According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, stroke accounted for 20 per cent of the 79,389 deaths from cardiovascular diseases in 1998. The Canadian statistics are indeed disconcerting, reflecting tremendous suffering and financial burdens to families and society.

Perception is everything. Not only does it apply to the political arena but to the public’s perception of health risks.

A survey by the American Heart Association done in 2000 asked women what disease they thought was the major threat to their lives. Eight per cent said heart disease compared to 50 per cent citing cancer. The reality is altogether different. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than the next 14 causes of death combined.

Many people are aware of the effects of elevated cholesterol upon their health. Indeed, the rates of heart disease and stroke continue to rise. Concomitant risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking and family history of heart disease and stroke complicate the picture.
Those with some or all these conditions use cholesterol-lowering agents as one means to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure (Hypertension) is another silent disease with catastrophic results if left untreated. Heart disease is the number one cause of physical and emotional harm (morbidity) and mortality in Canada and the United States. Despite the myriad of information targeted to Canadians, the problem grows worse. Money and human resources are stretched to the limit to combat cardiovascular disorders.