Heart disease: For health professionals
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Key information
In Canada, heart disease is the second leading cause of death after cancer, and is a leading cause of hospitalization.
Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, about 8.2% of people in Canada over the age of 20 were living with diagnosed ischemic heart disease. Over 170,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
On average, people diagnosed with ischemic heart disease are about 2.5 times more likely to die of any cause than those without the condition. The likelihood of death is even greater for those with an acute myocardial infarction or those living with heart failure.
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Risk factors
Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension increase the risk of developing heart diseases and should be closely monitored by health professionals.
Other risk factors include both strenuous physical activity and cold weather because they can increase blood pressure and heart rate. They can also elevate blood concentration of fibrinogen, a protein associated with blood clotting. But when strenuous physical activity and cold weather are combined, the risk of heart attack is even greater.
As the heart beats faster, the shape of the blood vessels can change. Pre-existing risk factors such as plaque inside the blood vessels increase the risk of a fatal attack. The vessels may rupture under the strain due to an increase in blood pressure or changes in vascular tone linked to physical exertion.
Acute heart problems increase in connection with significant decreases in outdoor temperature. Research indicates that a decrease in temperature of 10 degrees represents a 38% increased risk of recurrent heart attack.
Prevention
Promoting a healthy lifestyle is key in preventing heart diseases and conditions. There are many different ways to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Guidance for preventing heart disease
Related links
Neurological conditions
- Dementia and stroke comorbidity among Canadians aged 65 years and older
- Mapping Connections: An Understanding of Neurological Conditions in Canada
- Dementia and ischemic heart disease comorbidity among Canadians aged 65 years and older
Heart disease
- Heart disease in Canada (infographic)
- Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund
- Tracking Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada, 2009
- Growing Burden of Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada, 2003 (PDF)
- Heart disease in Canada: Highlights from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System
- Report from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System: Heart Disease in Canada, 2018
Hypertension
- 2025 Hypertension Canada Primary Care Guideline (Hypertension Canada)
- Report from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System: Hypertension in Canada, 2010