Charlevoix, a region distant from major urban centers, faces challenges in accessing specialized cardiology care. To bridge this gap,the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec has deployed a mobile unit directly to the region. This initiative aims to address the unique cardiovascular health needs of the community.

A team of researchers is currently on-site with a dual mission: to gain deeper insights into the heart health and risk factors among adults with obesity, and to evaluate the viability of establishing a permanent local cardiology service.

Thorough Screening in a Condensed Timeframe

The mobile clinic offers a range of diagnostic services, significantly reducing the time typically required for comprehensive cardiac assessment. We have screening in terms of heart imaging, arrhythmias, circulation problems, screening for chronic diseases: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol. So in two hours we can estimate what could be done in a health system, it could take up to a year, said Dr. Marie-Ève Piché, cardiologist and researcher at the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology in Quebec.

Elevated Risk in Charlevoix: Understanding the “Founding Effect”

Charlevoix was specifically chosen for this study due to the higher prevalence of heart conditions among its residents. while certain heart diseases might affect one in 100,000 people globally, in Charlevoix, the rate is significantly higher, approximately one in 500.

Dr. Piché explained the underlying genetic factors: What we also know is that in the regions of Quebec the heart disease is more prevalent, due among othre things to what is called the founding effect, so people have heredity at the cardiac level. This “founding effect” suggests a concentration of specific genes within the population that predispose individuals to heart ailments.

early Success and Identification of Undiagnosed Conditions

The mobile clinic is currently on its fourth deployment since the study began, and initial results indicate its effectiveness. The team has already identified previously undiagnosed heart conditions.We have also identified heart conditions, hereditary, therefore people who had malformations also at the level of the heart, who were completely symptomatic, noted the researcher leading the study.

Future Plans and Potential Expansion

The University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec is actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Health to possibly establish a permanent cardiology service in the region. Dr. Piché’s team is also considering a return visit to Charlevoix in 2026 to continue their research and provide ongoing care.