Health
Canadians facing 'perfect storm'
Winter 2010 |
(CNW) The Heart and Stroke Foundation's 2010 Annual Report on Canadians' Health warns risk factors and demographic changes are converging to create an unprecedented burden on Canada's fragmented system of cardiovascular care, and no Canadian young or old will be left unaffected.
"In a very short time, the face of heart disease in Canada has changed to include groups that have historically been immune to the threats of heart disease," says Dr. Beth Abramson, cardiologist and spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "But the combination of new groups at-risk of heart disease and the explosion of Canadians indulging in unhealthy habits have accelerated the impact of these threats, which are now converging and erasing the progress we've made in treating heart disease over the last 50 years."
Between 1994 and 2005, rates of high blood pressure among Canadians skyrocketed by 77 percent, diabetes by 45 percent and obesity by 18 percent - affecting both younger and older Canadians.
Moreover, even younger age groups are experiencing increases in risk: among those 35 to 49 years of age, for example, the prevalence of high blood pressure increased 127 percent, diabetes by 64 percent and obesity by 20 percent - all major risk factors for heart disease.
"Up to this point we've had a patchwork quilt of prevention and treatment initiatives aimed at addressing some, but not all, of the risk factors affecting Canadians," says Stephen Samis, director of Health Policy, Heart and Stroke Foundation.
He says the problem has become so large, the only way forward is to implement a comprehensive, Canadian heart-health strategy that focuses on at-risk and disadvantaged populations, addresses the disparities between provinces and territories and integrates Canada's fragmented system of cardiac care services.
The at-risk and disadvantaged populations in Canada include: the unprecedented growing number of young Canadian adults who are obese and overweight; the largest cohort of Boomers (50-64 years) in Canada's history entering a stage where they are at a higher risk for heart disease; aboriginal peoples who are experiencing a full-blown cardiovascular crisis; more women entering their young adult years at higher risk for heart disease, which could overwhelm the health-care system with an entire new generation of patients; and, some of Canada's fastest growing ethno-cultural communities who are pre-disposed to a heavier burden of risk factors and heart disease.
The 2009 Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan sets out ambitious but achievable targets for the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. To reach those targets, the strategy includes recommendations to:
- Create heart-healthy environments.
- Help Canadians lead healthier lives.
- End the cardiovascular health crisis among aboriginal/indigenous
peoples.
- Continue health services reform.
- Build knowledge infrastructures to enhance prevention and care.
- Develop heart health human resources.
The federal government has funded strategies for combating cancer, diabetes, lung disease and mental health - but there is no federally funded strategy for the number one killer of Canadians: heart disease and stroke.
