Map of Simcoe Muskoka

Chronic Diseases

IHD Emergency Visits

Overall
By Sex
By Age Group
By Deprivation

Overall

Ischaemic Heart Disease or IHD is characterized by a reduction in blood supplied to the heart caused by disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle. The most common forms of IHD which result in emergency visits are angina pectoris (chest pain) and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). In 2021, there were nearly 1,250 IHD-related emergency visits in Simcoe Muskoka.

The age-standardized rate for IHD emergency visits in Simcoe Muskoka for all ages and sexes in 2021 was 165 (155.4, 174.2) visits per 100,000 population, which was significantly higher than the Ontario rate of 132 (130.5, 134.0) visits per 100,000 population.

The IHD ED visit rates dropped in 2020 by approximately 20% in Simcoe Muskoka and 15% in Ontario. It is unclear if this decrease was due to changes in health care use and access during the COVID-19 pandemic. The local and provincial rates in 2021 were similar to the 2020 rates.

The IHD emergency visit rates in both Simcoe Muskoka and Ontario declined significantly from 2003 to 2019, with an average decrease in the rates of approximately five per cent per year. The rates in Simcoe Muskoka were significantly higher than the provincial rates each year over this entire time.

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By Sex

In 2021, the age-standardized IHD emergency visit rate among Simcoe Muskoka males was 207 (191.6, 222.5) visits per 100,000, which was significantly higher than the female rate of 125 (114.1, 136.8) visits per 100,000. The IHD emergency visit rates for Ontario were significantly lower than the Simcoe Muskoka rates for both males and females in 2021.

The 2020 IHD ED visit rates dropped by 17% among Simcoe Muskoka males and 26% among females. In 2021, the male rate dropped again, this time by 9%; however, the female rate remained similar to 2020. From 2003 to 2019, the IHD ED visit rates for males and females in Simcoe Muskoka decreased significantly with the males rates being significantly and substantially higher than the females rates over the entire period.

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By Age Group

Emergency visits for IHD increase significantly with age. The age-specific rate for IHD emergency visits between 2017 and 2021 (combined) in Simcoe Muskoka was highest among those 75 years and older at 1,041 (1,000.9, 1,082.2) visits per 100,00 population (75+). The age-specific rates in Simcoe Muskoka were significantly higher than their respective provincial rates for all age groups among adults 20 years of age and older.

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By Deprivation

For the period from 2017 to 2021 (combined), Simcoe Muskoka residents living in areas with the highest amount of material deprivation (as measured by the 2016 Ontario Marginalization Index) had significantly higher rates of IHD ED visits when compared with those living in areas with the least amount of material deprivation.

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Page last updated February 13, 2023