Summary
A February 2026 report from Heart & Stroke reveals that 6 million Canadians are living with heart disease or stroke. While medical treatments are saving more lives than ever, 9 in 10 Canadians remain at risk due to rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor nutrition. Experts say 80% of these cases are preventable through lifestyle changes.
A comprehensive new report released today by Heart & Stroke reveals that more than 6 million Canadians are now living with heart disease or stroke—a number significantly higher than previous estimates.
The report, titled By the Numbers: The State of Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada, paints a “big picture” of the country’s health, combining medical, lifestyle, and genetic data. While death rates have plummeted by 80% over the last 70 years due to medical breakthroughs, the foundation warns that a “troubling trend” of rising risk factors could threaten this progress.
The 90% Reality Check
Perhaps the most striking finding in the report is that 9 in 10 people in Canada have at least one major modifiable risk factor for heart disease or stroke.
“While there have been advances around understanding, reducing and managing risk, most people are still at risk,” says Doug Roth, CEO of Heart & Stroke. “The good news is that almost 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes.”
Troubling Trends in Medical & Lifestyle Risks
The data highlights several areas where Canadian health is trending in the wrong direction:
- High Blood Pressure: The number of adults living with hypertension has increased every year since 2000, now affecting over 8.2 million people. It remains the number one risk for stroke.
- Diabetes Surge: More than 3.9 million Canadians are living with diabetes, a more than threefold increase since the year 2000.
- Declining Nutrition: Since 2015, fruit and vegetable consumption has dropped across all age groups. Nearly 8 in 10 of adults and youth currently eat fewer than five servings of produce per day.
- Vaping Concerns: While adult smoking is at a record low (11%), more than 1 in 4 Grade 12 students are now vaping, creating a new generation at risk for nicotine-related heart issues.
The Role of Genetics and Equity
The report emphasizes that not all risks are equal. While lifestyle habits like sleep and exercise are vital, genetics and non-modifiable factors play a massive role.
The data shows that women face distinct risks during reproductive years and menopause, while Indigenous, Black, and South Asian communities face a disproportionately higher burden due to systemic health disparities and geography.
“When people hear ‘family history,’ they usually think about genetics, and that’s important,” says Dr. Guillaume Paré, a Heart & Stroke funded researcher. “But families also pass down lifestyle habits. Healthy habits spread, but unfortunately, unhealthy habits spread just as easily.”
Taking Action: The Risk Screen Tool
Despite the rising numbers, the report found that 9 in 10 Canadians recognize the importance of prevention. To help, Heart & Stroke has launched a free, evidence-based Risk Screen tool to provide individuals with a personalized action plan.
The foundation is calling on:
- Individuals: To use the screening tool and discuss family history with doctors early.
- Healthcare Providers: To increase screening for high cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Governments: To implement policies that make healthy eating and physical activity more accessible for all.
Ultimately, while medical advances are saving more lives than ever before, this report serves as a critical reminder that the power of prevention remains our most effective tool in protecting the heart and brain health of all Canadians.
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