Women’s cardiovascular health in Calgary receives $1.8M investment

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Women's cardiovascular health in Calgary receives $1.8M investmentAuthor of the article:A highly specialized imaging machine, called a combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET CT) scanner, will be purchased for Calgary thanks to a $1.8 million donation from philanthropist Leslie Bissett. GNWLocal philanthropist Leslie Bissett’s gift will mean Calgary receives state-of-the-art equipment primed to bolster women’s cardiovascular careTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountCalgary, Alberta, Canada, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calgary Health Foundation is excited to announce the addition of cutting-edge imaging technology for Calgary. A highly specialized imaging machine, called a combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET CT) scanner, will be purchased thanks to a generous $1.8 million gift from philanthropist Leslie Bissett. The PET CT scanner will play a crucial role in Calgary’s women’s cardiovascular health initiative.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.The new PET CT scanner will improve access to vital diagnostic procedures and ensure timely and accurate evaluation of cardiovascular health for women, a group which has historically faced disparities in cardiac diagnostics.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“Leslie’s drive and generosity are powerful reminders of how one person’s vision can spur evolution of our medical system. Her commitment to advancing women’s cardiac care will not only save lives, but it will also inspire a future where every woman receives the medical care she needs to live a longer, fuller life. Her donation is an accelerator of innovation for our health system, and we are deeply grateful for her kindness and philanthropic leadership.” Paul Rossmann, President & CEO, Calgary Health Foundation.Leslie Bissett is passionate about healthcare philanthropy. Her relationship with Calgary Health Foundation began in 2024 when she met with their team to discuss women’s cardiac care. When Bissett learned of a tangible way she could support the work in this priority area, she seized the opportunity.“The advances in medical technology are extraordinary and if Calgary is going to benefit, we need to be proactive and supportive. The addition of a specialized PET CT scanner is a unique opportunity for me to contribute to this advancement.” Leslie Bissett, philanthropist and Calgary Health Foundation donor.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative, works to push forward pivotal advancements in women’s cardiac care. She leads a team focused on addressing healthcare inequities for women and advocating for critical improvements in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment for women in Southern Alberta. “Leslie’s generosity is an investment in the future of women’s heart health. Too often, women with heart symptoms are told their heart is ‘fine’ because the larger arteries appear normal, when the problem may lie in the heart’s smallest blood vessels. This gift will help us see what we have too often been unable to see—improving our ability to diagnose microvascular disease, provide the right care sooner, and ultimately improve the lives of women in our community.” Dr. Sandhu.Dr. Manish Joshi, a radiologist and head of the department of Diagnostic Imaging for Alberta Health Services – Calgary, speaks to the current state of imaging capabilities in Calgary and the increased need to bolster them. This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“The existing PET scanners in Calgary have been largely used in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer patients, however, having a PET CT scanner that is focused on heart disease allows cardiac patients, in particular women, to have access to this testing. A PET CT scan will help to make or confirm microvascular disease diagnoses and avoid further testing which could be invasive and carry added risk.” Dr. Joshi.Specifically, the PET CT scanner will allow for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), a test that looks at blood flow through the heart. PET MPI is the gold standard for diagnosing microvascular angina (chest pain), a condition caused by the blockage of the heart’s tiniest blood vessels. This type of angina is more common in women than men and is one reason for why their heart disease has historically gone underdiagnosed.While Edmonton has two sites offering this advanced technology, Calgary has none. With the addition of this scanner, the city will become a leader in cardiac imaging.Bissett’s gift has been the catalyst for the building of a new radiology space at Foothills Medical Centre to safely and adequately house the scanner. The space is currently under construction and slated for completion in fall 2027.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“I believe in women supporting women. I want this donation to ensure we put women’s health at the forefront of people’s minds. I hope this gift inspires everyone to support this cause as well.” Bissett.To join Leslie in supporting women’s cardiovascular healthcare, contact Calgary Health Foundation atfundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca or visit givehealth.ca/donate. Fast facts about cardiovascular disease in womenWomen have unique cardiovascular risk factors related to reproductive health across the lifespan, including adverse pregnancy outcomes and menopause.There are significant differences between men and women when it comes to signs and symptoms of cardiovascular conditions. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women globally. 54% of heart attacks go unrecognized in women. 2/3 of heart disease and stroke clinical research has focused on men. About Calgary Health Foundation Calgary Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization raising funds to accelerate healthcare advancement. Since 1996, donor generosity has fueled progress, transformed care, and shaped healthier futures. At Calgary Health Foundation we find opportunities to work with donors, medical specialists, community partners, and the public to invest in innovation across the entire healthcare system, all with the goal of offering patients quicker recoveries, improved health outcomes, and a better quality of life. givehealth.ca This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Follow Calgary Health Foundation on social: Instagram: @calgaryhealthfoundationFacebook and LinkedIn: Calgary Health FoundationKimberley McNeil Senior Communications Advisor | Calgary Health Foundation 368-997-1131 kimberley.mcneil@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca Shannon MacMillan Director, Marketing & Communications | Calgary Health Foundation 403-472-9573 shannon.macmillan@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. 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