SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dr. C. Jennifer Dankle, D.O., F.A.C.C.
Director of Women’s Heart Clinic
University of Minnesota Physicians Heart,
Fairview Southdale, Edina
Tell us a little bit about your background. I grew up in Iowa, in a family of 8. I am the sixth doctor in my immediate family. I received my undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Iowa and my medical degree from Des Moines University, completed my internal medicine residency at the U of M, and completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at UW-Milwaukee.
Are there great strides being made to improve quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease? I believe that the current cardiovascular medicine and technologies—including better imaging modalities with reduced risk (ie radiation exposure)—have contributed to a longer lifespan and better quality of life for those who suffer from heart disease. The mortality rates over the last 20-30 years continue to decline for both men and women. However, there is a gender gap in mortality rates, with more women dying from heart disease than men each year. I have focused my practice on tackling this issue by improving/providing community education, offering a primary prevention women’s clinic, and starting a support group for young women suffering with heart disease.
What do you love most about your job? I love helping people change their future by taking control of their health and vitality.
What are your hobbies/interests? My pets (two Siberian huskies and three cats), hiking, watersports, art, photography, and spending time with my large extended family.
Would you like to add anything else? I practice what I preach—I follow a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style diet—predominantly fruits/veggies, low-fat, low-sugar, low-sodium, I don’t smoke, I exercise up to six times per week, and I always use the stairs!
