News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         June 4, 2012

Cardiovascular Disease in Grey Bruce

Making progress but still a long way to go

Today, the Grey Bruce Health Unit releases the report Cardiovascular Disease in Grey Bruce: 2000-2010. The report offers an in-depth look at hospitalizations and deaths in our area related to cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for both men and women in our area.

Cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the circulatory system made up of the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. It includes ischaemic heart disease, characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart, and cerebrovascular diseases of the blood vessels supplying the brain, including stroke.

Every week in Grey Bruce, on average, there are over 45 people hospitalized with cardiovascular disease. In spite of the encouraging, steady decline in rates since 2003 both locally and provincially, Grey Bruce rates are still 14% higher than Ontario’s. Locally, rates are higher for: males compared to females (16%); Bruce County compared to Grey County (17%); and seniors aged 65+ than other age groups (17%).

Each week in Grey Bruce, about 11 people die from cardiovascular disease – we have a 25% higher mortality rate than Ontario’s. These deaths are more likely in males and older persons. Again, since 2000, mortality trends have shown a steady decline in Grey Bruce (19%) but it is smaller than the decline shown provincially (30%).

“We are pleased to see that our rates for cardiovascular disease are declining but there is still so much more to do in Grey Bruce. Chronic disease prevention remains a key priority for Public Health.” says Lynda Bumstead, manager of the Chronic Disease Prevention Program. “It is crucial that we address factors contributing to cardiovascular disease in Grey Bruce. Your voice matters. Speak up for a community that makes healthy choices an easy choice. By working together we can have smoke-free outdoor spaces, walkable and bikeable communities, affordable healthy local food choices and a community that supports alcohol in moderation. This will make our communities healthier and more vibrant for everyone”.

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachment: Cardiovascular Disease in Grey Bruce: 2000-2010 

For more information:

Alanna Leffley

Senior Epidemiologist

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1260

a.leffley@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca