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…
This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of your heart. During this test, a flexible tube is passed through your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus (swallowing tube that connects your mouth and stomach). There is a special probe on the end of the tube. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test.
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.
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…
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 nswers to common questions you may have are provided. Information on when to call your prima…
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…
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.
Ideally suited for those clinicians who have already mastered basic principles, The Practice of Clinical Echocardiography, 6th Edition, provides expert guidance on interpreting echocardiographic images and Doppler flow data. Through practical, clear, and carefully edited content, world-renowned expert Dr. Catherine M. Otto and her team of more than 65 leaders in echocardiography demonstrate how to apply advanced knowledge to daily clinical decision making. Newly reorganized sections cover adva…
Authoritative, portable, and up to date, Opie’s Cardiovascular Drugs, 9th Edition, is the definitive reference for quick access to frequently used drugs in all phases of care for cardiac patients. Now a part of the Braunwald family of renowned cardiology references, this compact title provides crucial information in an easily accessible format-ideal for cardiologists, residents, cardiology fellows, medical students, nurses, and other cardiac care providers. Updated to include the latest guidel…
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…
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: …
The Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Program coordinates the assessment, care, and treatment of people with suspected or diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension. This pamphlet describes PAH, a rare condition that causes high blood pressure in the blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs (pulmonary arteries). This pamphlet explains what causes PAH, why you have been referred to the PAH Program, how the PAH Program will help you, what tests will be done, and how PAH is treated. A lis…
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.
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.
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…
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 …
This extensively revised second edition traces the development of the basic concepts in cardiovascular physiology in light of the accumulated experimental and clinical evidence. It considers the early embryonic circulation, where blood circulation suggests the existence of a motive force, tightly coupled to the metabolic demands of the tissues. It proposes that rather than being an organ of propulsion, the heart, serves as an organ of control, generating pressure by rhythmically impeding blood …
In HCM, there is a thickening of the heart muscle, usually in the wall between the 2 lower chambers (the septum). When the muscle thickens, it gets stiff and makes it hard for the bottom chambers to relax and fill with blood before each heartbeat. Thickening can also make it harder for blood to leave the heart. This can lower the amount of blood the heart can pump out to the rest of the body. Thickening of the heart muscle can create scar tissue. This can make you more at risk of dangerous, fas…