More than six million Canadians are living with heart disease or stroke, a figure highlighted in a new report revealing that nearly 80 per cent of premature cases are preventable through lifestyle changes and medical management, according to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
The report, released Tuesday, indicates a troubling trend: the number of Canadian adults diagnosed with high blood pressure has risen annually since 2000, now exceeding 8.2 million. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke and a significant contributor to heart disease.
While preventative measures like declining smoking rates reveal some progress, the report points to ongoing challenges with diet, physical activity, and stress management. Statistics Canada data suggests that nearly eight in ten adults and youth consume fruits and vegetables fewer than five times a day.
The Heart & Stroke Foundation emphasizes that knowing one’s risk factors is the first step toward prevention. Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke, with factors including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, unhealthy weight, smoking, stress, and excessive alcohol or drug abuse all playing a role. The foundation offers a free “Risk Screen” tool to help individuals assess their personal risks.
Certain populations face elevated risks. People of African or South Asian heritage are more likely to experience high blood pressure and diabetes, increasing their susceptibility to heart disease. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples also exhibit higher rates of these conditions. The report also notes that risk increases for women after menopause and with age.
The Canadian Stroke Best Practices organization, affiliated with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, focuses on driving evidence-based stroke care to improve patient outcomes. The Foundation also provides resources for heart-healthy recipes, nutrition, and physical activity.
The report’s findings come as health officials continue to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular health, with concerns that disruptions to routine care and increased sedentary lifestyles may exacerbate existing risk factors. The Heart & Stroke Foundation has not yet released data quantifying this impact.
