Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Canada. The growing burden of CVD is, in large part, a consequence of lifestyle choices. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 9 out of 10 adults have at least one of the following risk factors – smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, being overweight, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes, and two in 5 have three or more. The estimated cost of CVD to the Canadian economy is more than $20.9 billion every year in physician services, hospital costs, lost wages and decreased productivity.

An active research program has been ongoing within the Division of Prevention and Rehabilitation for several years. More recently, our Division has expanded its scope and reach through collaboration and the development of strategic partnerships. Our research activities include assessments of primary and secondary prevention strategies, and an examination of broader, population-based initiatives to reduce the prevalence of risk factors and the risk of disease. Our research group includes research scientists, clinicians, graduate students and research staff who contribute to all aspects of our research enterprise.

We thank you for your ongoing interest in our work, and your support in helping us achieve our goals.