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.
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…
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…
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…
This pamphlet explains what to do after having interventional radiology procedures with radial approach. Topics include activity after surgery and what to do if you have bleeding.
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…
This book provides a balanced presentation of the fundamental principles of cardiovascular biomechanics research, as well as its valuable clinical applications. Pursuing an integrated approach at the interface of the life sciences, physics and engineering, it also includes extensive images to explain the concepts discussed. Cardiovascular biomechanics encompasses the relationship between the mechanics of the cardiovascular system and biological function in health and disease, and it is increasi…
This device finds and corrects dangerously fast heart rates that start in the bottom part of the heart. Topics include: how your heart beats, common symptoms, what an ICD is and how it works, and different treatment types. You will learn how to get ready to have the device inserted. Your care during the first 24 hours after surgery is described as well as activities to avoid in the next 6-8 weeks. You will need to have a MedicAlert® bracelet. The appropriate action to take if you ever receive…
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disease where fatty substances called plaque build up in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, organs, and limbs. This pamphlet reviews how peripheral arterial disease happens and what tests are needed to find out if you have it. Ways to prevent the disease are also offered.
Cet appareil détecte et corrige les battements de cœur dangereusement rapides qui commencent dans la partie inférieure du cœur. Le présent livret traite de la façon dont votre cœur bat, des symptômes courants, de ce qu’est un défibrillateur cardioverteur implantable ou DCI (parfois appelé défibrillateur automatique implantable ou DAI), de son fonctionnement et des différents types de traitement. Vous apprendrez comment vous préparer pour l’implantation de l’appareil. Les soins que vous recevrez…
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…
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…
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 due to problems in the veins.The pamphlet describes common causes, symptoms and the treatments of venous leg ulcers.
This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test and how the test is done. The test takes about 5-6 hours. Symptoms to watch out for and information about test results are provided.
This book summarizes the great progress in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Due to improved therapies, preventive strategies and increased public awareness, CVD mortality has been on the decline for both genders. Unfortunately, the decline has been less prominent for women, and CVD remains the leading cause of mortality for women in the United States and is responsible for a third of all deaths of women worldwide. Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women provides a comprehens…
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…
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…
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.