May 28, 2004 – The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) launched a new cardiovascular disease prevention center on Wednesday. With this center, the Institute hopes to reduce the risk of heart disease in its patients by 50%.
A team of doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, nurses and exercise specialists will follow up with 300 people, aged 25 to 70. To be part of the prevention program, these people will have to present two risk factors related to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The medical follow-up will be spread over two years. In addition to this follow-up, 12 weekly meetings will focus on eating habits, physical exercise, stress management and smoking. Each patient will then be able to meet individually, every three months, all health professionals in a single appointment.
Pfizer Canada, which derives nearly half of its profits from cardiovascular drugs, will contribute $ 1.2 million over the next three years to fund the center.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50% of deaths from cardiovascular disease could be prevented. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada. Forty percent of deaths among women are attributable to them.
Diep Truong – HealthPassport.net
