Heart & Stroke Launches Innovative Online Tool for Risk Screening

Heart & Stroke has introduced a new online screening tool designed to assist Canadians in understanding their personal risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The tool, named Risk Screen, aims to provide users with tailored insights and recommendations based on their individual health profiles.

Dr. Christine Faubert, vice president of health equity and mission impact at Heart & Stroke, emphasized the importance of this free resource. “It supports and gives tips to people they can take to reduce and manage their risks. It’s a really personalized approach to understand one’s own unique risk,” Faubert explained during an interview with CTV Your Morning Atlantic.

The Risk Screen tool is particularly relevant given the varying risk factors between men and women. While many factors, such as diet and smoking, affect both genders, Faubert pointed out that certain risks are unique to women. “Especially when we think about women’s unique life stages with things like pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, or after menopause. Some of the risks are the same as men and sometimes they will impact women differently,” she noted.

Understanding these unique risks is crucial for women, according to Faubert, who urged them to learn how to mitigate these factors. After users complete the online screening, they receive a personalized profile detailing their risks, along with a report featuring recommendations and actionable tips.

“A lot of the risks can be prevented, like lifestyle changes and how important it is to eat healthy and try to stay active as much as possible,” Faubert remarked. “But there are also risks that cannot be changed but are really critical for people to know.”

This innovative tool not only helps in identifying potential health risks but also serves as a valuable resource for initiating conversations with healthcare providers or family members regarding lifestyle changes and health management strategies.

For Canadians looking to take control of their heart health, the Risk Screen offers a comprehensive and accessible way to start making informed decisions. For more information about this tool and other health resources, visit the Heart & Stroke website.