What is heart disease? | ||||||
Heart disease is sometimes called coronary or ischemic heart disease. Heart disease means that the heart is not working properly because there is buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries. This can cause heart attacks, heart failure or death.
About 1 in 12 Canadian adults live with diagnosed heart disease and it is the 2nd leading cause of death in our country. Men are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack than women (1). |
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What is stroke? | ||||||
A stroke is a medical emergency. A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to a part of the brain (ischemic stroke) or bleeding occurs in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke), leading to damage to brain cells. The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain that was damaged, and the amount of damage done. A stroke occurs in Canada approximately every 5 minutes. About 1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. |
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Risk factors for heart disease and stroke |
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Warning signs of a heart attack |
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If you experience any warning signs, get help immediately.
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Warning signs of a stroke |
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Use the FAST acronym to remember the most common signs of stroke.
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Preventing heart disease and stroke |
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Almost 80% of premature stroke and heart disease can be prevented through healthy behaviours. Prevention is key. Focus on:
Act immediately by calling 9-1-1. Chances of surviving and recovering from a heart attack or stroke are greatest if the symptoms are treated as fast as possible. Learn CPR. Most heart attacks occur in the home, so learning CPR could save the life of someone you know. |
More information:
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
- Health Canada – Heart and Stroke
- Unlock Food – Heart Health
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute
- American Heart Association
References:
- Government of Canada. (2022). Heart Disease in Canada.
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