Program highlights
More than 90,000 British Columbians live with heart failure; a number expected to double by 2030. Heart failure is one of the most expensive chronic diseases in BC with an annual estimated cost to the health care system of $590 million.
In 2010, we led the development of a provincial heart failure strategy. Health authorities deliver quality services through regional heart failure clinics with coordinated access to specialized services such as transplantation. Cardiac Services BC provides provincial monitoring and evaluation of services.
As part of the BC heart failure strategy, we have developed practice resources and guidelines for health care professionals, as well as resources for patients about disease management, living with heart failure and medications. Heart failure diagnostics and chronic disease management have also been standardized across BC.
Phase II of BC's heart failure strategy builds on this success, adding focus on optimizing heart failure care in other settings, such as in primary care, emergency/ acute care, residential and home/community care settings. In partnership with the five regional health authorities, Cardiac Services BC continues to lead and fund the strategy.
