St. Boniface Hospital research hopes to educate Manitobans on heart health

WINNIPEG — Researchers at St. Boniface hospital are trying to help Manitobans understand the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.

“If we can screen people early, maybe we can identify people who are at risk for future heart attacks, and get them to live healthier lifestyles before that,” said Dr. Todd Duhamel with St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre.

Through the Happy Hearts research program, Manitoba women over the age of 55 are learning about the impact exercise has on their bodies, and how to prevent heart problems.

“It takes doing blood pressure at rest, getting someone to exercise for three minutes, and doing blood pressure again when they’re done exercising,” Dr. Duhamel said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It takes doing blood pressure at rest, getting someone to exercise for three minutes, and doing blood pressure again when they're done exercising," Dr. Duhamel said.

There’s been no shortage of interest. The hospital says over the last six months, almost 400 women have volunteered for the study. Many of the participants are eager to learn more about how to take care of their hearts.

“My mom who was a very healthy woman, barely no medical issues at all, fit ate well died of a massive heart attack,” Els Fenton, one of the participants said.

“If I can help with the research it will help my children, my grandchildren and so forth.”

The participants receive report cards after their testing and will continue to be monitored through the Manitoba Health system for the next several years.