Reflections of a former vice president on long-time cardiac experiences

Editor's Note: Mr. Cheney, 46th vice president of the United States, was the featured guest speaker at the third annual Baylor Health Care System Foundation Heart and Vascular Dinner on April 7, 2009, at the home of Kathy and Harlan Crow (Figures 1 and 2). Previous speakers were former Senator Bob Dole and Denton Cooley, MD. Cheney spoke about his experiences with cardiovascular disease, his 40-year career in public service, and the challenges facing health care. Mr. Cheney has had four heart attacks and numerous other cardiovascular episodes, beginning with his first heart attack when he was 37 years old. The Foundation's Heart and Vascular Campaign, which has raised more than $11.2 million toward its $20 million fundraising goal, supports eight cardiology fellows and four residents in vascular surgery, as well as cardiovascular research at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital, and The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.