Heart & Stroke 2022 Fall impact report

Beat as one

Fall 2022 Impact Report

Big breakthroughs. Better health. Because of YOU.

Your generosity drives tomorrow’s breakthroughs For 70 years, Heart & Stroke’s commitment to research excellence has been unwavering — thanks to donors like you.

Some innovations you’re funding:

Dr. Scott Widenmaier

Dr. Susan Howlett

University of Saskatchewan

Dalhousie University

Goal: Activate the body’s defences to beat high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a key factor leading to blood vessel blockages, especially in people with obesity. But natural defences in some cells can reduce the impact of high cholesterol. Dr. Widenmaier is looking for ways to trigger those defences and protect against heart attack and stroke.

Goal: Protect heart health in aging women and men. Dr. Howlett is investigating how frailty that results from aging affects the heart, with a focus on sex and gender differences.

She will explore drug treatments that may reduce frailty and its harmful effects on heart health in both women and men.

Dr. Grant M. Hatch

Dr. Jodi Edwards

University of Manitoba

University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Goal: Block a pathway to heart failure. Dr. Hatch is researching how the heart produces cardiolipin, an essential fat that helps to keep it beating. When cardiolipin levels decline, the result is heart failure. He is investigating how to increase cardiolipin and prevent heart failure.

Goal: Prevent strokes caused by atrial fibrillation. An irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a major risk factor for stroke and cognitive impairment, and impacts women more severely. Dr. Edwards is studying early signs of Afib to predict who is at highest risk and ultimately use medications to prevent both outcomes.

Together, we will move research forward to beat heart disease and stroke.

To learn more, visit: heartandstroke.ca/research

Reducing risk in the next generation Dr. Sonia Anand’s study of 10-year-olds holds promise for preventing premature heart disease

“It’s really important for us to understand who’s at risk and how to identify them.”

Dr. Sonia Anand Heart & Stroke researcher

Dr. Sonia Anand wants to prevent premature heart disease. She is a renowned specialist in vascular medicine, which focuses on problems of the blood vessels, and holds the Heart & Stroke Foundation/Michael G. DeGroote Chair in Population Health Research at McMaster University in Hamilton.

Dr. Anand is following a thousand Ontario children born to mothers of South Asian heritage — a group that faces the highest risk from premature heart disease in the world. She is measuring factors such as the amount of fat tissue, and fats and sugars in their blood.

Now, as the children turn 10, her team is conducting physical exams, including ultrasound scans of their blood vessels to reveal early signs of atherosclerosis.

That’s the narrowing of arteries that can eventually lead to heart attacks.

Dr. Anand wants to determine if having atherosclerosis at age 10 means you’ll develop earlier onset cardiovascular disease.

Once they identify who’s at risk, she says, “We can provide direction to pediatricians and family doctors about when cholesterol should be screened.” This information can be used to develop interventions to lower risk factor levels in South Asian children and youth.

And the benefits could go further, she says. “By studying high-risk populations, we can learn about the causes and consequences of early risk factor development, which can be used to develop prevention strategies — and may be applicable to the entire population.”

To learn more about research you support, visit: heartandstroke.ca/research

You are protecting youth for a healthier future Thanks to the passionate support of donors like you, Heart & Stroke advocacy helped to convince the federal government to impose an excise tax on vape products in the 2022 budget. Heart & Stroke CEO Doug Roth applauded this victory: “Higher prices will make vape products less affordable to youth and therefore less accessible.”

He also commended Health Canada’s revised tobacco package health warnings, including warnings directly on cigarettes: “Canada will now have the strongest health warning regime for cigarettes in the world,” says Roth.

When we beat as one, positive change happens!

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Preventing and managing heart disease Dr. Scott Lear on the benefits of physical activity

“Being diagnosed with coronary artery disease in 2017 has added a new perspective to my work.”

Dr. Scott Lear Heart & Stroke researcher

As the Pfizer/Heart & Stroke Chair in Cardiovascular Prevention Research, Dr. Scott Lear researches prevention and management of heart disease by focusing on healthy lifestyles. He’s committed to sharing his findings with those who will benefit most: people living with or at risk for heart disease.

Dr. Lear urges you to get active frequently. Moving for just 10 minutes pays these benefits and more: • Improves brain function: Studies show exercise improves memory and cognitive ability.

• Reduces sitting time: Sitting increases the risk for a host of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Breaking for physical activity will restart your body’s engine.

• Makes you happy: Being active can brighten you up thanks to the release of hormones called endorphins.

• Lowers blood sugar: Type 2 diabetes begins when the effect of insulin wears down and blood sugar rises. A stroll before or after a meal helps lower blood sugar.

Find more expert advice from Dr. Lear on his blog at drscottlear.com or search his name at: heartandstroke.ca

How to take your own blood pressure High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease.

Measuring your blood pressure at home can help you keep it in check. Learn how by following the simple steps in our video at: heartandstroke.ca/bloodpressure

Fall comfort food at its healthy best Just in time for chilly autumn days! Serve this carrot squash soup at your next family dinner. To find this and other delicious Heart & Stroke dietitian-approved recipes, visit: heartandstroke.ca/recipes 3

From our CEO: Thank you for the support to face urgent new challenges “The fight against heart disease and stroke is becoming more complex. Your continued commitment to making a real difference cannot be underestimated.”

Doug Roth CEO, Heart & Stroke

It’s become increasingly clear: heart disease and stroke can affect anyone. Today, more than 3.5 million Canadians of all ages, ethnicities and genders are living with heart disease, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment.

The good news is that with your support, we’re making great progress in awareness, prevention, treatment, and recovery.

However, as the population ages and younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with our conditions, the urgency to beat heart disease and stroke grows.

• The number of people with high blood pressure has been climbing since 2000. It’s the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease.

• Stroke is on the rise in younger adults (20 – 59 years), at a rate faster than older adults.

Some challenges we’re facing:

This report makes it clear: Your generosity fuels lifesaving research by the best scientific talent. Moving into 2023, your gifts will drive our work to build new treatments and stronger health systems to help those with heart disease and stroke live their best lives.

• Age is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Over seven million people in Canada are 65 years or older.

Thank you for the support to meet today’s challenges and create tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Create a healthier future with your legacy Including a gift in your Will to Heart & Stroke – whether large or small — can have a tremendous impact on the lives of people just like you.

Get inspired about what your legacy can do. Visit heartandstroke.ca/legacy or call Mary Goodfellow at 1-800-205-4438 to learn more.

Join volunteer and legacy donor Moira Fitzpatrick – support Heart & Stroke with a gift in your Will.

A gift of securities is one of the most cost-effective ways to support the cause that’s close to your heart.

Learn more at: heartandstroke.ca/securities

3 easy, secure ways to make your gift today: Mail in your enclosed reply card

Donate online at heartandstroke.ca/impact

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