Introduction The Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Unit provides expert advice and training on cardiovascular disease prevention policies, standards and programs to health authorities and Ministry of Health staff. The goal of the CVD Prevention Unit is to reduce the rates of premature death and illness associated with preventable cardiovascular disease and stroke in British Columbia through effective community-based approaches.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and illness in British Columbia.
It is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Although cardiovascular disease is recognized as a leading cause of death it is less well known that many people live with the burden of heart disease and stroke. Living with cardiovascular disease takes both a high human and economic toll. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. By attending to the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, individual British Columbians make a positive impact on their own cardiovascular health.