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Heart And Stroke Research

Stroke is the leading cause of disability among adults in Canada and the third leading cause of death, killing 14,000 people annually. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, and 9 in 10 Canadians over the age of 20 have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Alberta has been a significant contributor to heart and stroke research, and we want to keep that momentum going. Although plenty of progress has been made in the diagnosis and prevention of neurological and cardiovascular diseases, we’re still looking to research to develop even better treatments.

RESEARCH FACILITIES

LIBIN CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF ALBERTA

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is a virtual institute that coordinates and integrates cardiovascular science research, education, and patient care in southern Alberta.

The institute provides education and training of health care professionals, world-class treatment, and access to cardiac services through new health care developments.

HOTCHKISS BRAIN INSTITUTE

The Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) is an internationally recognized centre of excellence in brain and mental health research and education. The institute is based at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and works in partnership with Alberta Health Services.

MAZANKOWSKI ALBERTA HEART INSTITUTE

The Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in Edmonton is a world leader in complex cardiac care and surgery.

CANADIAN VIGOUR CENTRE

The Canadian VIGOUR Centre (CVC) is an academic research organization (ARO) committed to improving cardiovascular health. The CVC is anchored by a dedicated group of internationally recognized thought leaders in cardiovascular medicine and clinical investigation.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

ESCAPE TRIAL

“These results will impact stroke care around the world.”

Standard clot-busting treatment for acute strokes doesn’t work for patients with large clots in major vessels. Through endovascular therapy, however, doctors can make a small incision, insert a catheter, and manually remove the clot.

Dr. Andrew Demchuk, Dr. Mayank Goyal, and Dr. Michael Hill tested the effectiveness of endovascular therapy through the Alberta-based ESCAPE Trial. The study showed that endovascular therapy patients had a 23.7% reduced chance for stroke-related disability and were 50% less likely to die within three months of their stroke.

According to Dr. Hill, “This is the most significant and fundamental change in acute ischemic stroke treatment in the last 20 years… [and] will impact stroke care around the world.”

EXPLORE AREAS WHERE RESEARCH IS HELPING ALBERTANS

GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH RESEARCH

CANCER RESEARCH

WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH RESEARCH