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

Pamphlet Number

1296

Available Online

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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…

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

Pamphlet Number

0630

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In arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), the heart muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. ARVC usually affects the right side of the heart. The fat and scar tissue causes the right side of the heart to stretch. In very bad cases, a weak heart may cause fluid to build up outside of the heart, in the lungs (causing shortness of breath), or the ankles or belly (causing swelling). ARVC also affects the electr…

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

Pamphlet Number

0393

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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…

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

Pamphlet Number

1773

Available Online

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Brugada syndrome is a rare condition where there are changes in the electrical signals that make the heart beat. In Brugada syndrome, the channels in the heart cells do not work properly. The abnormal opening and closing of the channels can lead to dangerous heart rhythms. The heart may beat so fast that it cannot pump blood out to the body. This can cause collapse and, if the rhythm does not stop, sudden death. The pamphlet provides the causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments and some g…

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. Cardiac Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0974

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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…

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

Pamphlet Number

1421

Available Online

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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

Available Online

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

Pamphlet Number

2083

Available Online

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In CPVT, the channels don’t have a normal response to adrenaline. This causes extra heartbeats to start in the bottom chambers of the heart. This can make the heart beat fast. It might beat so fast that it does not pump blood out to the body. This can cause collapse and, if the rhythm does not stop, sudden death. The pamphlet provides the causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and some general activity guidelines. Websites for further information are also listed.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Cardiology 6.2. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0636

Available Online

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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…

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

Pamphlet Number

1744

Available Online

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Un échocardiogramme est un examen du cœur sans douleur et sans danger. Il indique la taille, la forme et le mouvement du cœur, ainsi que le flux sanguin qui passe par le cœur. Des ondes sonores (ultrasons) sont utilisées pour obtenir une image du cœur qui peut ensuite être vue à l’écran d’un ordinateur. Le présent livret précise comment se préparer pour l’examen, qui fait l’examen, ce qui se passe pendant et après l’examen et la durée de l’examen. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Ech…

IWK. Cardiology. Halifax, NS: IWK Health Centre , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

PL-0971

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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) occurs when the heart is not able to pump as well as it should. Treatment usually involves medications to get rid of the extra fluid in the lungs or body. These medications are called diuretics.

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

Pamphlet Number

1141

Available Online

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

Pamphlet Number

0629

Available Online

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In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart muscle becomes weak. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. This causes the bottom chambers to dilate (stretch). A weak heart can also cause fluid to build up in parts of the body like the lungs (causing shortness of breath) and the ankles or belly (causing swelling). DCM may also affect the electrical activity of the heart and can cause fast, dangerous heart rhythms. The pamphlet gives the causes of DCM, symptoms, diagnostic…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Cardiac Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0698

Available Online

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Your coronary arteries supply blood to your heart. A DSE is done to find out if there are any blockages in these arteries and, if so, how severe they are.This test may be done when the usual tests for this problem cannot be done or have given inconclusive results. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, who will do the test, what happens during the test, and what to expect after.

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

Pamphlet Number

1214

Available Online

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

Pamphlet Number

0158

Available Online

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During an endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), your surgeon will put an endovascular stent graft in your aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. This pamphlet explains what an aneurysm is and how it is treated. EVAR is an alternative to open abdominal surgery. The pamphlet outlines the advantages, disadvantages, and possible complications of EVAR compared to open surgery. What will happen before, during, and after surgery is explained. A list of symptoms that requir…

IWK. Cardiology. Halifax, NS: IWK Health Centre , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

PL-0972

Available Online

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Ablation involves disruption of the lining of the heart, which can sometimes cause blood clots to form.