A National Action Plan for Change

National Heart Failure Policy Framework

Creating a Heart-Healthier Future for Canadians

In the face of rising heart failure rates across Canada, a silent crisis unfolds, claiming thousands of lives and leading to countless hospitalizations annually. The impact of heart failure is profound, stretching beyond the individuals diagnosed to their families and caregivers, mirroring the challenges of other severe health conditions like advanced cancer or AIDS. With over 750,000 Canadians living with heart failure and 100,000 new cases identified each year, the urgency for action is undeniable.

However, amidst these daunting statistics lies a beacon of hope: The Heartlife Foundation’s National Heart Failure Policy Action Framework. This pioneering initiative marks a significant stride towards a collective vision—enhancing the quality of life for those affected by heart failure. By laying out a comprehensive strategy centered around three critical pillars—Diagnosis and Screening, Management & Care, and Planning & Evaluation—the Framework aims to chart a course towards a brighter, healthier future for all Canadians.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

The National Heart Failure Policy Action Framework is more than a plan; it’s a promise of hope. It advocates for early detection, effective management, and comprehensive mental health support for both patients and caregivers. By embracing these recommendations, we can transform the landscape of heart failure care in Canada.

Your involvement is crucial. By supporting the Heartlife Foundation, you become part of a community dedicated to making every heartbeat count. Explore our website to learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute to this critical cause.

It's About Life, Not Failure

Together, we can build a future where heart failure no longer spells despair but rather a beginning of a journey towards health and hope. Let’s unite to make a lasting difference in the lives of Canadians, turning our collective vision into a reality. Join us in creating a heart-healthier tomorrow.

Three Pillars of The Framework

Our comprehensive strategy for tackling heart failure revolves around three foundational pillars: Diagnosis & Screening, Management & Care, and Research & Evaluation. Each pillar is designed to address the critical aspects of heart failure management, from early detection and effective treatment to ongoing support and continuous improvement through research. By focusing on these key areas, we aim to enhance the quality of life for patients, streamline care delivery, and foster innovation in heart failure management and treatment.

Diagnosis & Screening

Early detection is key. With recommendations for natriuretic peptide testing and improved access to imaging technologies, the Framework emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis, setting the stage for effective intervention.

Management & Care

The heart of patient care lies in personalized, guideline-directed medical therapy. Initiating such therapy within 3 to 6 months of diagnosis can significantly alter the disease's trajectory, offering patients a chance at a better life.

Research & Evaluation

A continuous cycle of assessment and adjustment ensures that care strategies evolve alongside medical advancements, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

The Urgent Need for Action

Heart failure is not just a health issue; it’s a societal challenge.

As a leading cause of hospitalization, it placed a staggering $575.2 million burden on Canada’s healthcare system in 2016-2017 alone—a figure projected to balloon to $2.8 billion annually by 2030. This financial strain underscores the need for a unified approach to tackle heart failure head-on.

Our Framework is Endorsed By