Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiovascular Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2018.

Pamphlet Number

1731

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This pamphlet gives information about your hospital stay for cardiac surgery. It lists items to bring with you to the hospital, a predicted timeline of your surgery, and members of your health care team. It gives information about the heart, types of cardiac surgeries, how to prepare for your surgery, and common concerns after surgery. Physiotherapy exercises, cardiac rehabilitation programs in Nova Scotia, heart healthy eating guidelines, and symptoms requiring a visit to either your family do…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Heart Health Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2018.

Pamphlet Number

1843

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For people with aortic valve stenosis (the aortic valve is narrowed or doesn’t open properly, so blood can’t flow easily from your heart to the rest of your body), the usual treatment is open heart surgery to repair or replace the aortic valve. However, for people who are too ill or who have other medical problems, your health care team may recommend the TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve intervention) procedure instead. During a TAVI procedure, an aortic valve is implanted through a catheter (fl…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Minor Procedures. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2019.

Pamphlet Number

0206

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Your varicose veins have been injected with a special medication during a treatment called sclerotherapy. This medication causes a blockage in your varicose veins. This forces the blood to go around the blockage and travel through nearby healthier veins, increasing blood flow in your legs. This pamphlet gives specific directions to prevent blood clots from forming in your healthy veins. Mild side effects and a list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention are provided.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Heart Health Portfolio. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2019.

Pamphlet Number

2043

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This guide will help you and your family during the transplant process. This pamphlet describes getting ready for a transplant (e.g., the health care team, referral, workup, how long the process takes, the waiting period, antibodies, advance care planning, powers of attorney), getting ready once a heart becomes available (e.g., testing the donor heart, getting ready for surgery, what your family can expect on the day, during, and after your surgery, what happens during surgery, donor info), and…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Inherited Heart Disease Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

2088

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The Inherited Heart Disease (IHD) Clinic is for people with a suspected or diagnosed heart problem that may be inherited (be passed from parents to their children). The Clinic does genetic testing (blood tests) and helps people manage their condition. Inherited heart disease can be diagnosed at any age. You may have a wide range of symptoms, from no symptoms at all to sudden cardiac death (heart stops working). The pamphlet explains the roles of the Clinic team members, how to get referred, how…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiovascular Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

2130

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Your surgeon will put an endovascular stent graft into your aorta. The aorta is the biggest artery in your body. Different diseases may affect your aorta. Your aorta needs to be repaired so it does not rupture (break) and cause severe (very bad) bleeding. This can lead to death. There are 2 ways to repair your aorta: TEVAR where the surgeon places a stent graft through a small incision in your groin, or through open repair where the surgeon makes a large incision through your breastbone and pot…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiology Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0718

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This pamphlet will help you learn about having a cardiac catheterization (dye test) and what to expect after going home. This test shows the arteries that supply your heart muscle with oxygen, and how well your heart muscle and valves are working. This pamphlet describes how the test is done, getting ready for the test, and what will happen on the day of the test. What to expect if the test is done through your groin or wrist is explained. Information on what to expect after the test includes: …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiac Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

1214

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An echocardiogram is a painless and safe test of the heart. It shows the size, shape, movement, and flow of blood through the heart. Soundwaves (ultrasound) are used to get a picture of the heart which can then be seen on a computer screen. This pamphlet reviews how to get ready for the test, who will do the test, what happens during and after the test, and how long it will take. The French version of this pamphlet 1744, "Échocardiogramme", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Cardiovascular Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

1574

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This pamphlet explains how to prepare your skin before open heart surgery using 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) cloths. Information is provided about shaving, bathing, areas to be cleaned, and possible skin sensitivity. The French version of this pamphlet 1902, "Préparer votre peau avant une chirurgie à cœur ouvert", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Central Zone. Vascular Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

1193

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In Nova Scotia, more than 100 people have a major amputation (limb loss) each year. This guide will help you get ready for your surgery by letting you know what to expect. This guide explains levels of lower limb amputation, who is on your health care team, what will happen before surgery, and what to expect after surgery. Information about coping with amputation, how to position yourself, care of your amputated leg and other leg and foot, getting around, and living at home is included. A list …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Heart Health. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0019

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A pacemaker is used to prevent your heart from beating too slowly. It can also be used to make your heart beat faster to suit your activity. You will need to have surgery to have the device placed in your body. This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what a pacemaker is, how the procedure is done, what will happen after your procedure, and your care at home. A list of symptoms that require you to call 911 is included. The French versi…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiology Service. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1421

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Your primary health care provider has decided that you need the care of a cardiologist (heart doctor), and tests or procedures offered by the Cardiology Service. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you are admitted to the Coronary Care Unit 6.4 (CCU), Cardiology Intermediate Care Unit 6.1 (IMCU), or Cardiology Inpatient Unit 6.2 at the Halifax Infirmary. It explains the differences between each of these units and introduces you to the various members of your health care team. Other infor…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Heart Heatlh Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1576

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This guide will help you learn about your care before and after one of 2 types of cardiovascular device implant procedures, a pacemaker or an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator). Topics include what will happen on the day of the procedure, what to bring to the hospital, instructions for the night before and day of your procedure, skin prep, planning for your discharge, care of your device insertion site, and signs of infection.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiology. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1776

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This pamphlet explains what to do after having an interventional radiology procedure with radial approach. Topics include activity and what to do if you have bleeding.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Hematology Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1141

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This pamphlet will help you learn about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). You must be able to recognize certain symptoms so you can get medical care right away. This pamphlet explains what DVTs and PEs are and whether they are dangerous, the symptoms and treatment for each, why blood clots form, and how to lower your risk of another DVT or PE. Information about what to do if you think you are having another DVT or PE is included.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Venous Leg Ulcer Committee. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0535

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The words ‘leg ulcer’ are used to describe a variety of open sores below the knee that are slow to heal. Many of these ulcers are caused by problems in the veins. This pamphlet explains what venous leg ulcers are, what causes them, what the symptoms are, how they are treated, and how you can prevent them from coming back.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Vascular Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1215

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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is when fatty materials called plaque build up in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, organs, and limbs (arms and legs). Over time, the plaque can narrow your arteries. This can lower or stop blood flow. Blocked blood flow can cause leg pain, gangrene (dead body tissue), or amputation (removal) of the foot or leg. If you have PAD, you have a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke. This pamphlet explains what PAD is, how to find out if you hav…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. 24-hour Cardiology Transfer Service. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2315

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Your doctor or nurse practitioner has decided that you need the care of a cardiologist (heart doctor). You need a test called a cardiac catheterization (dye test). This pamphlet explains what to expect when you are taken to the Halifax Infirmary (HI) to have this test done. It explains what to expect while you are waiting to be transferred, before your transfer, and when you arrive at the HI. What to expect after you are discharged is also reviewed.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Same Day Surgery. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0290

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This pamphlet explains what to expect after varicose vein surgery. Topics include medications, activity, your incision (cut), bandages, and what to do if you have bleeding. Signs of infection and symptoms that require you to go to the Emergency Department are included.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiac Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0013

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This one-sided, single sheet pamphlet gives a basic illustration of the coronary arteries. It is to be used as a teaching reference for staff and their patients. This pamphlet outlines the right coronary artery, aorta, pulmonary artery, left coronary artery, left main artery, circumflex branch, and left anterior descending artery.