The IRCM (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal) today announced the launch of the IRCM’s Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Centre. The Centre’s program is unique and the first of its kind. Its goal is to prevent cardiovascular disease by using a personalized, multidisciplinary approach in partnership with the patient. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for 40 per cent of female deaths. According to the World Health Organization, 50 per cent of these deaths could be prevented.

In order to reach these objectives, Dr. Larochelle has formed a multidisciplinary team of clinical healthcare research professionals, including physicians, nurses, kinesiologists, psychologists, dieticians and pharmacists. These healthcare professionals will work closely together to educate and coach people in adopting healthier lifestyle behaviours with respect to nutrition, physical exercise, smoking cessation, stress management and proper adherence to medication.

“Until today, no medical approach has put into action a prevention program that encompasses all risk factors,” says Dr. Pierre Larochelle, Director of Clinical Research at the IRCM and Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Centre. In its initial phase, the Centre will ensure the medical follow-up, over a two-year period, of 300 men and women aged 25 to 70 presenting two modifiable risk factors and having no previous history of heart attack or stroke. Every three months, the Centre will offer one-on-one visits during which participants will be able to meet all healthcare professionals. Patients will also take part in twelve group sessions covering various aspects of cardiovascular prevention. The Centre’s staff will record the health status of all individuals, set personalized objectives and provide guidance on how to meet these objectives.

Pfizer Canada Inc. has invested $1.2 million over three years to support the IRCM’s Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Centre. “As a leader in cardiovascular research, Pfizer is proud to support this innovative program created entirely in Canada,” declared Jean-Michel Halfon, President of Pfizer Canada Inc. “We are committed to helping Canadians acquire and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to improve their cardiovascular health.”

“Cardiovascular disease is the result of several factors,” says Dr. Pierre Larochelle. “We need to tackle all the various components of this disease to prevent heart problems. If people maintain their new healthy lifestyle over the long term, and a proper adherence to medication if required, we should be able to avoid one out of every two cardiovascular deaths.”

For more information, please contact:

François Brochu
Director, Communication and Development Fund
IRCM
Tel.: (514) 987-5730 or (514) 894-3960

Sylvie St-Laurent
Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs
Pfizer Canada Inc.
Tel.: (514) 693-4192