When long-time pharmacist Fabio De Rango decided to open one of Canada’s first pharmacist-led care clinics at his Shoppers Drug Mart locations, he had one goal in mind: to help people before they get sick.
Drawing on nearly 25 years of pharmacy experience—and on lessons learned from watching his parents manage diabetes—De Rango believes prevention is key to a healthier community.
“My parents were diabetic, and I realized that so much of what we do is help people after they’re already ill,” De Rango explains. “I wanted to do something different: help people before a diagnosis, so they can avoid the hardships of chronic conditions altogether.”
That desire led to the launch of the Heart Health Assessment Program, offered at his Burlington store, located at 1450 Headon Road, as well as at his other Shoppers Drug Mart locations at Third Line and Dundas and Prince Michael. The free program targets individuals who may be at risk of heart disease but remain unaware of their vulnerability.
A 10-minute test that can change a life
The heart health screening takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Pharmacists measure a patient’s blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and perform a finger-prick blood test to check A1C (average blood sugar) and cholesterol levels. Using these results, they calculate two critical numbers:
- 10-year risk score—an assessment of the patient’s likelihood of having a heart attack in the next decade.
- Heart age—a snapshot that compares the patient’s actual age to the “age” of their heart based on lifestyle and health indicators.
“When I say someone’s heart age is 10 years older than they are, it really grabs their attention,” De Rango says. “It’s a powerful call to action.”
If the risk score is concerning, patients receive personalized advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Follow-up appointments at three, six, or twelve months track their progress, with results often sent directly to a patient’s family doctor (with permission) to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Success stories: turning back the clock on heart health
According to De Rango, many people who appear healthy still uncover worrying risk factors. He recalls a patient in his late 40s who came in with a seemingly active lifestyle—even playing on a men’s hockey team. Despite that, his “heart age” registered at 59.
“He was taken aback,” De Rango says. “But when we showed him how small lifestyle changes could improve his numbers, he was determined to make them.”
Three months later, that same patient returned with a heart age of 47—younger than his actual age.
“He texted me his new results and said, ‘You changed my life.’ Moments like that make all of us excited to come to work,” De Rango adds.
Another time, a police officer visited for a screening and became emotional upon learning his risk factors. He shared that a partner had tragically passed away at age 40 and wished these tests had been available sooner.
“We don’t claim we could have prevented that,” De Rango says, “but it really underscores the importance of knowing your numbers early.”
Accessibility and collaboration
Part of what makes these heart health screenings so impactful is that no appointment is necessary, although booking one guarantees a shorter wait.
Because Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies have extended hours—sometimes until midnight—De Rango says they often serve as “the first point of contact” for people with questions or minor health issues.
“If you need more specialized care, we’ll help you connect with your family doctor,” he says. “When we all work as a team, the patient wins.”
Though the service initially targeted adults over 40, the program has since expanded to welcome anyone interested in checking their heart health. De Rango’s reasoning is simple: problems like high blood pressure or early signs of diabetes can appear at any age.
A new model for pharmacy care
De Rango’s Burlington Shoppers Drug Mart began as one of only two pharmacist-led care clinics in Canada, acting as a trailblazer for the expanding scope of pharmacy practice. Beyond dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists at these care clinics can now prescribe treatments for certain ailments — including urinary tract infections, pink eye, heartburn, and more — and administer a variety of vaccines.
“We’re open more hours than most clinics, and you don’t need an appointment to see us,” De Rango notes. “It’s all about increasing access to healthcare and relieving pressure on busy emergency rooms and family doctors.”
“It’s never too early to take care of your heart”
Asked about the most important takeaway, De Rango’s answer is immediate:
“It’s never too early—or too late—to take care of yourself,” he says. “We want people to know they don’t have to wait until they’re sick to act.
For De Rango and his team, offering these screenings for free is both a moral and business decision. Building trust and relationships, he explains, is good for the community and good for the pharmacy’s long-term success.
“In healthcare, it’s always about the people,” he says. “If we can help even one person make positive changes and avoid serious illness, that’s the ultimate reward.”
How to book an assessment
For the heart health assessment, individuals can walk in any time between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., call ahead, or book online to schedule a 10-minute heart health assessment.
For more information, drop by the Shoppers Drug Mart at 1450 Headon Road (Upper Middle and Headon Road) in Burlington, or you can visit the Shoppers Drug Mart website or care clinic links to reserve a spot.
Because when it comes to heart health, catching problems early could be the key to living better, longer—and possibly even saving a life.
