Heart & Stroke Launches Free Online Tool to Assess Heart Risk

Heart & Stroke has introduced a new online screening tool called Risk Screen, designed to help Canadians assess their individual risk factors for heart disease and stroke. This initiative aims to empower users with personalized insights and actionable recommendations to better manage their health.

Dr. Christine Faubert, Vice President of Health Equity and Mission Impact at Heart & Stroke, emphasized the tool’s accessibility and utility during a segment on CTV Your Morning Atlantic. “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 stated.

Understanding Unique Risk Factors

The tool addresses both common and unique risk factors associated with heart health. Faubert noted that while men and women share similar risks, such as unhealthy diets and smoking, specific factors affect women differently. “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 explained.

The screening process involves answering a series of questions, after which users receive a detailed profile outlining their personal risks. Each report includes tailored recommendations and lifestyle 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. But there are also risks that cannot be changed but are really critical for people to know,” Faubert added.

Facilitating Discussions with Healthcare Providers

The Risk Screen tool is not only an educational resource but also serves as a conversation starter for individuals and their healthcare providers. Faubert encourages users to discuss their results and recommendations with family members or medical professionals, which can lead to better health outcomes.

This initiative reflects Heart & Stroke’s commitment to enhancing health equity and ensuring that all Canadians have the knowledge and tools necessary to take control of their health. The tool is freely available online, furthering its accessibility to those who may benefit from it.

For more information about the Risk Screen tool and to start assessing your heart health risks, visit the official Heart & Stroke website.