Government of Canada invests in Research for the Prevention and Control of High Blood Pressure
News Release
November 2, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. Hypertension is a contributing factor in half of all deaths caused by these conditions. It is estimated that 7.5 million Canadians live with hypertension today, and an additional 7.4 million are at risk and will develop hypertension without lifestyle changes.
Since 2006, the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, (CIHR) has supported a Chair in the area of hypertension research. Heart & Stroke and Hypertension Canada have contributed to the partnership since 2010.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced today that this year, CIHR and Heart & Stroke have renewed their commitment in collaboration with Hypertension Canada to together contribute up to $1.125 million over five years to support the research Chair in Hypertension Prevention and Control. Dr. Janusz Kaczorowski, of the University of Montreal, has accepted this appointment. Dr. Kaczorowski’s mandate is to help generate and apply knowledge to improve awareness, prevention and control of hypertension, enhancing current Canadian programs, identifying gaps in hypertension prevention and control, and developing new policies, programs and interventions.
Dr. Kaczorowski is a full professor and research director in the department of family and emergency medicine at the University of Montreal and a principal scientist at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre. He plays a leadership role in hypertension, stroke and primary care research in Canada. This research Chair will allow Dr. Kaczorowski to further strengthen Canadian efforts to reduce the impacts of hypertension.
Quotes
“Hypertension is known as a silent killer since those living with this condition generally show no obvious symptoms to indicate health concerns. Our partnership with Heart & Stroke and Hypertension Canada aims to support research into the identification and promotion of comprehensive hypertension prevention and management strategies at the individual, community, public policy and health care system levels. We look forward to working with Dr. Kaczorowski and our partners on this important program.”
- Brian H. Rowe, Scientific Director, Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health
“This research Chair represents a wonderful opportunity for Heart & Stroke to forge partnerships and make advances in hypertension research and public policy that will help reduce the incidence of high blood pressure, a silent killer of Canadians.”
- Yves Savoie, Chief Executive Officer, Heart & Stroke
“As the producer of Canada’s hypertension clinical practice guidelines, Hypertension Canada has long since known that reducing blood pressure is highly cost effective and enables prolonged health. We are proud to support Dr. Kaczorowski’s research, which will support the development of novel system-wide strategies that translate to improved blood pressure control and prevention of chronic and serious diseases among Canadians.”
- Angelique Berg, Chief Executive Officer, Hypertension Canada
Associated Links
Contacts
Yves-Alexandre Comeau
Office of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
613-941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.
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