The survey reports that 99 per cent of Canadians think more research is needed on the causes, diagnosis, care and treatment of heart disease and stroke. According to a poll conducted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, six out of 10 people have suffered from heart disease or stroke. Or family members or friends are sick. Meanwhile, only two in 10 people know that death rates from heart disease and stroke have fallen by 75 percent over the past 70 years.
Heart disease and stroke are the second leading causes of death in Canada, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. More than 3.5 million people across the country have suffered a stroke or heart disease. Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO Doug Roth said the past few decades have seen incredible advances in heart disease and stroke diagnosis, treatment and care. Research, system change and public awareness have contributed to this progress, he said.
Fountain noted that high cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and it affects about a quarter of the nation's elderly population. High blood pressure also increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.