Mr. Speaker, cardiovascular disease, CVD, remains one of the greatest health challenges facing Canadians today. Currently, one in 12 adults, 2.6 million people, lives with CVD. Nine in 10 Canadians over age 20 have at least one risk factor. More than 750,000 Canadians live with heart failure, and a million live with atrial fibrillation. Nine out of 10 over age 20 are at risk.
CVD is one of the main causes of hospitalization and loss of productivity, costing the health care system over $21 billion a year. Early detection in high-risk populations can prevent and delay disease, reduce the cost of treatment, improve quality of life and save millions of lives.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute have partnered with our Speaker to offer heart risk assessments in West Block today until 4 p.m. I encourage members to go. The life we save may be our own.