Approximately 1.6 million Canadians are living with the after effects of cardiovascular disease. 

A comparison of the quality of life of heart disease survivors “then” and “now” reveals a true transformation, says Canadian cardiologist Dr. Eldon Smith. 

People are not only surviving, they are thriving. “Fifty years ago if someone survived a heart attack, they were often very sick and lived a life of restriction. They convalesced for months and were sent home and often advised to buy a rocking chair and watch TV, they were told not to return to work and to avoid physical activity, including sex. Their lives never went back to normal,” Smith explains. 

Today, survivors are often discharged home within a few days after the event, can be back at work a few weeks later. They are strongly encouraged to be physically active and follow an improved diet. If they participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program, they increase their chances of returning to live a normal life, and will lead an even healthier life, he continues.  

Increase in certain risk factors 

Nevertheless, despite advances in treatment and medication, coupled with improved survival rates and quality of life, the Heart and Stroke Foundation remains very concerned about the future. 

“We are in danger of losing the gains we have worked so hard for as some risk factors for heart disease increase sharply. Illustrating how our lifestyles have changed, not always for the better,” the HSFC says. 

The experts underline several worrisome facts:  

  • Diabetes rates among heart attack victims have skyrocketed from 17% to 31% in just a few decades.  
  • There are about 2 million people in Canada with diabetes, more than 6% of the population, and according to the Canadian Diabetes Association, this proportion will rise to 11% by 2020.  
  • Across the population, overweight and obesity rates are higher than ever before. More than half of adults in Canada (60%) are overweight or obese.  
  • Obesity rates in children have tripled over the past 30 years, from 3% to 9%, and one-third of children in Canada are overweight or obese. Generations growing up today may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents if they do not improve their lifestyle. 
  • The population is ageing, and the chances of developing cardiovascular disease increase with age.  
Sustained efforts are required 

Beyond the ageing population, factors such as poor diets, high obesity rates among children and young adults, high diabetes rates and physical inactivity will stall if not reverse progress made against heart disease and stroke, experts fear.  

“Although remarkable advancements in the prevention and management of heart disease have been made in the last few decades, sustained efforts are needed to further prevent the development of heart disease risk factors, ensure early detection and treatment, and close the gap in disease occurrence between women and men. Finally, the absolute number of people living with a heart condition is increasing, thus the need for management and treatment resources for heart disease will continue to be high," the Public Health Agency of Canada concludes.