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Heart Disease is Rising—Why Canadians Can’t Afford to Ignore It Anymore

Heart Disease is Rising—Why Canadians Can’t Afford to Ignore It Anymore Heart disease has long been Canada’s second leading cause of death%20of%20the%20arter...

August 20, 2025
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Heart Disease is Rising—Why Canadians Can’t Afford to Ignore It Anymore

Heart disease has long been Canada’s second leading cause of death%20of%20the%20arteries.), but the numbers are getting worse.

For decades, cardiovascular disease was seen as something that primarily affected older adults. Now, new data is showing a disturbing trend—more younger Canadians are being diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and early signs of heart disease.

Many assume heart attacks and strokes only happen to those with a family history of heart disease or those who lead extremely unhealthy lifestyles. The reality is far more alarming: seemingly “healthy” people are being affected, and most never see it coming.

But why? And more importantly—what can be done to stop it before it’s too late?

The Silent Warning Signs of Heart Disease

Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight. It develops over years, often without noticeable symptoms—until suddenly, it’s too late. The vast majority of cases could be prevented if early warning signs were detected and addressed in time.

Some of the biggest risk factors include:

  • High cholesterol – One of the most significant contributors to heart disease, yet it often has zero symptoms until it’s too late.
  • High blood pressure – Even minor increases in blood pressure place strain on arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure.
  • Chronic stress – Long-term exposure to stress hormones has been linked to increased heart disease risk, yet most people dismiss it as a minor concern.
  • Poor diet and nutrition – Processed foods, high sugar intake, and a lack of heart-healthy nutrients contribute to the slow deterioration of cardiovascular health.
  • Sedentary lifestyle – Even those who work out a few times a week may not be offsetting the damage of prolonged sitting and inactivity.

    • These risks don’t just affect older adults. Studies show a sharp increase in heart disease diagnoses in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—a trend that is accelerating at a concerning rate.

    Canadians Are Falling Through the Cracks

    Heart disease is largely preventable—but only if it’s caught early. That means regular checkups, cholesterol screenings, and access to primary care.

    The problem? Millions of Canadians can’t even get a doctor’s appointment.Currently, over 6.5 million Canadians do not have a family doctor. That number is only growing, as physician shortages, clinic closures, and long waitlists make it harder than ever to access preventive healthcare. Without access to routine bloodwork and screenings, many Canadians are unknowingly living with dangerously high cholesterol and blood pressure—only discovering it after a major health event like a heart attack or stroke.

    What Works (And What Doesn’t) for Heart Disease Prevention

    What Doesn’t Work

  • “Heart-Healthy” Processed Foods – Low-fat or sugar-free labels can be misleading. Many of these foods still contain high amounts of sodium, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that negatively impact cardiovascular health.
  • Waiting for Symptoms to Appear – Many assume they’ll “feel” it if something is wrong. In reality, high cholesterol and hypertension often show zero warning signs until serious damage is done.
  • Occasional Exercise – Hitting the gym once or twice a week doesn’t undo the effects of prolonged sitting or poor dietary habits. Consistency and lifestyle changes matter far more than intensity.

    • What Actually Works

    The Right Diet Matters More Than You Think

    The most effective heart-healthy diets focus on whole, plant-based foods, fiber, and healthy fats. The Portfolio Diet, for example, has been shown to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and lower heart disease risk. Foods high in soluble fibre—likeoats, beans, and nuts—actively lower cholesterol levels in ways that other diets fail to do. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnutshelp reduce inflammation and protect heart health.

    Cholesterol Management is Non-Negotiable

    High LDL cholesterol is one of the biggest contributors to cardiovascular disease, yet many people never get their levels checked. Lifestyle changes like dietary modifications and regular exercise can make a significant difference—but only if cholesterol levels are actively monitored and managed.

    Regular Health Checkups Are the Key to Prevention

    The single most effective way to prevent heart disease is to catch risk factors early and adjust accordingly.Bloodwork, cholesterol screenings, and blood pressure monitoringshould be routine—not something only considered after symptoms appear.

    The Solution: Make Sure You Have a Doctor Before You Need One

    The biggest barrier to heart disease prevention isn’t a lack of knowledge—it’s a lack of access to care. Millions of Canadians are trying to manage their health on their own because they don’t have a family doctor. This means:

  • No regular cholesterol checks
  • No early detection of risk factors
  • No expert guidance on lifestyle changes
    • Medimap’s Free Family Doctor Connect Service can help.

    Medimap’s free service is designed for those who want a simpler, streamlined approach to joining waitlists. Unlike outdated directories, Medimap’s database is constantly updated, giving you the most accurate and up-to-date information on clinic availability!

  • Search by Area: Instantly see which clinics in your area are accepting new patients.
  • Join Up to 3 Waitlists: Skip the endless phone calls and confusing processes— secure your spot in just a few clicks.
  • Notifications: Medimap alerts you when your turn comes up, so you don’t miss the opportunity.

    • Heart disease prevention starts with access to care. Don’t wait until there’s a problem—make sure you have a doctor who can track your health and catch warning signs early. Take control of your heart health today. Find a doctor before you need one.

    Prevention Starts Now

    Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight. It builds over years—often without symptoms—until it becomes a crisis. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Canada—but it doesn’t have to be. Prevention is possible, but only if youtake action now.

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