What Causes Cardiovascular Disease? In Canada, an estimated 1.3 million people are affected by cardiovascular (aka heart) disease. While some suffer from congenital (from birth) heart disease others acquire the condition later in life, due to a variety of factors including family history, poor diet and lack of exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol, diabetes, stress and…
In Canada, heart disease is the second leading cause of death. Amongst women, it is the number one cause of death, claiming nearly 31,000 lives per year, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Interestingly, women are more susceptible to heart disease than men and have at least one risk factor related to heart disease.…
Can Anyone Buy an AED in Canada? We have heard the staggering statistics many times. Each year, close to 45,000 Canadians will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, having early access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase the chances of survival by up…
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives. Knowing how to use an AED correctly is crucial in emergency situations. An AED can be used on anyone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, including pregnant women. The Canadian Red Cross AED Protocol indicates that no modification is required when using an AED on a pregnant woman. To learn more…
A Heart Disease Diagnosis – Foods to Avoid There is a saying, “you are what you eat.” So if you eat unhealthy foods, you are probably unhealthy, inside and out. The foods we put in our bodies have a direct impact on our overall health, particularly heart health. A diet high in sodium, trans fats…
Coronary Heart Disease vs. Coronary Artery Disease – Are They Different? The terms coronary heart disease and coronary artery disease are often used interchangeably within the medical profession. When a person has a build-up of plaque in his/her heart’s arteries, this is known as coronary heart disease. Plaque presents as a sticky, yellow substance that…
Including physical activity in your every day schedule can be a difficult task, especially if you are at work or school all day. However, physical activity is essential for physical and mental health, especially when you are living with heart disease, stuck at home during this global pandemic, or during the long winter months. These…
In Canada, heart disease accounts for 27% of deaths, about 66,000 annually. Reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease and increase life expectancy by eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of your body, and leave bad habits like smoking and abundant alcohol consumption in the past. Heart disease can not only be prevented but also reduced…
The short answer is, yes. It has been proven that optimism benefits your health both mentally and physically as mental and physical health are deeply connected. Living with heart disease or managing a recent heart disease diagnosis has both a physical and mental impact on your life, and it may leave you feeling anxious as…
Heart disease is quite common in Canada. On average, 6/1000 Canadian adults are newly diagnosed with heart disease each year. For those living with heart disease and those who love someone living with heart disease, it can be difficult to return to a normal life. After your diagnosis or experience, it is important to adjust…