Focus on Indigenous health
How we’re working together to address the health gap faced by Indigenous people in Canada.
See our strategy
What we’re fighting for:
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Equity in women’s health
Women are not small men. Their hearts and brains are different, yet two-thirds of heart and stroke research is still based on men. We are working hard to close the research gap, so more women are diagnosed early, treated properly and saved.
Sudi’s story: A heart attack out of nowhere
New research will help doctors diagnose and treat a potential killer
02
The heart-brain connection
Your heart and brain are strongly linked: when something goes wrong with one, the other is affected. So heart disease or a stroke can lead to dementia. We must investigate this connection to empower the healthcare system to treat the whole person, not just conditions in isolation, and keep them healthier, longer.
Paul’s story: A long journey back
After a heart attack, his toughest challenge was recovering his mental health
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Rehabilitation, recovery and optimal health
Half of all Canadians have experienced or witnessed a painstaking fight back following a heart attack or stroke. Regaining function and quality of life can take years. We must help people in Canada recover more fully and get back to their best health possible, faster.
Samantha’s story: Fighting for every word
Her family was told it could take months for her to speak again after a stroke
Your support for Heart & Stroke helps:
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Champion critical research
We rally the best scientific minds around critical heart and brain issues. Their research breakthroughs help advance diagnosis and treatment, repair damaged hearts and minimize the debilitating effects of strokes.
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Forge successful partnerships
We identify crucial issues that will lead the better health outcomes for people across Canada and build teams to tackle these challenges. Our partnerships with hospitals, universities and health institutions help close gaps in patient care.
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Create healthier environments
We advocate to leaders and policy makers so everyone in Canada can lead healthier lives, reducing their risk of heart disease and stroke. We push to change laws (on issues like youth vaping), improve health policies and beat health inequities.
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Trigger systems change
Hospitals need support. We collaborate to build evidence that helps them improve current and future patient care, reducing the devastating toll of heart conditions and stroke.
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Fund crucial initiatives
As Canada’s largest non-governmental funder of heart disease and stroke research in Canada, we ensure continuous financial support to enable breakthroughs. And we drive innovations to confront challenges like high blood pressure and cardiac arrest.
When Caroline Lavallée was diagnosed with heart disease, she was determined to fight — and win.
Dr. Yu Tian Wang is discovering ways to save your brain cells after a stroke.
After a stroke, Genevieve Morel rode 576 km to raise funds for research.
Dr. Guillaume Paré is tracking down the genetic risk factors that cause heart attacks.
Max learned the signs of stroke at a Jump Rope for Heart event. Then his dad had a stroke.
How we fight heart disease & stroke
There’s so much more to do. To keep up the pressure, we focus our efforts where they’ll have the most impact:
Fighting for prevention
Up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented. We work with schools, communities and policy makers to promote healthier lifestyles for all.
How we are fighting for prevention
Saving lives
Heart disease, stroke and related conditions take one Canadian life every five minutes. We’re helping to enable faster, better emergency response and treatment.
How we are saving lives
Transforming recovery
An estimated 1.6 million Canadians are living with heart disease and stroke. We’re enhancing supports for survivors and their care partners.
How we are transforming recovery
