Time for Change: Strengthening Early Detection and Intervention Strategies to Improve Cardiovascular Health in Canada

Cardiovascular disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Canada, and early detection and intervention programs have the potential to improve outcomes for patients. This review aims to outline the importance of early detection and intervention for various cardiac diseases, outline barriers that exist to early detection in Canada, identify the system-level benefits to improving early detection and intervention, and ultimately help policy makers and other stakeholders identify new opportunities for intervention. There are various data that show that early detection and intervention in coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease and heart failure is feasible and is associated with better outcomes for patients. Recognizing the unique barriers that exist in Canada, we must work towards creating innovative solutions aimed at helping patients access care. Several innovative collaborative models of care and programs have been piloted around the world, allowing us to learn from different jurisdictions and begin work locally to help improve early detection of cardiovascular diseases in Canada. Canadian stakeholders including health leaders, policy makers and other health advocates must continue to work with physician leaders to create robust, comprehensive and cost-effective early detection and intervention programs to improve cardiac care nationally.