Many Canadians do not know enough about heart disease and stroke

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

On October 18^th, 2023, at 5:00 a.m. ET, Heart and Stroke  released new survey data revealing many Canadians do not know enough about heart disease and stroke, putting their own and their loved ones’ health at risk. The survey shows that despite one in two Canadians having been personally touched by heart disease and stroke, there is little understanding around risk factors, signs and symptoms and what to do if faced with a serious medical emergency.

Heart disease and stroke are prevalent health concerns in the Caribbean community, and there are several factors that contribute to the high rates of these diseases in the Caribbean population, including: genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle choices, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic factors.

Traditional Caribbean diets can be high in fried and fatty foods, salt, and sugar, which can contribute to high blood pressure and obesity, both risk factors for heart disease and stroke. This along with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can lead to obesity and other cardiovascular problems.

Some ethnic groups in the Caribbean, such as those of African descent, have a higher genetic predisposition to conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Below are some of the key survey findings that are important for you to be aware of:

• 1 in 3 Canadians do not understand that cardiac arrest and heart attack are different conditions.
• 1 in 3 Canadians do not know that the signs of heart attack can be different in women.
• Almost 1 in 3 Canadians mistakenly think if they witness someone having a stroke, they should immediately drive them to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. (This misconception is dangerous – the recommendation is to call 9-1-1 immediately. An ambulance will get you to the best hospital for stroke care and lifesaving treatment the second you call 9-1-1.)
• 1 in 3 Canadians think it’s difficult to recognize the signs of stroke if you’re not a trained healthcare professional. (Everyone can and should learn the signs of stroke. FAST is an easy way to remember the most common signs. FAST stands for Face – is it drooping? Arms – can you raise both? Speech – is it slurred or jumbled? And Time – to call 9-1-1 right away.

What we don’t know can hurt us when it comes to heart and brain health. Heart disease and stroke touches half of Canadians, but knowledge is lacking.

“The impact of heart disease and stroke on individuals and their loved ones is enormous. There are more than 3.5 million people in Canada living with these conditions and they are the second leading cause of death,” says Doug
Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “Yet there is a serious lack of understanding around different conditions, what they look like, the causes and the effects they can have, including life-threatening consequences. More needs to be done to raise awareness across the country.”According to the Heart & Stroke poll:

• 1 in 3 Canadians do not understand that cardiac arrest and heart attack are different conditions. Cardiac arrest is often referred to as an electrical problem and it means the heart has suddenly and unexpectedly stopped beating. Heart attack is often referred to as a plumbing problem of the heart; the blood flow to the heart is slowed or blocked.
• 1 in 3 Canadians do not know that the signs of heart attack can be different in women. The most common heart attack sign is chest pain, but women may experience shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or abdomen, dizziness, upper back pressure, or extreme fatigue. Unfortunately, half of women who experience heart attacks have their symptoms go unrecognized.
• 1 in 3 Canadians do not know that most people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital do not survive. In fact, 90% who have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive. Doing CPR and using an AED can double the chance of survival. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any age, without warning.
• 7 in 10 Canadians do not understand the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. They mistakenly think that family history/genetics is the biggest risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The reality is high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease, and up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented.
• 1 in 3 Canadians do not know that most people who have a stroke are left with some level of stroke-related disability. About 60% of people who have had a stroke are left with some level of stroke-related disability and more than 40% of people who have a stroke are left with moderate to severe disability. Effects of stroke can be both physical and mental.

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including public health campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles, improving access to healthcare services, and focusing on education to raise awareness about the risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. Additionally, encouraging and supporting research into the genetic factors involved can also lead to better prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the Caribbean population.