716) 843-7588



KALEIDA FACILITY OFFERING FREE VASCULAR SCREENING

2004

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Tuesday, May 11, 2004) - Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, a Kaleida Health facility, is offering a free screening program for vascular disease.

Up to 50 individuals will be given a complete vascular screen, which includes Blood Pressure, ABI (ankle brachial index), carotid scan, abdominal scan plus a consultation with a physician. Educational materials on vascular diseases and their prevention and treatment will be distributed to patients after the screenings as well.

"While heart disease remains the country's number one killer, vascular disease cripples countless people each year," said Maciej Dryjski, MD, PhD, a vascular surgeon for Kaleida Health. "Few really know anything about vascular disease, which is the result of blockages in arteries and veins throughout the entire body. These screening opportunities are a great way to reach those at a high risk before it is too late."

Some of facts about vascular disease:

  • Strokes due to carotid artery disease are the primary cause of disability in this country and the third leading cause of death

  • Rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is the tenth leading cause of death in men over 50

  • People with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may develop crippling leg problems and are at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

The testing will be held Friday, May 14th as part of the American Vascular Association's national screening program. For more information or to register, call (716) 887-4219.

Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital is one 200 centers across the country taking part in the annual event.

Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital is located at the southeast corner of Gates Circle, a section of Delaware Avenue, in downtown Buffalo.

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Kaleida Health is the largest health care provider in Western New York. More than one million patients are seen annually at Buffalo General Hospital, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, The Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and numerous community health care centers. The system includes long-term care facilities, as well as visiting nurse, behavioral health and home care services.