p43 s1 bill 66 b066rep e.pdf

Ontario — Bills

1ST SESSION, 43RD LEGISLATURE, ONTARIO CHARLES III, 2024 Bill

An Act to proclaim Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day and Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week Mr. R. Cuzzetto Private Member’s Bill 1st Reading February 22, 2023 2nd Reading April 6, 2024 3rd Reading Royal Assent (Reprinted as amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and as reported to the Legislative Assembly April 9, 2024) (The provisions in this bill will be renumbered after 3rd Reading) T his reprint of the Bill is marked to indicate the changes that were made in Committee.

The changes are indicated by underlines for new text and a strikethrough for deleted text. ______________ E XPLANATORY NOTE The Bill proclaims February in each year as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day. The Bill also proclaims the week beginning on the second third Monday of September in each year as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week. Bill

An Act to proclaim Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day and Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week

Preamble Over one million Canadians have heart valve disease (HVD), which involves damage to one or more heart valves , interrupting the flow of blood . Without treatment, some forms of HVD can lead to major health problems including reduced mobility, stroke and heart failure, and can even lead to death. Approximately 13 per cent of people aged and over have HVD and, with Ontario’s aging population, the incidence of HVD is increasing. Cardiologists describe this as the next epidemic of heart disease.

Studies show the mortality rate in untreated severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (the most common form of HVD) is between and 50 per cent per year. However, when detected early, HVD is increasingly treatable, often with minimally invasive surgery. Valve repairs and replacements can significantly improve the length and quality of life for patients with HVD. Unfortunately, HVD symptoms vary widely between individuals and are often dismissed as normal signs of aging.

While many patients with HVD may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, heart arrhythmia, dizziness, fainting, swelling of the ankles, feet or abdomen or difficulties sleeping flat due to cough or congestion, others do not have any symptoms. Increased public awareness and early detection are significant factors in successful treatment . A simple stethoscope check can detect heart murmurs and other abnormal sounds that may indicate HVD.

Regular screening is particularly critical for Ontarians at a higher risk of developing HVD, including those over the age of 60, those with a family history of HVD and those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease. February is recognized annually as HVD Awareness Day by organizations such as the Alliance for Aging Research, Heart Valve Voice Canada and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

The second full week of September is recognized The third full week of September will be recognized annually as HVD Awareness Week by the Global Heart Hub and by HVD patient organizations around the world, including Heart Valve Voice Canada and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. By proclaiming HVD Awareness Day and HVD Awareness Week, the Province of Ontario recognizes the importance of increasing awareness about the risks and symptoms of HVD, improving the detection and treatment of HVD and supporting Ontarians living with HVD and their families.

Therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and cons ent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows: Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day February in each year is proclaimed as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day. Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week The week beginning on the second Monday of September third Monday of September in each year is proclaimed as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week. Commencement This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title T he

short title of this Act is the Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act, 202 4.

Document details

Collection	Ontario — Bills
Citation	p43 s1 bill 66 b066rep e.pdf
Type	bill
Volume / chapter	p43 s1 bill 66 b066rep e.pdf
Language	en
Format	json
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	2bf90e2d98161b6a61ba961a4f85453c02a39d2b

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