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Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Canada, but current methods for predicting risk often fail to account for diverse populations. Many genetic studies focus on people of European ancestry, meaning they do not fully reflect the genetic and environmental factors affecting Indigenous and other underrepresented groups. At the same time, people in rural and remote areas often lack access to heart specialists, diagnostic imaging, and early screening, leading to later-stage diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. 

The MOSAIC Initiative will help close these gaps by creating a more inclusive approach to assessing cardiovascular risk. The project will collect genetic, clinical, and lifestyle data from a diverse group of 8,000 participants across British Columbia and Yukon. It will also improve access to diagnostic imaging by using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in under-resourced areas, allowing healthcare providers to conduct heart assessments closer to home. Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models will be developed to analyze genetic and imaging data, helping doctors make faster, more accurate decisions about a patient’s heart health. 

By working with all regional health authorities in BC, community representatives, rural physicians, and government stakeholders, this project will ensure that personalized, genomics-based cardiac care is more equitable and accessible. The knowledge gained from this study will help create a scalable model for cardiovascular risk assessment, improving heart health for all Canadians.