The Ontario government is committed to improving access to lifesaving cardiac services, reducing wait times for these services, and encouraging people to maintain healthy lifestyles.

The government has reduced waiting times for cardiac surgery by 52.6 per cent since 1996 by :

• expanding cardiac services through the investment of more than $186 million since 1995, resulting in almost 70,000 additional procedures being performed each year; and
• adding five new cardiac centres (in Peterborough, Mississauga, Toronto, Kitchener and Newmarket).

More information on regional cardiac centres is available from the Cardiac Care Network.

In 1990, the government established the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario (CCN) to coordinate access for patients waiting for cardiac services. The government-funded CCN operates a provincial patient registry for cardiac surgery, catheterization and coronary angioplasty/stent. It also identifies trends, outcomes and emerging needs in cardiac services.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death, illness and disability in Ontario, accounting for 35 per cent of deaths in the province.

Recognizing that healthy living is the best kind of healthcare, the Ontario government is investing $17 million over five years in the Heart Health Program. Heart Health is the largest and most far-reaching cardiovascular disease prevention program in North America.

Working with 36 boards of health, one hospital and community partners, the Heart Health program promotes healthy eating and physical activity while discouraging tobacco use.

For a list of Ontario Heart Health Program Communities by region, visit the Heart Health Resource Centre, funded by the ministry.