Canadian baby boomers, the first of whom are now entering their 60s, will spend more of their "golden years" sick with heart disease because of their unhealthy lifestyles, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada predicts.

The foundation's annual report card, released Monday, compares the lifestyle risk factors of 1,000 baby boomers with those reported by people of the same age a decade ago.

The evidence is "truly disturbing," said Dr. Beth Abramson, a foundation spokesperson and cardiologist in Toronto.

Dr. Beth Abramson, cardiologist.

"This tidal wave of Canadian baby boomers could be the first generation to turn back the clock and experience a serious decline in quality of life," Abramson told a news conference.

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This year, every day almost 1,000 Canadian baby boomers will turn 60, and cardiologists say it's a prime age for heart disease and stroke. Sandy Headrich About 1.3 million Canadians aged 45 to 59 have already been diagnosed with or experienced heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure. Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

The group estimated 52 per cent of baby boomers lead a sedentary lifestyle, versus 43 per cent a decade ago.

Obesity is up, to 30 per cent for the current group, from 19 per cent during the first survey of Canadian boomers 10 years ago.

For Sandy Headrich, 50, of Edmonton, the incentive for changing her lifestyle was fear that she could suffer a heart attack or stroke. Her father had a stroke 10 years ago that left him permanently disabled.

"I was heavier, I smoked," said Headrich, who quit smoking, lost weight, took up yoga and regularly walks her dog. "I'm in way better shape than when I was 40."

Smoking rates showed the only improvement.

A decade ago, 29 per cent were regular or daily smokers, compared to 21 per cent today, according to the report.

Unhealthy lifestyles will result in longer waits for surgeries, including heart bypass and angioplasty procedures, Abramson warned.

The foundation recommends government intervention, such as tax breaks for gym memberships and exercise equipment, and no GST on healthy food purchases.

It also calls on Canadians to reduce their risk, by increasing activity, quitting smoking and keeping a healthy weight, to reduce blood pressure, blood glucose and blood cholesterol.

Headrich hopes that exercise and eating right will help her live to be a healthy 90-year-old.