Notre mission

Created in May 2009 at the McGill University Health Center, the WHHI’s mission is to increase awareness, prevent and treat heart disease, the most common cause of death in women. It is the first Nurse-led heart disease prevention clinic in Canada, which focuses on a healthy lifestyle to decrease the risk of heart disease. This is an innovative model of care where nurses and doctors work together to provide women with the individualized care they need.

Testimonials

Here are some testimonials from inspiring women who, with our support, have transformed their health and reduced their risk of heart disease.

“I have learned to take care of myself and be more aware of my health. The WHHI has helped me to lose weight, become more active, reduce my insulin intake and improve my overall health.”

“My experience with the WHHII clinic has been a true eye opener. It has helped me understand the value of a truly healthy lifestyle – proper diet and regular check-ups.”

“Ever since I have been coming to the WHHI, they have encouraged and motivated me to change the way I live, including physical activity and nutrition. Seeing the dietician taught me to change my eating habits and to understand how to interpret nutritional information on food packages.”

“Getting the diagnosis of heart disease and facing surgery was my lowest point but the WHHI clinic made me feel like I was coming home. I felt cared for and supported in so many ways so from that moment on, I was never alone.”

Letter from the founder

Too many women still mistakenly believe that breast cancer is the greatest threat to their health while in reality it is heart disease. As a result, they are not looking for the symptoms of heart disease such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue. They may miss or dismiss these symptoms, delaying or not seeking medical help, potentially putting them at serious risk. Heart disease is preventable by modifying and reducing risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking and poor nutrition. Since launching the WHHI, patient enrolment has far surpassed initial projections and the positive health benefits we have seen in the women that have been treated are impressive and extremely promising. We all have a role to play in spreading the word and educating our friends, family and colleagues so they can prevent this disease. Sharing the information you read on this website, encouraging them to become more informed or seek professional help could improve or even save a woman’s life. By making a donation, you can make an even more tangible difference in reducing the risk of heart disease in women. Thank you for your invaluable support!

Wendy Wray,
RN, BScN, MScN, Director WHHI

Letter from the mayor

Montréal is pleased to be associated with the Women’s Healthy Heart Initiative. My interest for sports and physical activity is well known. I truly believe that they provide undeniable economic, personal and social benefits. The regular practice of sports and physical activity promotes the quality of life and helps to maintain and improve health. Montrealers must avoid a sedentary lifestyle, and being physically active contributes to the vitality of our community. Montréal’s policy on sports and physical activity reflects our city’s commitment to develop environments conducive to an active lifestyle. This encourages Montrealers and visitors to become and remain physically active. No one is safe from cardiovascular disease, even women. Fortunately, the Women’s Healthy Heart Initiative plays an important role in teaching women about the risks and symptoms of the disease. I wish good luck to the organizers of the Women’s Healthy Heart Initiative. La Ville de Montréal est fière de s’associer au Programme pour la santé cardiaque des femmes (Women’s Healthy Heart Initiative). Mon intérêt pour le sport et l’activité physique est bien connu. Je crois qu’ils procurent des bienfaits économiques, personnels et sociaux indéniables. On sait que la pratique régulière d’une activité physique est source de qualité de vie et contribue de manière importante à préserver et à améliorer la santé. Les Montréalais doivent combattre la sédentarité. Être physiquement actif contribue à la vitalité de nos communautés. L’adoption de la Politique du sport et de l’activité physique de la Ville de Montréal témoigne de la volonté de la métropole de mettre en place des environnements favorables à l’activité physique pour inciter les personnes résidant ou se déplaçant sur l’île de Montréal à devenir et à demeurer actives. De nos jours, personne n’est à l’abri des maladies cardiovasculaires. Si on a longtemps cru que les femmes étaient épargnées, ce n’est plus le cas aujourd’hui. Heureusement, le Programme pour la santé cardiaque des femmes joue un rôle important afin de sensibiliser les femmes et de les rendre plus conscientes des risques et des symptômes de ces maladies. Je souhaite beaucoup de succès à toute l’équipe du Programme pour la santé cardiaque des femmes qui a organisé cet événement.

Denis Coderre,
Mayor of Montreal
Maire de Montréal