Heart attacks, cardiac arrests and stroke can strike suddenly, without warning. And the effects can be devastating.

For more than 70 years, Heart & Stroke has been at the forefront of tackling the most pressing issues related to heart disease, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment. We drive life-saving medical breakthroughs and act as a catalyst to bring together the brightest minds to improve diagnosis, care and support.

What we do:

• We invest in life-saving research and support the next generation of heart and stroke researchers.
• We empower and support people to take control of their health.
• We partner with volunteers, donors, researchers, clinicians and people affected by heart conditions, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment to have the greatest impact.
• We advocate to governments to invest in programs, public awareness campaigns and public policies that help create an environment where healthy choices become easy choices.

Our critical priorities:

• Improving stroke systems of care by advocating for better access to stroke rehabilitation and recovery, leading the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations and collaborating with other organizations to strengthen services for people living with stroke and their caregivers.
• Improving survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
• Bettering outcomes for people living with heart failure by advancing research, which helps prevent the damage that reduces heart function, create new treatments and improve diagnosis and care.
• Addressing the increased need for congenital heart disease care by advancing research, raising awareness and advocating for improved access to specialized care and support.
• Advocating to leaders and decision makers and working to change policies on issues like youth vaping, nutrition and access to medications so everyone in Canada can lead healthier lives.
• Advancing health equity by:
  • Leading a collaborative effort to identify and dismantle the systemic inequities that threaten women’s heart and brain health.
  • Working with Indigenous leaders and communities to improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.
  • Increasing representation of Black and Indigenous trainees within the heart and brain health sciences by providing support and funding.

Our vision:

Life. Uninterrupted by heart disease and stroke.