Photo Credit: Novartis

βš•οΈπŸ’Š Novartis Partners With Network of Secondary Prevention Clinics to Redefine the Standard of Care for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment in Ontario


Wednesday, 15 February 2023 04:22.PM

- Novartis has begun collaborating with seven clinics across the province to support the prevention, identification and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
- In Ontario, cardiovascular disease accounts for 36 per cent of deaths due to chronic illness.
- Lowering LDL-C by 1 unit in Ontario could prevent more than 20 per cent of heart attacks and strokes.
- Novartis will work with health teams across Ontario to proactively identify and support the treatment of an estimated 58,000 ASCVD patients who are at high risk of a second cardiovascular event.
- Novartis' initial financial contribution is more than $1.5M. -


Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. today announced a collaboration with health teams in Ontario to bring together a network of secondary prevention Nurse Practitioner (NP) enabled traditional and virtual cardiology clinics in select Ontario sites. The establishment of this network aims to support the prevention and identification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the leading driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of death globally and in Canada. In Ontario, cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 36 per cent of all deaths due to a chronic illness. Heart disease caused by high blood cholesterol, a major controllable risk factor, costs the Ontario healthcare system $30.3 billion every five years. Lowering low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by one unit for patients in Ontario could prevent more than 20 per cent of heart attacks and stroke. In the 2021 Auditor General's Report on cardiovascular disease and stroke treatment, gaps were found in secondary prevention for ASCVD as well as with the current cardiac rehabilitation model. The network of secondary prevention clinics seeks to build towards a standardized care model to prevent ASCVD through cost-effective management of modifiable risk factors.

"Through this network we are embarking on innovative public-private partnerships to address some of the most pressing and challenging healthcare issues when it comes to secondary prevention care. We are excited to usher in a new era that explores new ways of working rooted in understanding the needs, goals, and priorities of Canadian decision makers to improve the healthcare pathway that ultimately meets the needs of patients," said Andrea Marazzi, Country President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "This new program is in line with Novartis' vision and commitment to solve care gaps through collaboration with stakeholders across the healthcare system. We take great pride in working alongside key stakeholders from across the province who are actively seeking new ways to reimagine healthcare and improve the health and well-being of Canadians."

The first phase of the program consists of seven Nurse Practitioner (NP) enabled traditional and virtual clinics across Cambridge, Hamilton, Mississauga, Niagara, Oakville, Peterborough and Toronto. Novartis' initial financial contribution is more than $1.5M. The potential to scale this project could support the development of a patient care pathway that could be adopted in other settings across Canada.

SOURCE: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

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