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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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…
After cardiac surgery, there are lots of things you can do to speed up your recovery such as: being as fit as possible before your surgery, lowering the stress of surgery on your body, and getting up and moving soon after your surgery. This pamphlet explains how to do these things. Topics include: eating well, staying active, doing your exercises, practicing post-surgery restrictions, getting ready for surgery, steps to help your recovery while in hospital, and what to expect after you leave th…
This pamphlet explains the risks of tobacco use, most commonly cigarette smoking, on the development of heart disease. Smoking facts, benefits of quitting, and continued effects of not smoking are outlined. Resources to help you quit smoking are listed at the end of the pamphlet. The French version of this pamphlet 1948, "Les faits sur le tabagisme et la maladie du coeur", is also available.
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.
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…
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…