NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN CONGENITAL HEART ALLIANCE
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TORONTO – Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance (CCHA) is marking Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week (Feb. 7 to 14, 2025) with activities to educate Canadians about the most prevalent birth defect, affecting as many as one in 100 babies born and impacting more than a quarter-million Canadians throughout their entire lives.
A congenital heart disease (CHD) results from the heart, or blood vessels near the heart, developing improperly prior to birth, and can impact the walls and valves of the heart, or nearby arteries and veins, resulting in the disruption of normal blood flow. While often diagnosed through an ultrasound during pregnancy or from a physical examination shortly after birth, some individuals may not become aware of their condition until later in childhood or adulthood. There are more than 40 defects in total, ranging from simple to highly complex.
“Sixty years ago, only about 35 per cent of children survived to adulthood, but thanks to research, new procedures and treatments, that number has since increased to about 95 per cent, resulting in a growing population of young adults who require life-long specialized cardiac care,” said Allan Weatherall, executive director, CCHA. “At the same time, CHD is a part of medicine that still requires more research. Knowledge is crucial to combating it, saving lives and enabling those living with CHD to thrive.”
As part of CHD Awareness Week, Canadian landmarks such as the CN Tower, Niagara Falls and BC Place, as well provincial and local legislative buildings across the country will be lit red to recognize the approximately 260,000 Canadians living with CHD. Follow the campaign at #CanadaLitRed4CHD. In addition, the CCHA is inviting Canadians to participate in the following:
Visit CCHA’s brand-new website to download resources, find a local CHD centre or adult CHD cardiologist, and read personal stories from those with lived experience
Listen to the CHD Unpacked Podcast, featuring physicians, researchers and allied healthcare workers discussing lifestyle, psychosocial impacts and unique medical challenges faced by those with CHD
Share your story or your “Heartwork” by tagging @ccha4life on Instagram or @cchaforlife on Facebook or X
Learn about and join CCHA’s social and educational programs, from virtual and in-person camps to choirs!
Make a donation to CCHA to support important education, support and advocacy activities for CHD patients of all ages
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