The Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI) is Canada's first comprehensive assessment and lifestyle program for women with existing or potential heart problems. The program comprises a three-month primary prevention program for women with multiple risk factors and a six-month cardiac rehabilitation program for women with heart disease.
A multidisciplinary health care team provides risk factor modification counselling services and education sessions and participants are offered enrollment into a women's exercise training program. Our program also conducts innovative research focused on women and heart disease.
Unique features of WCHI include:
- small group sessions (a maximum of eight women per group)
- a relaxed atmosphere in a safe and comfortable setting
- individual exercise programs to follow in class and at home
- personal reports on each woman's health
- "state of the art" monitoring equipment
- hormone replacement therapy (HRT) counselling
- a support group, so women can meet others with similar health concerns
- a convenient downtown Toronto location
Visit our virtual Cardiovascular Health Centre at womenshealthmatters.ca to learn more about prevention and treatment of women and heart disease.
Referral
A physician referral is required.
Fees
We charge a fee for programs that are not covered by OHIP. The fee includes a copy of the risk assessment and heart health education materials.
Location and Contact
Women's College Hospital (main building)
76 Grenville Street (view map)
7th floor
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2
Phone: 416-323-6106
Email: womenshearts@wchospital.ca
Accessibility
This program is wheelchair-accessible.
