Strategic Roadmap for Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Transforming how cardiovascular disease is understood, prevented, and treated for women across Canada.
For decades, women’s cardiovascular health has been overlooked.
Many women are still misdiagnosed, dismissed, or receive care that does not reflect how heart and vascular disease affects them.
The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA) is leading a coordinated national effort to change that.
Our Strategic Roadmap outlines three priorities designed to improve prevention, diagnosis, care, and awareness so that every woman in Canada receives equitable, evidence-based cardiovascular care.
Why Women’s Heart and Vascular Health Matters
Heart and vascular disease is one of the leading causes of premature death among women in Canada. Yet many women remain unaware of their risk, and too often their symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed.
Women’s cardiovascular health is shaped by factors that are often overlooked, including pregnancy-related conditions, menopause, and social determinants of health.
Without coordinated action, these gaps will continue to affect how women are diagnosed, treated, and supported.
The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance is working to change this by advancing research, improving care, and strengthening national collaboration.
“Women’s cardiovascular health requires coordinated national action. This roadmap is about turning knowledge into meaningful change.”
- Dr. Jodi Edwards, PhD, Healthcare Professional Co-Chair, Health Systems and Policy
The Strategic Roadmap at a Glance
Our roadmap focuses on three interconnected priorities designed to improve women’s cardiovascular health across Canada.
These priorities bring together research, clinical care, advocacy, and lived experience to drive meaningful change.
1. A National Strategy for Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Canada currently lacks a coordinated national strategy focused on women’s cardiovascular health.
CWHHA is working with partners across the country to build an evidence-based national strategy that supports women at every stage of life, including:
- Adolescence
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Midlife and menopause
- Older adulthood
This strategy will help align prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
2. Reimagining Health Systems that Work for Women
Health systems were not designed with women’s cardiovascular needs in mind.
We are working to transform care by:
- Improving clinical screening and diagnostic pathways
- Strengthening education and training for healthcare providers
- Expanding access to specialized testing and prevention services
- Supporting integrated care across life stages
Our goal is equitable, timely, and women-centred cardiovascular care for every woman in Canada.
3. Amplifying Advocacy and Awareness
Awareness is a powerful driver of change.
We are helping women better understand their cardiovascular health by:
- Sharing clear, evidence-based information
- Supporting community voices and lived experience
- Launching national awareness campaigns
- Strengthening public engagement and education
When women understand their risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies, they can take an active role in protecting their cardiovascular health.
“When women’s voices and lived experiences shape research and care, the entire system becomes stronger.”
- Catherine Boudreau, RN, MScN, Person With Lived Experience (PWLE)
Moving Forward Together
Improving women’s cardiovascular health requires collaboration across research, healthcare, policy, and communities.
The Strategic Roadmap represents a shared commitment from clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and people with lived experience to close gaps in women’s cardiovascular care.
Together, we are working to ensure that every woman in Canada receives the cardiovascular care she deserves.
Watch the Strategic Roadmap Overview
Learn how the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance is advancing a national movement to improve women’s cardiovascular health.