Bayhealth cardiologist Roberto Scaffidi to chair heart walk

Bayhealth cardiologist Roberto Scaffidi, MD, will serve as chair of the Southern Delaware Heart Walk 2022.

The heart walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 6, in Rehoboth Beach to support the American Heart Association, whose mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives in Delaware and throughout the country.

“As a cardiologist, I know how meaningful the heart walk is to my patients, and to everyone else in our communities, who are battling heart-related conditions or who are supporting someone who is,” said Scaffidi. “I’m honored and excited to serve as the chair of the Southern Delaware Heart Walk 2022. I’m proud to represent Bayhealth, which continues to make a significant commitment to the American Heart Association in Delaware and the heart health of our community.”

The Southern Delaware Heart Walk is an opportunity for participants to walk in honor of those who suffer from heart disease and to raise funds for the advancement of research initiatives and community education programs. Heart disease is this nation's No. 1 cause of death, claiming nearly a million American lives a year, more than all forms of cancer combined. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in the U.S., the No. 4 cause of death in Delaware, and the leading cause of long-term disability. Locally, heart disease and stroke combined claim more than 2,300 lives each year.

Most cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle improvements, and the heart walk encourages Americans to make healthy choices including proper nutrition and adding physical activities such as walking to their daily routine. This is especially important for those living in local communities where 78 percent of the population does not consume enough fruits and vegetables, and 25 percent report being inactive.

“Dr. Scaffidi and Bayhealth are dedicated supporters of the American Heart Association,” said David Morris, American Heart Association Delaware executive director. “We are indeed honored to have Dr. Scaffidi serve in this significant leadership role, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment to the community and our mission and lifesaving work.”

Scaffidi received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he also completed his medical residency, cardiology fellowship and interventional cardiology fellowship. For the past 15 years, he has practiced interventional cardiology at Bayhealth, where he currently chairs the cardiology department and is lead interventional cardiologist for the TAVR program. Scaffidi also serves on Bayhealth’s medical staff wellness committee and as president of his homeowners association. In his free time, he volunteers at his daughter’s college in the honors program.

The 2022 Southern Delaware Heart Walk will include a three-mile walk in Rehoboth Beach, important information on heart health and stroke prevention, sponsor tables with information and giveaways, healthy fruit and snacks, and entertainment. This event will take all precautions and measures to adhere to current Delaware COVID-19 regulations.

Bayhealth is the Premier Signature Sponsor of the 2022 Southern Delaware Heart Walk.

To learn more, go to heart.org/southerndewalk.