Canadian Heart Failure Society Warns of Rising Cardiovascular Cases Ahead of Heart Failure Awareness Week

With heart failure recently on the rise, the Canadian Heart Failure Society offers free toolkits to help identify symptoms

OTTAWA, ON –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– The Canadian Heart Failure Society (CHFS), the trusted voice in Canada for heart failure professionals, is marking the seventh annual National Heart Failure Awareness Week from May 4-10, 2025 in Canada at a time when heart disease has become one of the fastest growing cardiovascular conditions in the world. In response, CHFS has joined forces with several national organizations to create free toolkits for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers aimed to assist in the prevention, detection, and management of heart disease.

New data from the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals a troubling rise in cardiovascular disease across Canada. This year alone, an estimated 120,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with heart failure. More than 800,000 (827,560) people (aged 40 years and older) live with heart failure in the country. Heart failure touches 1 in 3 people in Canada, either because they have it themselves or because it affects a family member or close friend; yet, just as many Canadians do not know that heart failure is on the rise.

Dr. Justin Ezekowitz, President of the Canadian Heart Failure Society, emphasized the significance of National Heart Failure Awareness Week, stating, “While we’ve made tremendous progress in preventing, diagnosing, and managing heart disease, the rise in heart failure cases highlights the urgent need for continued awareness, education, and action. At the Canadian Heart Failure Society, we remain committed to informing Canadians about the warning signs of heart disease to help save lives.”

Now, Canadians can access free tools and resources to inform themselves about the signs and symptoms of heart failure, tips for managing existing heart failure, tips to prepare for healthcare visits, and when to seek emergency medical care. CHFS has partnered with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS), Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses (CCCN), Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (CACPR), Canadian Heart Function (CHF) Alliance, Heart & Stroke, HeartLife Foundation and Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research to provide toolkits and helpful resources for the general public, for healthcare providers and for people living with heart failure.

The Patient Impact of Spotting Symptoms

Todd Murray of Brantford was an active sports referee and school teacher until 2020, when at the age of 52, he began experiencing shortness of breath and anxiety. A friend noticed something was wrong during a bike ride, but doctors initially dismissed his concerns. After persistent issues and a medical leave, heart scans finally revealed his diagnosis of heart failure.

Todd Murray is urging Canadians to take heart failure detection seriously: “Canadians need to recognize the warning signs and potential risks, which can even appear for young Canadians. It’s never too early to seek medical attention.”

Raising Awareness Across Canada

With the theme “It Is Not Normal To Be Breathless,” the primary goal of the 2025 Heart Failure Awareness Week is to raise awareness, increase public knowledge, and provide a better understanding of this chronic condition.

In addition to the free toolkits, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, and other cities across Canada will be lighting up landmarks in red in honor of the awareness week. A complete schedule can be found below:

• May 2: Vancouver, BC Place Stadium
• May 5: Vancouver, Sails of Light & Science World; Toronto: CN Tower; Montreal: La Grande Roue
• May 6: Ottawa: Ottawa Sign in ByWard Market
• May 9: Mississauga: Clock Tower
• May 11: Nova Scotia: Legislature Building

For media inquiries and interview opportunities with cardiovascular professionals and patients, please contact Lindsay Silverberg at lindsay@lprconsulting.ca.

About The Canadian Heart Failure Society

The Canadian Heart Failure Society (CHFS) provides a forum for cardiovascular professionals to exchange ideas, advance knowledge, and improve practice and care delivery in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of all Heart Failure phases and complications.

With a mission to improve the care of patients through research, advocacy, education, and development of best practices in the field of heart failure disorders, the CHFS interacts with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) as an affiliated organization in matters associated with the continuum of heart failure.

CHFS strives to provide guidance for medical trainees in Canada, while advocating for heart failure patients, their families, and professionals providing care to those living with the risks of complications of heart failure.

Contacts

Media Contact
Lindsay Silverberg
lindsay@lprconsulting.ca