Stroke doesn’t wait. It strikes suddenly, often without warning—changing lives in an instant. Every five minutes, someone in Canada experiences a stroke. For many, it’s a moment that divides life into “before” and “after.” And while progress has been made, the burden remains heavy for patients, families, and the healthcare system that supports them.
This Stroke Month, we’re shining a light on the realities of stroke in Canada—and the powerful difference your support is making.
From public awareness campaigns to cutting-edge research, from emergency response to longterm recovery, this report shares the stories, science, and statistics behind the fight to beat stroke. You’ll meet researchers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and people like Samantha and Ken who are here today because of the work you help make possible.
Stroke caught them off guard: Meet Samantha and Ken
When she was thirty-three years old, Samantha Gomez needed to leave for work and couldn’t find her car keys a normal occurrence, and yet her family was staring back at her with worry Instead of asking “Where are my car keys?” she kept saying, “Where are my limes?”
It turns out that this was the first symptom of the severe ischemic stroke the former Mrs Universe Canada was experiencing What followed was treatment in two hospitals and a nearly month-long recovery “Before I had my stroke, I thought only older people could get them. I had no idea that I was even able to have one.”
Ken Wong, a television producer in his 40s, similarly had his life change one busy Sunday morning While getting ready to leave for his kids’ hockey practice, his vision swirled, and his balance was off That evening, after undergoing a series of tests at his local emergency room, Ken learned he had experienced a stroke. The likely cause? A previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale (PFO) a small hole in his upper heart chamber
The diagnosis was a shock for Ken and his wife: he was a young, healthy dad, until this stroke almost shattered it all
Read Samantha’s story
When stroke strikes: Five
things about stroke that everyone should know.
Stroke can happen at any age.
Stroke risk increases as people get older most strokes happen to those over the age of 60. But stroke can happen to anyone. Younger adults, babies and young children can all have strokes In fact, more than 10,000 children in Canada are living with stroke.
Stroke is linked to heart health.
Heart conditions such as congenital heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke – sometimes dramatically – and stroke can increase the risk of heart conditions This is because the heart and brain are connected by the vascular system – a network of vessels that carry blood and oxygen throughout the body
For example:
People with aortic valve disease have higher risk of stroke
Congenital heart disease more than doubles the risk of stroke, especially among children and younger adults, who can have 10 times the risk
People with atrial fibrillation have double the risk of stroke
People with heart failure have higher risk of stroke
Stroke is on the rise — but more people survive.
An aging population and an increase in risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol – including among younger people, means stroke in Canada is increasing. In fact, a stroke occurs roughly every five minutes. Fortunately, more people are surviving – an estimated one million people in Canada are now living with stroke due to research breakthroughs, increased awareness and better treatment and care.
Knowing the FAST stroke signs saves lives.
Recognizing the signs of stroke and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death, or between a better recovery and a lasting disability FAST is a simple way to remember the most common signs of a stroke
Up to 80% of premature stroke or heart disease can be prevented by embracing healthy habits like eating a healthy diet, being active and living smoke-free This is harder for some people than others because of factors like their financial situation or where they live. And some risk factors like age, sex and family history cannot be changed
Stroke can be prevented.
Every minute counts
The FAST signs of stroke education and awareness campaign saves lives
Stroke is a medical emergency.
When blood flow to the brain is blocked or bleeding occurs, brain cells begin to die up to 1.9 million every minute Fast action can mean the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and lasting disability Call 9-1-1 immediately at the first sign of stroke
Since 2014, Heart & Stroke’s FAST campaign has helped Canadians recognize the most common signs of stroke and act quickly. Thanks to valuable partners who amplify the FAST message, awareness is growing. In fact, the number of Canadians who can name at least two signs of stroke has doubled in the past ten years. But 3 in 10 still can’t name any, and awareness varies across the country.
Read more about our progress and the work still to do, on our website
2024 FAST highlights
42% of Canadians aged 18+ could name two or more FAST signs of stroke; a nine percent increase compared to 2021
38% of Canadians aged 18+ recalled seeing/hearing the FAST campaigna one percent increase.
Those who saw/heard (unaided) the FAST campaign were nearly twice as likely to name two or more FAST signs of stroke.
The more FAST signs a person could name, the more likely they were to call 911/EMS. Among those who could name all three FAST signs nearly 9 in 10 would call 911/EMS
Despite dramatic improvements in stroke prevention, awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and care over the past several decades, the burden of stroke remains high. That’s why the work must continue.
FAST signs of stroke displayed alongside airport departures
How Max saved his dad: seven years later
From legacy gift to life-saving phone call — Max and his dad reflect on one very meaningful donation.
The power of both donor dollars, and stroke awareness and education.
In 2018, Heart & Stroke used a generous legacy gift to teach kids the signs of stroke. Eightyear-old Max was one of those kids. And just five days later, he helped save his dad.
The 9-1-1 call captured the dramatic moment Max recognized that his dad Mike was having a stroke. Now, seven years later, Max and Mike are grateful for every moment they have together, thanks to the generosity of donors like you.
Terry Mills, executor of his aunt and uncle’s estate, is in awe of the impact their gift still has today. “The whole family was thrilled that the funds helped save somebody’s life.”
Click below to watch Max and Mike’s powerful story! Together, we can build a future where everyone enjoys longer, healthier lives free from heart disease and stroke.
For more information about legacy giving, click here to visit our website.
The brains behind the breakthroughs Meet
the researchers changing stroke care across the country, and the globe.
How can a heart defect impact brain health?
Dr Thalia Field is a stroke neurologist and has spent her career focused on brain health: preventing stroke, treating it and helping many patients make the best possible recovery after a stroke.
She is currently leading a multi-disciplinary team in a study called Lifespan Brain Health Trajectories in Congenital Heart Disease: The Role of Sex and Gender, as one of three Congenital Heart Disease Team Grants, co-funded by Heart & Stroke donors, Brain Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research The team is studying the factors that influence brain health through the lifespan of a person with congenital heart disease (CHD) and how these may differ between men and women.
Congenital heart disease puts people at higher risk for other heart and brain issues, like stroke, but Dr. Field admits that she did not encounter CHD that often earlier in her career. When a colleague noticed that many children living with stroke also had CHD suggested research was needed to explore the link, Dr Field knew it was her next focus
Manitoba neurologist takes on global gaps in stroke care.
Part clinician and part advocate, Dr. Singh has a bold vision: improve stroke prevention while addressing global disparities in treatment. “I’m extremely passionate about equitable access to care,” she says
As a neurologist and assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Singh was named the Heart & Stroke and Research Manitoba Chair in Clinical Stroke Research in 2023 Her work focuses on understanding how stroke care is delivered across different populations and healthcare systems and why those differences exist.
Using a mixed-method approach, Dr Singh is combining physician surveys with in-depth interviews to explore how clinical decisions are made. “I’m trying to quantify how each physician treats patients based on their imaging and/or clinical features,” she explains “But we also need to understand the qualitative aspect why physicians do what they do ”
Her goal is to identify gaps in care and uncover the systemic factors that influence treatment decisions, especially in under-resourced or underserved settings By building collaborative networks and generating real-world data, Dr Singh hopes to inform more equitable, evidence-based stroke care—both in Canada and globally.
“Funding is more than just money,” she says. “It’s a vote of confidence. It’s a reminder that our efforts matter, and that people believe in what we’re doing.”
Read about Dr. Singh’s important work.
Read about Dr Thalia Field’s important work
Together, we can beat stroke
Stroke changes lives in an instant—stealing time, independence, and far too often, lives. Every five minutes, someone in Canada experiences a stroke. That’s more than 108,000 people each year—parents, children, friends, and neighbours. The toll is not just personal, but national, costing the economy billions and placing immense pressure on our healthcare system. But behind every number is a story that could have ended differently with faster recognition, quicker action, and better care Since every life saved is a future preserved, Heart & Stroke continues to fight for greater awareness, research and recovery But there is so much more to be done
Stroke by the numbers: The human and economic toll in Canada.
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, with nearly one million people in Canada living with stroke
More than 3.5 million people across the country of all ages, ethnicities and genders are living with heart disease, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment
Nine in 10 people in Canada have at least one risk factor for heart disease, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment.
Stroke is one of the ten most expensive causes of acute care hospitalization in Canada, with an annual cost of $146 million
The total cost of stroke to the Canadian economy is about $3.6 billion per year
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners and volunteers, Heart & Stroke is leading the charge to promote health, save lives and promote recovery by:
Funding breakthrough research and investing in discoveries that will prevent death and disability
Increasing awareness of the FAST signs of stroke to ensure more people seek emergency care
Addressing the inequities in stroke care. Ensuring that people living with stroke, and their families and caregivers, receive the care and support they need when they need it.
Great progress has been made in stroke prevention, awareness, treatment, and recovery. But the stark facts remain: stroke is still a leading cause of death and disability in Canada— and more needs to be done.
Deepen your impact. Help keep families together.
Your generosity has already made a powerful difference in the lives of people affected by stroke Here’s how you can continue to fuel progress and protect more lives:
Donate to advance life-saving research.
Donate to fuel life-saving research and support the next generation of breakthroughs in stroke prevention, diagnosis, and recovery. Your contribution helps protect people across Canada including your loved ones from heart disease and stroke
Help advance public awareness and protect the people you love.
Share the FAST signs of stroke with someone you love and help ensure more people recognize the signs of stroke and the importance of acting FAST!
