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.
La présente brochure décrit à quoi vous attendre avant, durant et après votre ablation par cathéter. Elle explique l’ablation par cathéter, le fonctionnement du cœur et la préparation pour l’intervention. On y traite de ce qui se passe à l’admission, au laboratoire d’électrophysiologie (EP) et après l’ablation. On fournit aussi des réponses aux questions courantes. Enfin, la présente brochure explique quoi faire en cas de saignement au point d’insertion et précise quand communiquer avec votre m…
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.
L’angioplastie des artères de jambe est effectuée pour ouvrir des artères bloquées dans les jambes. Elle peut être effectuée pour retarder ou vous éviter un pontage (chirurgie aidant le sang à contourner un blocage). Le présent dépliant explique quand une angioplastie est effectuée, les étapes de l’intervention, ce qu’est une endoprothèse (un « stent »), les risques de l’angioplastie, les façons de s’y préparer et le rétablissement après l’intervention. ; This pamphlet is a French translation o…
Angioplasty of the leg (also called a balloon procedure) is a procedure done to open narrowed arteries in your leg. It may be done to slow or stop you from having bypass surgery (surgery to help blood get past a blockage). This pamphlet explains: why you need this procedure, steps of the procedure, what a stent is, risks, how to prepare for surgery, and what recovery will be like after surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 1791, "Angioplastie des artères de jambe (intervention par ballon…
Un anévrisme est un vaisseau sanguin dans une artère qui est plus gros que la normale. Quand il se trouve dans l’artère principale de l’abdomen, on parle d’anévrisme de l’aorte abdominale. Cette brochure explique pourquoi un anévrisme se forme, qui sont les personnes à risque, ce qu’il peut entraîner et la façon dont il est diagnostiqué et traité. ; This is a French translation of the English pamphlet 0591, “Abdominal Aneurysm”. An aneurysm is a blood vessel in an artery that is bigger than nor…
In arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), some of your heart muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue. ARVC usually affects the right side of the heart. The fat and scar tissue dilate (stretch) the right side of your heart. This weakens the heart muscle. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood out to your body. If your ARVC is very bad, it may cause fluid to build up in your lungs (causing shortness of breath), ankles, or belly (causing swelling). ARVC can also chang…
La cardioversion est utilisée pour traiter les problèmes de rythme cardiaque. Durant une cardioversion, une décharge électrique est donnée à votre cœur. Le présent livret traite de la préparation à l’intervention, de la manière dont elle est faite et de la récupération. Pour vous rendre plus à l’aise, détendu et somnolent, un médicament vous sera administré avant l’intervention. Celui-ci restera dans votre corps durant 24 heures. Pendant ce temps, vous ne pouvez pas conduire, signer des documen…
Cardioversion is used to treat heart rhythm problems. During a cardioversion, an electrical shock is given to your heart. Getting ready for the procedure, how the procedure is done, and recovery are outlined. Before the procedure, you will be given medication to make you comfortable, relaxed, and sleepy. It will be in your body for 24 hours. It includes a list of things to avoid for 24 hours after your procedure. The French version of this pamphlet 1726, "Avant et après une cardioversion", is a…
You have been given this pamphlet because you or your family member may need a blood transfusion. The health care team will describe the benefits and risks of a transfusion and what is involved.
Brugada syndrome is a rare disease that can change your heart's electrical activity. With Brugada syndrome, the channels in your heart do not open and close the way they should. This can cause abnormal heart rhythms. These abnormal heart rhythems are dangerous. Your heart may beat so fast that it cannot pump blood out to your body. The abnormal heart rhythms can cause make you collapse (faint). If the rhythm does not stop, it can cause sudden death. The pamphlet provides the causes, symptoms, d…
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: …
A cardiac event recorder (loop recorder) records the electrical activity of your heart. You can use a loop recorder while you are at home and doing your usual activities. It will only record your heart activity when you press a button. A cardiac technologist will show you how to use the recorder. This pamphlet explains how to use the loop recorder, whether you can bathe or shower with the loop recorder, and what to do if you have problems with the recorder. Information on how to return the reco…
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…
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…
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.
CPVT affects the way heart cell channels respond to adrenaline. It causes extra heartbeats to start in the bottom chambers of your heart. This can make the heart beat too fast. Your heart might beat so fast that it cannot pump blood out to your body. These abnormal heart rhythms can make you collapse (faint). If the rhythm does not stop, it can cause sudden death. The pamphlet provides the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and activity guidelines. Further resources are also given.
Catheter ablation is a treatment for certain kinds of heart rhythm problems. This pamphlet explains what to expect before, during, and after catheter ablation. Topics include what catheter ablation is, how the heart works, possible risks, and how to get ready for the procedure. The pamphlet outlines what will happen when you arrive at the hospital, in the EP lab, and after the ablation. Care at home and answers to common questions you may have are provided. Information on when to call your prim…
Le cathétérisme cardiaque droit est un examen effectué pour vérifier le fonctionnement de votre muscle cardiaque. Ce test aide votre médecin à trouver la cause de votre problème cardiaque et à vous recommander un traitement. La présente brochure explique comment vous préparer pour le test, la façon dont il est fait, les risques qui s’y rattachent et les soins à dispenser après l’intervention. Les symptômes qui exigent des soins médicaux sont précisés. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of …
Ce test détermine le fonctionnement de votre muscle cardiaque, de vos valvules cardiaques, et des artères qui amènent l'oxygène au muscle cardiaque. La brochure décrit le test, comment se préparer en vue du test et les risques liés au test. La section sur les soins après le test donne des renseignements sur le repos après le test, la façon de prévenir des saignements au site de ponction, la nutrition, le mal de dos, l'urine, les visites et les précautions à prendre lorsque le test est effectué…