Matt McArthur, a 41-year-old man from Kelowna, experienced a heart attack back in January of this year. He was shocked by the diagnosis, as he considered himself otherwise healthy. Following his heart attack, McArthur enrolled in the SAVE BC program at Kelowna General Hospital. SAVE BC aims to conduct research on heart disease among younger, seemingly healthy individuals. The program was created by two physicians who identified a gap in detecting cardiovascular disease based on family history. It was launched in 2019 and has received significant support from a Kelowna family that lost a loved one to premature cardiovascular disease. The family donated a quarter of a million dollars to help kickstart the program.
SAVE BC allows for additional tests to determine factors that may predispose patients to early onset cardiovascular disease. These tests, including genetic testing, help guide therapies for patients. In addition, first-degree relatives can also participate in the program to better understand their own risk of developing heart disease. Amanda Annett, a former cardiac nurse and lead study coordinator for the Kelowna site, emphasized the importance of early detection in preventing heart attacks. She noted that knowledge is power, and by identifying individuals at risk early on, healthcare providers can intervene more aggressively, potentially saving lives.
Currently, there are about 100 individuals enrolled in SAVE BC at Kelowna General Hospital. This includes both patients like Matt McArthur and their family members. By studying this group, clinicians hope to gain a better understanding of premature cardiovascular disease. The program will be highlighted at an upcoming forum in Kelowna, bringing together cardiologists, experts, and patients from SAVE BC to share stories and research findings. Annett stressed that heart attacks can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status, and genetics play a role that cannot be modified through lifestyle changes.
The forum, scheduled for April 16th, will provide attendees with information on how to identify individuals at risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease and empower them to seek appropriate screenings and tests. SAVE BC is not currently provincially-funded, but advocates are hopeful that this will change in the future. The goal is to expand the program’s reach and impact, potentially saving more lives through early detection and intervention. By getting involved in programs like SAVE BC, individuals can take control of their health and reduce their risk of heart disease, which can often be hereditary. The dedication of the Kelowna family that donated to the program serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare initiatives in preventing premature cardiovascular disease.
