Researchers highlight overlooked risks tied to life stages in women
Heart & Stroke has launched a free online screening tool to help Canadians assess their risk for heart disease and stroke, addressing a concerning knowledge gap among the population.
The Heart & Stroke Risk Screen considers individual factors including lifestyle behaviours, medical history, sex, age, and life stages specific to women such as pregnancy and menopause. Users receive a customized action plan based on their responses.
According to a national poll commissioned by Heart & Stroke, only half of Canadians know their own risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The survey of 2,842 Canadian residents aged 30-74, conducted between May 8-22, 2025, revealed significant gaps in health awareness.
More than one in three Canadians do not know their blood pressure and over half do not know their cholesterol or their blood sugar levels, the poll found. Nearly seven out of 10 Canadians expressed concern about their existing or potential risks for heart disease and stroke.
Nine in 10 people in Canada have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke, which includes modifiable behaviours such as diet, physical activity, and smoking, as well as non-modifiable factors like sex, age, and genetics.
The tool specifically addresses women’s health risks, which can change throughout their lives. Heart disease and stroke are the number one premature cause of death in women in Canada, yet only four in 10 women are certain that women’s risk changes across life stages.
“We know that Canadians take their personal risks seriously and want to know more so they can take steps to protect their heart and brain health,” said Dr. Christine Faubert, vice president of health equity and mission impact at Heart & Stroke. “We have developed a tool that will not only raise awareness but also provide concrete and personalized information to support individuals to make positive changes, including women who are often not aware of their unique risks.”
Dr. Kara Nerenberg, women’s heart and brain health mid-career research chair at the University of Calgary, praised the tool’s comprehensive approach. “The science behind it is solid and although other good tools exist, I don’t know of any other tool quite like it,” she said.
The screening tool provides users with a profile highlighting personal risks, identifying factors that can be changed or managed, and offering a detailed report with recommendations and tips.
Despite the knowledge gaps, the poll showed Canadians are motivated to make healthy changes. About nine in 10 said they can improve their diet, increase physical activity, and better manage stress.
