What to know

Heart Failure

Heart failure develops when your heart muscle weakens to the point that it doesn’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs – or stiffens and does not relax properly. As more people with damaged hearts live longer, heart failure is on the rise in Canada and around the world.

The two most common causes of heart failure in children are congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies (an inherent weakness in the heart muscle). For adults, heart attacks, high blood pressure and idiopathy (spontaneous disease) lead the way.

A wide range of other factors can cause heart failure, including heart valve disease, infections that inflame the heart muscle, congenital birth defects, obesity, high cholesterol, other medical conditions such as diabetes and cancer, and adverse effects from powerful immunological medications.

The Promise

The early detection, prevention and treatment of heart failure – and the repair of damaged hearts – are within our grasp this decade and next. By bringing together three world-renowned institutions known for excellence in research and clinical care, the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research is the catalyst for the pursuit of cardiac treatments and breakthroughs.

For families living in fear of losing a loved one or individuals whose quality of life has suddenly declined due to heart failure, the Centre brings to life the promise of a different future.

A future where children can play and grow up to be healthy and strong. A future where adults can live their lives fully, be engaged with their families and enjoy their grandchildren for years to come. A future where the toll of heart failure is minimized.

This is what lies in the promise of a healthy heart.