Heart and Stroke Winter 2021 Impact Report - Beat as one by heartandstroke

Winter 2021 Impact Report

Beat as one Big breakthroughs. Better health. Because of YOU.

Welcome to a new year of leading the fight to beat heart disease and stroke.

A look inside your report: Research priorities in 2021 Page 2

Daily ASA for prevention Page 3

Your FREE guide to virtual care Page 4

Facing 2021 with renewed purpose: Thank you for being a part of an amazing community of collaborators

hanks to your incredible generosity, $22.4 million was invested in life-saving research in the past year. Even as the pandemic brought new threats, your donations fuelled important advances by Canada’s top researchers. Here are a few examples: A Heart & Stroke team jumped in fast to measure the impact of COVID-19 on people with heart conditions and stroke. Dr. Jacqueline Saw uncovered genes linked to heart attacks in young women. And Dr. Guillaume Paré shed light on the ACE-2 receptor, which plays a key role key in heart disease, strokes — and now, COVID-19.

It has never been more urgent to accelerate research breakthroughs. In this new year, your donations will continue to power advances in four key areas: Funding medical breakthroughs: Our researchers have a long history of life-altering breakthroughs such as EVT, an innovative game-changer in stroke treatment. This year we’ve also committed to address health inequities in women’s and Indigenous health, and to investigate the heart-brain connection. Preventing disease: From creating environments that protect youth from vaping, to promoting healthy eating through policy changes, we’re making progress. We are also working to advance equity by ensuring universal access to medications and virtual care.

Promoting recovery: We’re empowering and enhancing the quality of life of more than 1.6 million Canadians living with heart conditions, stroke, and vascular cognitive impairment by connecting them with resources, online support groups and more. We are testing innovative digital programs that improve risk factor reduction and enhance recovery. Saving lives: We are training more Canadians than ever in life-saving CPR and first aid. We elevated professional resuscitation education by launching the 2020 CPR Guidelines and updated courses with the latest science. We are a leading authority in establishing best practices and monitoring services to improve stroke care. The threat remains urgent. Every five minutes, someone in Canada dies from heart disease, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment. Plus, people with these conditions are at a much higher risk of dying or experiencing serious complications if they contract COVID-19. This is why we must continue to push to fund research to save lives, treat damaged hearts and minimize the debilitating effects of stroke and vascular dementia. The good news is that with you, we’re making change happen. Thank you for being a part of an amazing community of collaborators — who beat as one to lead the fight against these devastating diseases.

Learn more about the latest Heart & Stroke research breakthroughs: heartandstroke.ca/research 2

Should you take daily ASA to prevent heart attack and stroke? Recent findings have changed recommendations

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It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before making any change in your routine. Dr. Patrice Lindsay Director, Health Systems Change, Heart & Stroke

ave you been taking daily ASA (for example, Aspirin, Entrophen or Novasen) to prevent heart disease or stroke? Based on the most recent Heart & Stroke recommendations, it may be time to talk to your healthcare provider about changing your routine.

These recommendations are only about using ASA for prevention. Heart & Stroke still recommends if someone is experiencing signs of a heart attack, call 9-1-1, lie down and take ASA. ASA can help by stopping the blood clot that is causing the heart attack from getting any bigger. That advice is not changing.

While taking ASA occasionally is safe for most adults, evidence now shows that if you have never had a stroke or been diagnosed with heart or vascular disease, taking ASA daily for prevention can have serious side effects that may outweigh the benefits. So, it is not recommended. If you have had a stroke or heart disease, the benefits of daily ASA outweigh the risks.

The bottom line: if you’ve been diagnosed with heart or vascular disease, and your doctor has suggested you take ASA every day, keep doing so. If you’ve never had a heart attack, stroke, or vascular disease, talk to your healthcare provider about continued use.

Your ASA decision guide

No history? Taking ASA daily could do more harm than good.

Continue to take ASA if your doctor recommends it.

Talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes.

These new recommendations are an opportunity to look at other ways to prevent heart disease, stroke and vascular disease. Learn more: heartandstroke.ca/healthyliving 3

Making the most of your virtual healthcare appointment: Find out what works best with our FREE checklist

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My therapist was in Ontario and I was in British Columbia. I never did meet her in person, but we developed a strong rapport. Jennifer Monaghan Stroke survivor

any healthcare providers have increased virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meeting virtually can be a practical alternative to in-person visits at a doctor’s office or clinic.

Now Jennifer is part of a team at our Canadian Stroke Best Practices, working to make virtual care better and more accessible for people across Canada. They developed the checklist below.

Also known as telemedicine, virtual care uses technology – phone, computer or video conferencing – to connect people with a healthcare provider.

Jennifer’s advice for anyone who might be nervous to try virtual health care: “You might have challenges using the technology at first, but you will soon find it feels natural.”

After she had a stroke eight years ago, Jennifer Monaghan’s recovery included regular video appointments with an occupational therapist.

NEW! Your Virtual Healthcare Checklist: A guide to efficient and effective virtual healthcare sessions

hile there will always be situations where an in-person appointment is necessary, virtual health care is quickly becoming commonplace for people in Canada. From preparing for your virtual session to connecting effectively via technology, your Virtual Healthcare Checklist provides you, your family and caregivers with the best tips and steps to optimize your real-time medical appointments.

For more on getting the most out of your virtual visits, download your free copy of the Virtual Healthcare Checklist at: heartandstroke.ca/virtualchecklist

How COVID-19 affects the vascular system You’re helping researchers understand the impacts on heart and brain health

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Some diseases of the vascular system can cause heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Richard H. Swartz Stroke neurologist and Heart & Stroke funded researcher

hen people with COVID-19 started getting strokes and heart attacks, scientists began researching the connection. They soon realized that the virus was attacking not just the respiratory system, but the vascular system as well. Your vascular system includes all the arteries and veins that carry blood, nutrients and oxygen through your body.

connection with COVID-19, people with existing heart conditions, a previous stroke, or those with risk factors such as high blood pressure should consider themselves at higher risk for complications. Dr. Swartz says it’s important to balance the very small risk of contracting COVID-19 and becoming seriously ill, against the much higher risk of serious problems that come from avoiding medical care.

The coronavirus attaches itself to the human body via receptors called ACE-2. They are found in a lot of places in the body, especially the lining of the arteries and veins, says Dr. Richard H. Swartz, stroke neurologist and Heart & Stroke-funded researcher. “The coronavirus can get in there and inflame the blood vessels,” he says. And this inflammation can trigger heart events and strokes. Because of the vascular

It’s important to go to the doctor for regular tests, keep up your medications and seek immediate medical attention for any sudden worsening of symptoms, Dr. Swartz advises.

Staying safe, staying healthy An existing medical condition makes it more important than ever

esearch is showing that people with heart conditions, stroke, and high blood pressure are more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those with no underlying conditions. While this is worrying, it’s important to know that due to the coronavirus outbreak, hospitals have special safety protocols in place.

Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you or someone else shows signs of heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest. 5

Avoiding the flu during the pandemic A flu shot is always a good idea, and even more important this year

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The flu shot reduces hospitalizations by a significant number. Dr. Craig Jenne Heart & Stroke funded researcher

OVID-19 and the familiar illness known as influenza or flu are both caused by viruses. The difference is that we have vaccines to reduce the impact of flu. Getting a flu shot is a very effective method of avoiding a flu infection, says Dr. Craig Jenne, a Heart & Stroke funded researcher and associate professor at the University of Calgary. With this flu season happening during a pandemic, there is a concern that some people could catch flu and COVID-19 at the same time. “A flu shot would definitely help protect against that,” says Dr. Jenne. There are lots of other reasons to get vaccinated against flu this winter.

“We know that the flu shot reduces hospitalizations by a significant number – in some years, more than ten-fold,” Dr. Jenne says. The flu shot reduces deaths. And it reduces other complications, such as emerging evidence of heart attacks and strokes linked to flu infections. Finally, Dr. Jenne says basic health practices can help keep viruses out — simple things like getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water, and wearing a mask in public.

In an ordinary year, flu leads to about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada. The most vulnerable include people over 65 and those with other health conditions, including heart disease.

Beat heart attack Beat congenital heart disease Beat cardiac arrest Beat high blood pressure Beat sudden devastation

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Survivor Caroline Lavallée knows the importance of heart research first-hand Her heart condition was successfully treated

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This gift is my legacy, a way for me to continue giving, even after I am gone. Caroline Lavallée Heart & Stroke supporter

his year has taught us that one thing is certain: nothing stays the same. Caroline Lavallée knows this first-hand. In 2006, Caroline was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia — with a very rapid heart rate originating from the upper chambers of the heart. To repair her condition, Caroline underwent a non-invasive procedure made possible by research. Fast forward to today, she’s an active triathlete, with a busy career. This experience inspired Caroline to generously leave a gift in her Will to Heart & Stroke. “I’m a strong believer in research, as I have benefitted from it,” says Caroline. “It’s research that makes breakthroughs possible.”

As we make strides in preventing, diagnosing and treating heart conditions and stroke, new challenges emerge and open new pathways to discovery. This year, next year and each year to come, we need to keep up the momentum, supporting research toward future breakthroughs that will protect the lives of our loved ones. That’s what Caroline chose to do.

“My advisor understood what I wanted to accomplish with my future gift, answered all my questions and helped me decide what type of bequest gift would best suit my values and my wishes,” Caroline explains. “It’s comforting to know I can make a difference.”

Are you interested in having a conversation about leaving a gift in your Will to Heart & Stroke? Please call Mary Goodfellow at 1-800-205-4438 or visit: heartandstroke.ca/legacy

Recipes for a healthier you Try these heart-healthy recipes, ready in 30 minutes A new year brings new inspiration to live healthier and feel better. Cooking healthy meals at home is an important way to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. These five dietitian-approved recipes keep it simple, with everyday ingredients and easy prep, to help you get a hearty, delicious meal on the table in just half an hour.

Skillet lemon chicken

Get the recipes at: heartandstroke.ca/healthy30 7

Thank you for being a leader in the fight against heart disease and stroke A new year will mean new breakthroughs

eart disease and stroke are the #1 killer globally, and two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. For half of all Canadians, it’s not a matter of if but when they will be affected. With an aging population, the problem is about to get bigger. And the suddenness of our diseases is traumatic. Combined with the new economic reality caused by the pandemic, funding is at greater risk, causing research to be delayed or halted. A full 95% of Heart & Stroke’s revenue comes from supporters like you. Our new understanding that those with underlying conditions are at a much higher risk of dying or experiencing serious medical complications if they contract COVID-19, means it has never been more critical to accelerate life-altering research breakthroughs. Thank you for being a leader and funding the best and brightest scientific minds on the verge of making discoveries that will save lives.

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This year, we’re determined to keep our promise to you: We will put your gifts directly toward driving the work that saves lives. We remain steadfast in our commitment to address health inequities including in women’s and Indigenous health, and to investigate the heart-brain connection. Meanwhile, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy new year! Doug Roth Heart & Stroke CEO

Will your legacy be to protect your loved ones and future generations from heart disease and stroke? Not much in life is certain, but one thing you can count on is the difference your decision to make a legacy gift to Heart & Stroke will make to those you love. If you would like to have a conversation about including a gift to Heart & Stroke in your Will, please call Mary Goodfellow at 1-800-205-4438 or visit: heartandstroke.ca/legacy

Dr. John McNeill chose to support Heart & Stroke with a gift in his Will.

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

Donate online at heartandstroke.ca/impact

Call 1-877-882-2582

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