EducationFebruary 2026
Broken Heart Syndrome: Understanding Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Broken heart syndrome, medically termed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), is a transient form of acute heart failure that closely resembles myocardial…
Youth-led heart health · Surrey, BC
Youth heart health advocacy, built for impact in BC.
HeartWise Foundation is a registered youth-led BC nonprofit advancing youth heart health through education, research, school engagement, and leadership programs that turn awareness into measurable community action.
- Registered Canadian nonprofit
- Based in British Columbia
- Founded & led by students
Who we are
A youth-led foundation with a clinically serious mission.
HeartWise Foundation is a registered, youth-led nonprofit working to make heart health education more accessible, relevant, and actionable for young people. Through education, research, advocacy, leadership programs, and community outreach, we help youth better understand cardiovascular health, ask informed questions, build confidence, and take an active role in creating healthier communities.
From our #KnowYourMurmur course and Youth Innovation Fellowship to the Youth Heart Health Observatory, ambassadors, and school workshops, HeartWise creates practical opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and turn awareness into action.
Why it matters
Heart valve disease is common, serious, and far too often missed.
- 1 in 8
- Canadians over 75 are living with heart valve disease.Source: Institute of Health Economics / Canadian Cardiovascular Society, 2022
- 1M+
- Canadians are living with heart valve disease — and more than half of cases go undetected.Source: Heart Valve Voice Canada / IHE, 2022; OxVALVE, European Heart Journal, 2016
- ~50%
- of people with severe aortic stenosis don't receive the valve replacement they need.Source: Li et al., Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2022
- 3%
- of Canadians over 60 have even heard of aortic stenosis, the most common heart valve disease.Source: Heart Valve Voice Canada national survey, 2020
What we do
Awareness. Research. Fellowship. Schools.
Awareness
Make heart health education clear, accessible, and youth-friendly.
Research
Publish youth-led research and policy reports through the HeartWise Observatory — insights stakeholders can act on.
Fellowship
Support youth leaders developing solutions for cardiovascular health challenges.
School Engagement
Partner with schools and ambassadors to bring heart health awareness into communities.
Programs
Programs hubFour programs. One mission.
Youth research & policy01
HeartWise Observatory
Our youth-led research hub tracking cardiovascular health data and policy — home of the insight and policy reports stakeholders can act on.
ExploreFellowship02
Youth Innovation Fellowship
A selective 8-week program backing students building real solutions in cardiovascular health, ending in the HeartWise Summit.
ExploreStudent leadership03
Youth Ambassador Program
High school students lead heart-health workshops, webinars, and presentations in their own schools and communities.
ExploreCommunity education04
Book a Workshop
Bring a youth-led heart-health workshop to your school, youth group, or community organization — practical, engaging, and free.
ExploreSupport the mission
Help us reach every young heart in British Columbia.
Every contribution funds workshops, resources, and the youth programs that turn heart health awareness into earlier action.
HeartWise Foundation is a registered, youth-led nonprofit based in British Columbia, Canada.
From the blog
Updates, research, and stories.
Educational content, event recaps, fellowship stories, and the latest from across our programs.
Read the blogEducationFebruary 2026
Recognizing Wolff–Parkinson–White Syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a congenital heart condition characterized by abnormal electrical pathways that can lead to potentially…
EducationApril 2025
The Silent Threat: Understanding Aortic Stenosis
Not all heart conditions announce themselves with warning signs.
Stay in the loop
Get the HeartWise brief.
Heart health insights, program updates, and event invitations — one email a month, no spam.
Opens our short sign-up form in a new tab. One email a month from HeartWise Foundation — unsubscribe at any time.
HeartWise provides general heart health education only. It does not replace medical diagnosis or advice. If you have symptoms or health concerns, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional. If the situation is urgent, contact emergency services.