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.
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…
This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what a pacemaker is, how the procedure is done, what will happen after your procedure, and your care at home. The French version of this pamphlet 1944, "Vivre avec un stimulateur cardiaque (pacemaker)", is also available.
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…
This pamphlet explains what to do after having an interventional radiology procedure with radial approach. Topics include activity and what to do if you have bleeding.
Ce dépliant explique comment votre cœur bat, ce qui se passe si vous avez des problèmes de rythme cardiaque, ce qu'est un stimulateur cardiaque, comment se déroule l'intervention, ce qui se passera après l'intervention et les soins nécessaires à la maison. ; This is a French translation of the English pamphlet 0019, “Living With Your Pacemaker”. This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what a pacemaker is, how the procedure is done, wha…
This Passport will help you take an active part in treating your heart failure. You can use it to record daily measurements (like your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, symptoms, and how you are feeling) and any medications you are taking. It can also help you to understand your disease better and learn about the importance of making changes to your lifestyle.
L'angioplastie des artères de jambe (également appelée intervention par ballonnet) est une intervention destinée à ouvrir les artères rétrécies de votre jambe. Elle peut être pratiquée pour ralentir ou empêcher la nécessité d'un pontage (opération visant à aider le sang à franchir un blocage). Le présent dépliant explique pourquoi vous avez besoin de cette intervention, les étapes de l’intervention, ce qu’est une endoprothèse (un « stent »), les risques de l’angioplastie, les façons de se prépa…
This pamphlet was created by the Cardiovascular Surgery Department at Nova Scotia Health to give you and your support persons information about getting heart surgery. It has information about what you can do before your surgery to help it go well, what will happen during your hospital stay, and what you can do after your surgery to have a good recovery. Topics include discharge (leaving the hospital) planning, your surgery timeline, your health care team, information about the heart and your su…
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) finds and corrects dangerous fast heart rates that start in the bottom of your heart. The device is also a pacemaker, which can treat slow heart rates. You will need surgery to have the device placed in your body. This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what an ICD is, and what will happen after your procedure. Instructions on follow-up, care at home, and when to call your primary health…
Un défibrillateur cardioverteur implantable (DCI) détecte et corrige les battements de cœur dangereusement rapides qui commencent dans la partie inférieure du cœur. Cet appareil est également un stimulateur cardiaque, qui peut traiter les rythmes cardiaques lents. Vous devrez subir une intervention chirurgicale pour l’implantation de l’appareil dans votre corps. Ce livret explique comment votre cœur bat, ce qui se passe si vous avez des problèmes de rythme cardiaque, ce qu'est un DCI et ce qui …
Cardioversion is used to treat heart rhythm problems. During a cardioversion, an electrical shock is given to your heart. This pamphlet explains getting ready for the procedure, how the procedure is done, and recovery. The French version of this pamphlet 1726, "Avant et après une cardioversion", is also available.
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. ; This is a French translation of the English pamphlet 0393, “Before and After Your Cardioversion - Halifax Infirmary”. Cardioversion is used to treat heart rhythm problems. During a cardioversion, an electrical shock is given t…
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 caused by problems in the veins. This pamphlet explains what venous leg ulcers are, what causes them, what the symptoms are, how they are treated, and how you can prevent them from coming back.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is when fatty materials called plaque build up in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, organs, and limbs (arms and legs). Over time, the plaque can narrow your arteries. This can lower or stop blood flow. Blocked blood flow can cause leg pain, gangrene (dead body tissue), or amputation (removal) of the foot or leg. If you have PAD, you have a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke. This pamphlet explains what PAD is, how to find out if you hav…
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy thickens the heart muscle. It usually affects the wall between the 2 bottom chambers (called the septum). When the muscle thickens, it gets stiff. This makes it hard for the bottom chambers to relax and fill with blood before each heartbeat. Thick heart muscle can cause scar tissue. Scar tissue can put you at a higher risk of dangerous, fast heart rhythms. The pamphlet gives the cause of HCM, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Further resources are also given.
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 your lungs (causing shortness of breath), ankles, or belly (causing swelling). DCM may also change your heart's electrical activity. This can cause fast heart rhythms. The pamphlet gives the causes of DCM, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Further resources also gi…
An echocardiogram is a test to measure the size, shape, movement, and flow of blood through the heart. This pamphlet reviews how to get ready for the test, who will do the test, what will happen during and after the test, and how long it will take. The French version of this pamphlet 1744, "Échocardiogramme", 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…